The esports scene is looked down upon by older generations and different communities because of its comparison with traditional sports.
Often compared with traditional sports, esports players are not required the same physical demands which causes critics to consider it as a leisure activity or a fad. But professional esports players put in the same, if not more, hours per day in their training to be the best version of themselves.
The name esports is what triggers people to compare the two. Hypothetically, if the sports part of the name is changed to gaming or competition, people would not get their undies in a bunch about esports not being “a real sport.” Once this barrier is shattered, those who challenge its legitimacy in the sports industry would soon start asking different questions. Like, “how can this virtual world of gaming help my business” or “how can we integrate videogames to school curricula to increase engagement?”
All I’m saying is if all that we think about is how to legitimize esports in the world of traditional sports, then we’re going in the wrong direction. Esports is in a world of its own. And this gaming world is difficult for many to comprehend. Especially those who didn’t grow up having fun playing them and are keeping a close mind about the benefits esports has to offer the world.
P-1A Visa Issues
With the industry’s yearly exponential growth and credibility as a profession, policy makers will catch on. The key in this issue is to focus on the word entertainment. Not sport.
Final Thoughts
Gearing questions toward how esports can improve in its own entertainment realm instead of asking “how can people accept esports as a real sport” will help ice this heated debate. We cannot get everyone to see our point of view, but asking the right questions is crucial in advancing the esports scene’s longevity.
Got a minute? Complete this survey so I know what you like to read.
Keith Esteban <<DialecticBrown>>