#evolution of esports

[guestprouser]

All you need to know about Esports

Esports, short for electronic sports, refers to competitive video gaming, where players and teams compete against each other in various video games at a professional level. It has grown significantly in popularity and has become a major industry, with a massive global audience, professional players, teams, tournaments, and lucrative sponsorship deals. Here is a comprehensive overview of esports:

History of Esports:

Esports has been around since the early days of video gaming, with competitive gaming events dating back to the 1970s and 1980s. However, it gained mainstream recognition and popularity in the 2000s with games like Counter-Strike, StarCraft, and Warcraft III. Since then, it has continued to grow exponentially.

Popular Esports Games:

Esports encompasses a wide range of video games across various genres. Some of the most popular esports titles include:

League of Legends: A multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game developed by Riot Games.

Dota 2: Another popular MOBA game developed by Valve Corporation.

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO): A first-person shooter game.

Overwatch: A team-based first-person shooter.

Fortnite: A battle royale game developed by Epic Games.

Call of Duty: A long-running first-person shooter series with multiple esports iterations.

StarCraft II: A real-time strategy game.

Rocket League: A unique combination of soccer and vehicular mayhem.

Super Smash Bros.: A popular fighting game franchise.

Esports Organizations and Teams:

Professional esports teams are similar to traditional sports teams and have players specializing in various games. Some of its well-known  organizations include Team Liquid, Fnatic, Cloud9, and T1.

Tournaments and Leagues:

Esports tournaments and leagues are the primary platforms for competitive play. Some of the most prestigious events include:

The International (Dota 2)

League of Legends World Championship

EVO Championship Series (fighting games)

The International (Dota 2)

Overwatch League

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive Majors

Esports Ecosystem:

Players: Professional esports players are highly skilled and often have contracts with esports organizations.

Coaches: Teams employ coaches to help players improve their skills and strategize.

Broadcasters and Casters: Esports events are often streamed on platforms like Twitch, with commentators providing live commentary.

Sponsors and Advertisers: Esports events and teams secure sponsorships and advertising deals.

Fans and Viewers: Esports has a massive global fan base, with viewership on platforms like Twitch, YouTube, and more.

Prize Money and Salaries:

It can be highly lucrative for top players. Prize pools for major tournaments can reach millions of dollars, and some players earn substantial salaries, sponsorships, and endorsement deals.

Esports Infrastructure:

Gaming Houses: Many esports teams live and practice together in gaming houses.

Training Facilities: Some organizations have state-of-the-art training facilities.

Esports Arenas: Its events are often held in dedicated arenas, and some stadiums host major tournaments.

Esports and the Olympics:

Esports has been considered for inclusion in the Olympic Games, although this topic remains a subject of debate and discussion.

Challenges and Controversies:

It has faced various challenges, including concerns about player health, doping, and player burnout. Additionally, the industry has grappled with issues related to gender diversity and representation.

Future of Esports:

It continues to grow, with increasing investment, media attention, and global recognition. The future may bring further professionalization, regulation, and expansion into new games and markets.

Esports is a dynamic and evolving industry, offering opportunities for players, teams, organizers, and fans alike. Its continued growth suggests that it will remain a significant part of the entertainment landscape for years to come.

[heronetworkgg]

Triunfo chileno en Mortal Kombat 1: Nicolás Martínez representará a Latinoamérica en EVO 2024

La comunidad de los juegos de lucha en Latinoamérica celebra el triunfo de Nicolás Martínez, quien se coronó campeón del torneo Liga Latina Open, evento que se celebró en Colombia el pasado domingo. Con esta victoria, Martínez aseguró su participación en EVO 2024, el evento de esports más destacado del año en juegos de lucha, […]

Ir a la noticia completa

[shinigami-striker]

Puyo Puyo: Serilly Evolution | Tuesday, 03.12.24

An evolution of Serilly across several games in the Puyo Puyo series.

1994

Puyo Puyo Tsu (Japan only)

1998

Waku Waku Puyo Puyo Dungeon (Japan only)

1999

Puyo Puyo 4 (Japan only)

2013

Puyo Puyo!! Quest (Japan only)

2016

Puyo Puyo Chronicle (Japan only)

2018

Puyo Puyo eSports/Champions

2021

Puyo Puyo Tetris 2 (via March 2021 update)

Happy birthday to Serilly the mermaid girl! 🎂 🧜‍♀️ 💦

[kent626]

Influence of Social Media on Gaming Communities and the Industry

For the past few decades, social media has played a big role in the way gamers connect, and interact, and even how video games are developed as well as monetized. There was a period of time when video games were limited to in-game chats or internet forums. This has changed with platforms such as Discord, Twitch, and X that allow players can share ideas, form teams, and build friendships. These platforms also benefit developers by providing real-time feedback and building relationships with their player base. Social media has also revolutionized the business aspect of gaming by paving new avenues for marketing, engagement, and profits. Platforms such as Discord offer real-time voice and text chat as well as the creation of dedicated servers where video game players can engage in discussions and events. This has completely changed the way players interact and leads to the development of friendships that transcend geographical boundaries. The influence of social media has also extended so far that developers turn to these kinds of platforms to receive real-time feedback that allows them to address bugs, tweak the game, and implement features swiftly. Having this direct line of communication helps studios create games that align with the playerbase expectations and preferences. When observing the business side of gaming, we can see that marketing strategies have been shifted due to platforms that serve as vital channels for reacting to potential players. Companies can leverage influencer marketing and reach a wide audience through this. Video game streamers can showcase gameplay and this directly impacts consumer interest which drives sales and player engagement. Esports has also added another layer to the relationship between social media and gaming. Platforms such as Twitch that allow the broadcasts of esports tournaments allow fans to watch their favorite teams and players compete in real-time. These platforms have constructed fan communities that play a big role in supporting esports. As fans rally toward their favorite teams, they help create loyal customer bases that can draw in brand deals and sponsorships. Throughout the evolution of social media and it's effect on gaming communities, we have seen the huge impact that it has had on the industry. It helps players connect and form friendships while also changing how games are created and marketed. As the gaming scene continues to grow, social media will continue to play an important role in how players and developers interact as well as how organizations can grow and develop.

[extremeeastfgc]

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[strontiumsun]

Project bUDDI

Introducing a brand-new project! (Technically a reboot of an idea from a long time ago, but you know what I mean.) I’ve been working on this concept for the past 3 years and I’m really happy with how it has developed.

For the next week and change my queued posts will feature art of the characters in this story. I hope you enjoy meeting them. But first, let’s introduce the story itself!

Project bUDDI

User agreements are meant to be broken

Competitive Pokemon meets the Digimon anime in this story about girl gamers and their digital pals. 

In the near future, ultra-rich Megacities have risen, far-right extremists have gone off the grid, and the cities and towns in between have dried up. To meet the needs of the stranded average Americans, Tech non-profit Until It’s Better (UIB) has revolutionized living with its FullLife Towers: vertical, sustainable cities with small physical and ecological footprints. To aid in Tower life, every resident has an AI assistant called an UDDI. They help maintain schedules, act as guides around the Tower and… fight in a popular underground eSport?

Project bUDDI takes these AI pals and transforms them into combatants in a turn-based fighting game. It’s a fast-paced, competitive environment – and totally against the UDDI user agreement. 

Despite its popularity, parts of Project bUDDI are still shrouded in mystery, especially the identity of the hack’s creator. So when a popular Project bUDDI YouTuber shows up at Diana’s home Tower, claiming that OHO granted her the final stage in bUDDI evolution, she’s a bit skeptical. What secret is Mel hiding? Why does she have her sights set on Diana? And how will Diana and her friends keep their bUDDIs safe from an existential threat?

---

Pictured above is the extroverted Diana and her bUDDI Ezra.

I’m not sure how this story will manifest or when I’ll work on it. It’s fairly complex and has a set beginning and end, so when I finish HoT I’m not sure I want to jump right into another long project. I hope you’ll enjoy learning more about the story, the game and the characters!

[meeowdiastudies]

Play to Profit

The Monetization of the Gaming Community

Gaming communities have long been on the same page with shared joy, camaraderie, and the love of gameplay. However, as the gaming industry evolves, substantial transformation is noticeable. The question arises: Are gaming communities gradually pivoting from being about play to becoming driven by money? In this blog, we delve into the changing dynamics within gaming communities, exploring how the desire for profit reshapes the nature of gaming.

The Emergence of Monetization Platforms

The rise of streaming platforms like Twitch has undeniably altered the landscape of gaming communities (Nucciarelli et al. 2017). Initially conceived as a platform for gamers to share their experiences, Twitch has evolved into a cash cow for many. The introduction of features like channel subscriptions, donations, and ad revenue has spawned a new breed of content creators—entrepreneurial gamers seeking financial gains. While these platforms provide opportunities for streamers to monetize their passion, some streamers like CDawgVA host Charity Streams where all proceeds of the stream go to charity (Shrivastava 2023).

E-Sports and the Commercialization Wave

E-sports, once shunned upon, has now exploded onto the mainstream scene, bringing both recognition and commercialization (Hou, Yang & Panek 2020). The mass marketing of e-sports events has transformed competitive gaming into a multi-billion-dollar industry where sponsorships, advertising deals, and massive prize pools have become the norm (Abanazir 2021). With the increase in momentum of internet usage, evolution of technology backed by the increase in viewership of Esports online due to the pandemic, this has led to its rise in growth (Yue, Rui & Chiang 2020).

The Gamification of Monetization within Games

In-game purchases, microtransactions, and virtual currencies have become common features in gaming today. While these elements contribute to the revenue stream for game developers, they have also reshaped the dynamics of gaming communities (Anderson, 2018). The gamification of monetization introduces a commercial nature into the gaming experience, blurring the lines between play and profit. In this case, players are not just participants; they are consumers in a virtual marketplace. This shift challenges the traditional idea of gaming as a leisure activity driven by a love for play.

Conclusion

Overall, it can be seen that the nature of gaming has gradually been commercialized. While economic opportunities are prevalent, it is important to preserve the core values that define gaming cultures: fun, joy, and good gameplay (Jones, 2020). Striking a balance between play and profit is crucial to ensure that gaming communities remain vibrant and true to their roots. As monetization continues to weave its way into the gaming scene, maintaining the essence of shared joy, enthusiasm, and genuine connection is key to preserving the unique and cherished spirit of gaming communities.

Reference List

Ekeroth, F & Sandoff, V 2023, ‘Social elements of gaming and microtransaction purchases’, Jonkoping International Business School, viewed 20 November 2023, <https://www.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:1761960/FULLTEXT01.pdf>.

Shrivastava, A 2023, Twitch streamer CDawgVA in tears after raising over $329,000 for IDF on his Charity Auction livestream, Sportskeeda, viewed 16 November 2023, <https://www.sportskeeda.com/esports/news-twitch-streamer-cdawgva-tears-raising-329-000-idf-charity-auction-livestream>.

Hou, J, Yang, X & Panek, E 2020, ‘How About Playing Games as a Career? The Evolution of E-Sports in the Eyes of Mainstream Media and Public Relations’, International Journal of Sport Communication, vol. 13, no. 1, pp. 1–21, viewed 22 November 2023, <https://journals.humankinetics.com/view/journals/ijsc/13/1/article-p1.xml>.

Abanazir, C 2021, ‘Of Values and Commercialisation: An Exploration of Esports’ Place within the Olympic Movement, Sport, Ethics and Philosophy, vol. 16, no. 4, pp. 397-412.

Nucciarelli, A, Feng, L, Fernandes, K, Νικόλαος Γουμάγιας, Ignazio Cabras, Devlin, S, Kudenko, D & Cowling, PI 2017, ‘From value chains to technological platforms: The effects of crowdfunding in the digital game industry’, Journal of Business Research, vol. 78, pp. 341–352.

Yue, Y, Rui, W & Chiang, S 2020, ‘Development of E-sports industry in China: Current situation, Trend and research hotspot’, International Journal of Esports, vol. 1, no. 1.

[bunkershotgolf]

TMRW Sports, which is focused on building progressive approaches to sports, media, and entertainment, has announced its initial investor group, an influential roster of icons across sports and entertainment matched with business titans in technology, sports, media, and finance.

The institutional investment was co-led by Connect Ventures and 25madison Ventures. The investment group’s sports experience includes team ownership in every major league and ranges across F1, NFL, NBA, Premier League, MLB, NHL, MLS, tennis, esports, surfing, and golf with a combined social reach of nearly 500 million followers across Twitter and Instagram. The announcement was made by Mike McCarley, founder and CEO, TMRW Sports (pronounced “tomorrow sports”), who unveiled the formation of the company in August with co-founders Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy, as well as early investor Dick Ebersol.

“Over the past year we’ve assembled a team of investors who will help deliver on the TMRW Sports’ mission to positively impact how sports are experienced in the future. And we’ve been intentional about diversity of expertise, thought and backgrounds as we mobilized this strategic group co-led by Connect Ventures and 25madison Ventures,” said McCarley. “From the very beginning our plan has been to partner with the best-in-class in every way imaginable and Tiger, Rory, and I value the support of this unrivaled team of investors, advisors, and ambassadors who believe in our vision to harness technology to create progressive approaches to sports. Their combined broad reach and cultural relevance will expand potential opportunities and fanbases for TMRW projects. Plus, many share a passion for golf that only adds more fuel to TGL, our first project in partnership with the PGA TOUR.”

“TMRW Sports is redefining how the next generation of fans will play and consume sports by leveraging technology in unique and innovative ways,” said Michael Blank of Connect Ventures. “Connect Ventures is thrilled to work alongside this world-class group of investors to support Tiger, Rory and Mike’s vision to further accelerate the evolution of sports and make it more accessible for all.”

TMRW SPORTS’ CULTURAL ICON INVESTORS:

In addition to Woods’ and McIlroy’s combined 791 weeks at World No. 1 and counting, 105 PGA TOUR wins, and 19 Major Championships, TMRW Sports’ investor group combines to add 113 Formula 1 wins, 40 Emmy Awards, 32 NBA All-Star Games, 16 NFL Pro Bowls, 26 Grand Slam singles titles, 21 Olympic medals, 8 MVP titles across four sports, 10 Grammy Awards, 8 NBA Championships, 7 F1 World Championships, 5 UEFA Champions League titles, 3 Stanley Cups, 3 MLB All-Star Games, 3 WNBA Championships, 2 FIFA Women’s World Cups, and a World Series champion.

F1:

· Alex Albon: Williams Racing (THA/GBR)

· Lewis Hamilton: Mercedes-AMG Petronas, 7-time World Champion (GBR)

· Lando Norris: McLaren (GBR)

· Carlos Sainz: Scuderia Ferrari (ESP)

· Mark Webber: ret., 9-time F1 Grand Prix winner (AUS)

NFL:

· Josh Allen: Buffalo Bills (USA)

· Kelvin Beachum: Arizona Cardinals (USA)

· Larry Fitzgerald: Arizona Cardinals ret., (USA)

· Tony Romo: Dallas Cowboys ret., CBS Sports (USA)

Entertainment:

· Justin Timberlake: 10-time Grammy Award, 4-time Emmy Award winner (USA)

Tennis:

· Andy Murray: 3-time Grand Slam Singles Champion, 2-time Olympic Gold Medalist (GBR)

· Serena Williams: 23-time Grand Slam Singles Champion, 4-time Olympic Medalist (USA)

Gaming:

· Tyler “Ninja” Blevins: professional gamer and entertainment personality (USA)

NBA/WNBA:

· Stephen Curry: Golden State Warriors, 4-time NBA Champion (USA)

· Andre Iguodala: Golden State Warriors, 4-time NBA Champion (USA)

· Chris Paul: Phoenix Suns (USA)

· Jayson Tatum: Boston Celtics (USA)

· Diana Taurasi: Phoenix Mercury (USA)

Soccer:

· Jozy Altidore: Liga MX, Puebla (USA)

· Gareth Bale: MLS, Los Angeles FC (GBR)

· Servando Carrasco: MLS, ret. (USA)

· Alex Morgan: NWSL, San Diego Wave FC, 2-time World Cup Champion (USA)

MLB:

· Shohei Ohtani: Los Angeles Angels (JPN)

· Trea Turner: Los Angeles Dodgers, World Series Champion (USA)

NHL:

· Sidney Crosby: Pittsburgh Penguins, 3-time Stanley Cup Champion (CAN)

Surfing:

· Kanoa Igarashi: World Surf League, Olympic Silver Medalist (USA/JPN)

TMRW SPORTS’ INSTITUTIONAL INVESTORS:

Connect Ventures: An investment partnership between entertainment and sports agency Creative Artists Agency (CAA) and global venture capital firm New Enterprise Associates (NEA), Connect Ventures launched in 2020 to accelerate the growth of early-stage consumer-focused businesses, and draws on CAA’s resources, relationships, and expertise spanning the global entertainment and sports landscape and the deep domain and company building expertise of NEA’s world-class technology practice.

25madison: 25madison Ventures is the seed-stage venture fund of 25madison, an early-stage venture platform backed by Apollo Global Management. The fund invests in disruptive technology companies and is led by a team of seasoned operator-investors.

“Tiger, Rory, and Mike are all titans of both golf and business. It was a no-brainer to join forces with Connect and this first-rate investor group to support TMRW Sports as they bring their vision to life. There is a huge opportunity to elevate how fans engage with the sports they love, and the team at TMRW Sports will do just that,” said Steven Price, CEO and Co-Founder, 25madison.

Additional institutional investors include:

o AMBSE Ventures

o Apex Capital

o Copper

o Excel Sports Management

o Fenway Sports Group

o Misfits Gaming Group

o Newbound Venture Capital

o SC Holdings

o Seven Seven Six

o Symphony Ventures

o TGR Ventures

TMRW SPORTS’ BUSINESS LEADER INVESTORS:

Sports:

· Arthur Blank: Owner and Chairman, Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta United and PGA TOUR Superstore; Co-Founder, The Home Depot

· David Blitzer: Co-Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment: Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Devils, and Newark’s Prudential Center; Owner, Real Salt Lake; Minority Owner, Cleveland Guardians

· John Collins: Board Director, Super Group Ltd. Former CEO, On Location Experiences; COO, NHL; President and CEO, Cleveland Browns; and senior marketing, sales and programming executive, NFL

· Ben Grossman: Sports, media, and technology executive; Co-Owner, Minnesota United and Angel City FC

· Eric Grubman: Chairman of Super Group Ltd. and DroneUp; former senior executive, NFL, Goldman Sachs, Constellation Energy Group, and On Location Experiences

· John Henry: Principal Owner, Fenway Sports Group, including the Boston Red Sox, Liverpool Football Club, and Pittsburgh Penguins

· Dawn Hudson: Board Director, Interpublic Group and NVIDIA. Former CMO, NFL; President and CEO, Pepsi-Cola North America; and Chairman of the Board, LPGA Tour

· Steve Nash: Co-Founder, BLOCK; former NBA MVP

· Tom Penn: Founding President and Co-Owner, Los Angeles Football Club; Co-Founder, Sports Leadership Institute, former senior executive, NBA

· Kevin Warren: Commissioner of the Big Ten Conference; former COO, Minnesota Vikings

· Tom Werner: Chairman, Fenway Sports Group, including the Boston Red Sox, Liverpool Football Club, and Pittsburgh Penguins

· Mark Wilf: Co-Owner of the Minnesota Vikings, Orlando City Soccer Club, and Orlando Pride

Finance:

· K. Don Cornwell: Co-Founder and CEO, Dynasty Equity

· John S. Daly: Former Chairman Global Equity Capital Markets, Goldman Sachs

· Jimmy Dunne: Vice Chairman and Senior Managing Principal, Piper Sandler; President, Seminole Golf Club

· Cam Dyer: Former Partner and Sector Co-Head of Global TMT Investing, The Carlyle Group

· David Gubbay: Senior Managing Director, Highpost Capital

· Philippe Laffont: Founder, Coatue Management

· Reggie Love: Senior Advisor, Apollo Global Management; former Partner, RON Transatlantic EG and White House Personal Aide, President Barack Obama

· Tim Neher: Former Vice Chairman, Continental Cablevision; former President, Seminole Golf Club

· Kirk Posmantur: Co-Founder and Chief Partnership Officer, 25madison; Chairman & CEO Axcess Worldwide

· Joe Tauscher: Managing Partner, Mount Cypress Investment Fund

Media/Technology:

· Chris Chaney: Co-Founder and CEO, Fancurve; former CEO and Founder of Infinite Esports & Entertainment

· Zach Dixon: Founder and COO, Players Lounge

· Dick Ebersol: Former Chairman, NBC Sports; executive producer Sunday Night Football and NBC Olympics, Co-Creator Saturday Night Live

· Rohit Gupta: Co-Founder NYXL; Partner, Sterling.VC

· Alex Lieberman: Founder and Executive Chairman, Morning Brew

· Ari Litan: COO of LayerZero Labs; founding team and former executive, The Athletic; Co-Founder, Swish

· Alexis Ohanian: Founder, Seven Seven Six; Co-Founder and former Executive Chair, Reddit

ABOUT TGL:

In August, Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy, and McCarley announced the formation of TMRW Sports and TGL, a new tech-infused golf league in partnership with the PGA TOUR. TGL will showcase team competitions fusing advanced tech and live action from a custom-built venue in primetime on Monday nights. Woods and McIlroy are the first two golfers committed to compete and the league’s inaugural season will kick off in January 2024.

TGL, the golf league of TMRW Sports, will feature:

· Teams: Six teams of three PGA TOUR players in head-to-head, 18-hole match play;

· Tech-Infused Venue: A first-of-its-kind experience for golf enabled by a data-rich, virtual course combined with a tech-infused, short-game complex;

· Tech-Enabled Fan Experience: High-energy, greenside fan experience with every shot live within a 2-hour, primetime televised match;

· Season: 15 regular season Monday night matches followed by semifinals and finals series.

[up-2-date]

The Rise and Impact of Esports

In recent years, a new form of competition has taken the world by storm, captivating millions of people around the globe. Esports, or electronic sports, has emerged as a major phenomenon, bridging the gap between traditional sports and technology. With its rapid growth, dedicated fanbase, and immense global reach, esports has become a cultural and economic powerhouse. In this essay, we will explore the rise of esports, its impact on society, and its future prospects.

The Evolution of Esports:

Esports originated from the early days of video gaming, where players would compete against each other in arcades or local LAN parties. However, with the advent of high-speed internet and streaming platforms, esports has transformed into a global spectacle. Games like League of Legends, Dota 2, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, and Overwatch have attracted millions of players and viewers, fueling the growth of competitive gaming.

The Global Phenomenon:

Esports has transcended geographical boundaries, appealing to a diverse audience. Tournaments such as The International, the League of Legends World Championship, and the Intel Extreme Masters have amassed staggering viewership numbers, often surpassing traditional sporting events. The global nature of esports allows fans from different countries to connect, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie.

Economic and Cultural Impact:

Esports has evolved into a multi-billion-dollar industry, with revenue streams ranging from sponsorship deals and advertising to merchandise sales and media rights. Major companies, including tech giants and traditional sports organizations, have recognized the potential of esports and have invested heavily in teams and tournaments. This influx of capital has created opportunities for professional players, coaches, and support staff, leading to the formation of structured leagues and career paths.

Moreover, esports has gained recognition as a legitimate career option. Scholarships for esports are being offered by universities, and educational institutions are establishing dedicated programs and facilities to train aspiring gamers. Esports has also infiltrated mainstream media, with dedicated TV channels, streaming platforms like Twitch, and coverage in major news outlets. This cultural acceptance has given rise to a new breed of celebrities, with professional gamers becoming household names.

Skills and Benefits:

Contrary to popular belief, esports requires immense skill, dedication, and strategic thinking. Competitive gamers exhibit exceptional hand-eye coordination, decision-making abilities, teamwork, and adaptability. These skills extend beyond the virtual world, as esports can cultivate traits like problem-solving, critical thinking, and effective communication. Esports also promotes inclusivity, as players from all backgrounds can participate and excel based on their abilities rather than physical attributes.

The Future of Esports:

As technology continues to advance, so does the potential of esports. The emergence of virtual reality, augmented reality, and 5G connectivity promises to revolutionize the gaming experience. Esports may expand into new genres, attracting different demographics and diversifying its player base. The integration of esports into traditional sports events, such as the inclusion of esports in the Asian Games, hints at a future where esports stands alongside traditional sports as a mainstream form of entertainment.

Esports has emerged as a global phenomenon, captivating audiences with its thrilling competition, community-building, and economic opportunities. It has shattered stereotypes and created new avenues for professional gamers, while also fostering valuable skills applicable to various aspects of life. With its rapid growth and increasing acceptance, esports is poised to leave an indelible mark on the cultural, economic, and technological landscape of the future.

[aelgkraft]

Gaming: A Journey Through Time and Technology

Gaming has come a long way since the inception of the first video game console in the 1970s. From the simplest pixelated graphics to the jaw-dropping photorealism of today's virtual worlds, gaming has transformed into a cultural phenomenon. In this blog post, we'll take you on a journey through the evolution of gaming, the advances in technology that have fueled this progress, and the impact gaming has had on our lives.

The Early Days: Pong and the Birth of the Console

In 1972, Atari's Pong revolutionized the gaming world by creating the first commercially successful video game. This simple, two-dimensional table tennis simulation was played on television sets and quickly became a hit, giving birth to the video game console industry. The Magnavox Odyssey, released in the same year, was the first home video game console, paving the way for future gaming systems like the Atari 2600 and the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES).

The 8-bit and 16-bit Eras: Nintendo and Sega

The 1980s marked the rise of iconic gaming companies, Nintendo and Sega. The NES brought us timeless classics like Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, and Metroid, while the Sega Genesis introduced us to Sonic the Hedgehog. These 8-bit and 16-bit gaming consoles revolutionized the industry by offering more complex gameplay, better graphics, and the option to save progress.

3D Graphics and the Console Wars

The 1990s saw the dawn of 3D graphics in gaming. The Sony PlayStation, Nintendo 64, and Sega Saturn battled for supremacy, each bringing groundbreaking innovations to the gaming world. Iconic titles like Final Fantasy VII, Super Mario 64, and Tomb Raider emerged during this era, taking advantage of the new technology to create immersive, three-dimensional gaming experiences.

Online Gaming: The Rise of Multiplayer and Esports

As the internet became more accessible, gaming evolved to include online multiplayer options. The 2000s saw the rise of massively multiplayer online role-playing games (MMORPGs) like World of Warcraft and the advent of online console gaming with Microsoft's Xbox Live. This era also marked the beginning of esports, with competitive gaming tournaments garnering significant attention and prize money.

The Modern Era: Photorealism, VR, and Cloud Gaming

Today, gaming has reached new heights with photorealistic graphics and immersive virtual reality experiences. Platforms like the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and high-end gaming PCs push the boundaries of what's possible in gaming. Simultaneously, cloud gaming services like Google Stadia and NVIDIA GeForce Now enable gamers to play on lower-end devices without sacrificing quality.

The Impact of Gaming on Society

Gaming has permeated every aspect of our lives, from entertainment to education and even therapy. Gamification techniques are used in various industries to motivate and engage users, while serious games are developed to teach complex subjects like history, science, and even surgery. Furthermore, gaming has connected people across the globe, fostering friendships and online communities that transcend borders.

Conclusion

The gaming industry has come a long way from the days of Pong, evolving into a diverse and dynamic form of entertainment that continues to push the boundaries of technology. With the rise of virtual and augmented reality, as well as advances in artificial intelligence, the future of gaming looks more exciting than ever. As we continue on this journey, we can expect gaming to further transform and shape our world in ways we can't yet imagine.

[endookama-blog]

Gucci is making its presence inside of Roblox a little more permanent. The fashion brand previously collaborated with the virtual world for more short-lived experiences, like the surreal Gucci Garden from last year, and is now releasing a more persistent space called Gucci Town. The space features a central garden that links together various areas, including a space for mini-games, a cafe, and a virtual store where players can, of course, purchase virtual Gucci gear for their Roblox avatar. (The company says the virtual outfits make use of Roblox’s new “layered clothing” tech.)  

Gucci says that more than 20 million players visited the garden last year, despite it only being available for two weeks, and it expects the new space to steadily evolve over time. “The starting point when designing the experience has always been the community,” Nicolas Oudinot, Gucci’s EVP of new businesses, told The Verge. “True to this, we envision the future developments as an open dialogue between Gucci and the recurring visitors. Emerging content creators and talents from the Roblox community will be on board, while we will infuse the ecosystem with new ideas and visual stimuli, as our creative messaging is forever in flux, evolving with the kaleidoscopic vision of creative director Alessandro Michele.”  

Strange as the partnership may seem, it’s also something of a natural evolution for Gucci, which has done plenty of dabbling in the video game space of late. In addition to releasing Roblox experiences, the fashion company also teamed up with esports organization 100 Thieves for a backpack and Microsoft for a very expensive Xbox. In fact, many big names in fashion have entered into similar collaborations, including Balenciaga with Fortnite, Burberry with Honor of Kings, and Longchamp with Pokémon Go. 

[certifiedslytherin]

Online gaming and its impact on society.

The gaming industry has been growing over the past years. It is portrayed as an evolution of digitized third places, further confusing boundaries among social media platforms and social networking sites (Burroughs, 2014). There are several concepts introduced in types and forms of play.

Firstly, Caillois (1961) introduced the concept of Ludus & paidia, which translates to 'rules' and 'freedom,' respectively. Huizinga (1938), on the other hand, introduced the concepts Agon, Alea, Mimicry, and Ilinx.

Those concepts translate to 'Competition,' 'Chance,' 'Simulation,' and 'Vertigo,' respectively.

The concept of 'Agon' is applied to games that require training, techniques, and discipline. For instance, games such as Dota and Plant VS Zombies requires the Agon concept of play.

'Alea,' on the other hand, is where the effort, ability, and expertise are dismissed, and the 'victory is an outcome of fate instead of triumph over an opponent. For instance, simple games such as poker and football fit Alea's description.

'Mimicry' is where players escape themselves and transforms into 'illusory characters.' Games such as World of Warcraft and The Sims must fit into the description.

Finally, 'Ilinx' is a play formed by the production of vertigo or disorientation. Games such as Angry Birds and Stormland with Occulus Rift are examples of the Ilinx form of play.

Online gaming is often looked down upon and is considered 'useless,' 'a waste of time', and not beneficial to society. However, the COVID-19 pandemic brought many people together to play games, especially online games.

For instance, games such as Among Us and Animal Crossing were famous during the pandemic's lockdown. The game Among Us had 100 million downloads by people, and it still holds the record as the most downloaded game. On the other hand, the game Animal Crossing rose in popularity and secured Nintendo Switch revenues (Lufkin, 2020).

This pandemic caused the World Health Organization (WHO) to shift its perspective on online gaming; on which at first, they considered online gaming as harmful and addictive, and changed their stance by praising online gaming as beneficial and having a positive impact on stress management (Kriz, 2020, p. 405).

Although online gaming has pros in forming communities, building relationships, and helping stress management, it has cons too.

Firstly, online gaming is prone to create an environment for harassment. This is due to online gaming is often preferred by males. According to a report, 93% of women had to hide their gender identity as they experienced sexual harassment online (Sacco, 2022). This issue, therefore, causes online gaming to be known as a toxic place.

Next, online gaming can lead to addiction. This addiction can affect one's health too—for instance, tiredness and sleep deprivation. According to a report, about 60 million people suffer from game addiction (Hopkins, 2022). This reflects what WHO said before they changed their perspective on gaming.

Gaming is fun if your circle if you have the right circle. 

Conclusion

To conclude, many types and forms of play are produced due to different gaming content. Pros and cons should also be highlighted when it comes to social gaming. Hence, one should be careful when indulging in social gaming as it is not everyone's cup of tea.

References

Burroughs, B., 2014. Facebook and FarmVille: A digital ritual analysis of social gaming. Games and Culture, 9(3), pp.151-166.

Caillois, R (1961) Man, Play and Games Chicago: University of Illinois Press

Dom Sacco (2022) Three quarters of women disguise their gender to avoid sexual ... Available at: https://esports-news.co.uk/2022/03/08/three-quarters-women-disguise-gender-gaming-online-abuse/ (Accessed: November 25, 2022).

Hopkins, S. (2022) Gaming addiction report 2022, Delamere. Available at: https://delamere.com/blog/gaming-addiction-report-2022 (Accessed: November 25, 2022).

Huizinga, J (1938) Homo Ludens, London: Random House

Kriz, W. C. (2020) ‘Gaming in the Time of COVID-19’, Simulation & Gaming, 51(4),pp. 403–410. doi: 10.1177/1046878120931602.

Lufkin, B., 2020. How online gaming has become a social lifeline. [online] BBC Available at: <https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20201215-how-online-gaming-hasbecome-a-social-lifeline> [Accessed 25 November 2022].

[heronetworkgg]

¡Increíble desempeño de Kane Blueriver en el Evolution Championship Series 2023 (EVO) de Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3!

En uno de los eventos más destacados del año para los amantes de los videojuegos de lucha, el jugador chileno Kane Blueriver se ha consagrado en el tercer lugar de esta prestigiosa competencia. El torneo tuvo lugar en el Mandalay Bay Convention Center, ubicado en la fascinante ciudad de Las Vegas, Estados Unidos, y se […]

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[shinigami-striker]

Evolution of Raffina (Puyo Puyo) | Thursday, 07.25.24

For all things Raffina (Puyo Puyo) today, here are some of the games she notably appeared in since Puyo Puyo Fever, including:

Puyo Puyo Fever (2003; debut game)

Puyo Puyo Fever 2 (2005)

Puyo Puyo Tetris (2014)

Puyo Puyo eSports/Champions (2018)

Puyo Puyo Tetris 2 (2020)

Puyo Puyo Puzzle Pop (2024)

[marisdinh]

WEEK 9: Is Esports the New Frontier of Modern Sports?

In this week's lesson, I had the opportunity to explore various fascinating aspects of the gaming world. From basic definitions like "what is a game?" to the historical evolution of video games over time, I gradually began to understand how games are not just a form of entertainment but also a vital part of modern culture. Research has shown that video games today have become an integral part of cultural life, significantly impacting aspects such as consumption, communities, and the shaping of personal identity (Muriel & Crawford, 2018). We discussed gaming culture, how games build strong communities, and the social relationships among players. Thanks to online platforms and social networks, gaming communities have become spaces for sharing and collective experiences, contributing to the formation of new cultural values (Squire, 2002). Concepts like “modification”—the customization and creativity built on the game’s original foundation—and the rise of livestreaming also bring a fresh perspective on the richness and diversity of the gaming world.

However, what impressed me the most was the eSports theme in the lecture. Not merely an extension of video games, eSports has developed into a professional field with millions of fans, major tournaments, and the dedication of professional players. Recent studies suggest that eSports can be regarded as a legitimate sport because it demands a high level of skill, strategy, and teamwork (Styhre et al., 2018). For professional players, eSports is a serious career. They spend hours every day practicing, analyzing opponents, and developing strategies—similar to what a professional football or basketball player does. They also need to maintain mental health and high concentration to compete at the highest level.

However, the question of whether eSports qualifies as a real sport remains contentious. Proponents argue that eSports deserves recognition as a sport due to its demanding requirements: skill, strategy, teamwork, and mental endurance. Major eSports tournaments, such as Dota 2’s The International or the League of Legends World Championship, attract millions of viewers globally. Many fans even compare the excitement of watching eSports with watching major sports events like the World Cup or the Olympic Games. For them, eSports brings joy, excitement, and a love of sports comparable to traditional sports (Champion, 2020).

Of course, there are opposing views. Some argue that sports should involve physical activity, requiring muscular exertion. They believe that eSports lacks this aspect, so it cannot be considered a true sport. However, if we consider activities like chess or Formula 1 racing—which don’t require extensive physical exertion but are still recognized as sports—it might be unwise to draw too rigid a boundary between traditional sports and eSports (Champion, 2020).

Personally, I believe that eSports absolutely deserves recognition as a sport. eSports athletes do more than just play games; they face immense pressure, work as a team, and maintain rigorous discipline to succeed. When watching eSports matches, the thrill, tension, and sense of community feel very similar to what I experience watching a football or basketball game. The pride when a team wins, or the disappointment when a favorite team loses—all of it feels real and filled with emotion.

What about you? Do you think eSports should be recognized as a legitimate sport, or do you see it as just another form of entertainment? This is definitely a topic worth discussing, especially as eSports is becoming more popular and influential than ever. Feel free to leave your comments and thoughts below! 😁(An interesting game you should try to play that come from Viet Nam country, I'm really exciting to introduce this game to you: ( https://store.steampowered.com/app/2456350/The_Scourge__Tai_ng/?l=vietnamese ) 😍

References:

1.Champion, E. (2020). Culturally Significant Presence in Single-player Computer Games. Journal on Computing and Cultural Heritage (JOCCH), 13, pp. 1-24

2. Muriel, D., & Crawford, G. (2018). Video Games as Culture: Considering the Role and Importance of Video Games in Contemporary Society

3. Squire, K. (2002). Cultural Framing of Computer/Video Games. Game Studies, 2.

4. Styhre, A., Szczepanska, A., & Remneland-Wikhamn, B. (2018). Consecrating video games as cultural artifacts: Intellectual legitimation as a source of industry renewal. Scandinavian Journal of Management, 34, pp. 22-28.

[sinrupe]

THAI KIDS COROA NOVOS CAMPEÕES EM SUA 21ª EDIÇÃO E DESTACA JOVENS PROMESSAS DO MUAYTHAI BRASILEIRO

No último sábado, 2 de novembro de 2024, o Portuários Stadium, em São Vicente/SP, foi palco de um dos eventos mais aguardados do muaythai infantojuvenil nacional: a 21ª edição do Thai Kids. Reunindo 50 lutas e contando com a presença de centenas de espectadores, o evento reforçou seu papel como uma das maiores plataformas de incentivo ao esporte para jovens talentos no Brasil. Com o objetivo de proporcionar aos jovens atletas uma experiência competitiva de alto nível, o Thai Kids trouxe disputas emocionantes, incluindo os aguardados GPs das categorias 55kg e 60kg, que coroaram novos campeões e brindaram o público com momentos inesquecíveis. Eduardo Ferreira conquista o título na categoria 55kg A categoria até 55kg reservou uma sequência de lutas intensas. Eduardo Ferreira, representante da Team Laia, mostrou determinação ao garantir uma vaga na final, vencendo Marquinhos Vinicius (Tailan Boxe) por decisão dos árbitros em uma luta equilibrada. Na outra semifinal, Ryan Cruz, do Sukhothai MT, superou Jafé Brito (Lescano Team) também por decisão dos juízes, garantindo seu lugar na decisão. No entanto, um imprevisto marcou o desfecho do GP: após a semifinal, Ryan Cruz passou mal e não pôde participar da luta final. Com isso, Eduardo Ferreira foi coroado o campeão da categoria 55kg, tornando-se uma das promessas do muaythai brasileiro. Pedro Prodígio leva o título da categoria 60kg O GP da categoria 60kg foi marcado por combates eletrizantes. Na primeira semifinal, Geninho Evolution, da MT Evolution, mostrou força ao nocautear Luiz Felipe (CTGS 013) ainda no primeiro round, avançando com destaque para a final. Em seguida, Pedro Prodígio, representante da FTT, venceu Mateus Ventura (Obinu Ventura MT) por decisão dos árbitros em uma luta disputada, garantindo sua vaga na grande decisão. A final entre Pedro Prodígio e Geninho Evolution foi um verdadeiro espetáculo para os fãs. Os dois atletas protagonizaram uma das lutas mais técnicas da história do Thai Kids, em um confronto decidido nos mínimos detalhes. Após avaliação dos árbitros, Pedro Prodígio foi declarado vencedor, conquistando o título da categoria 60kg e marcando seu nome na competição. Um evento que promove o futuro do muaythai Mais uma vez, o Thai Kids reafirmou sua importância no cenário do muaythai brasileiro, oferecendo visibilidade e experiência competitiva para atletas em formação. “É uma honra ver esses jovens lutadores mostrando sua técnica e garra. Eles são o futuro do nosso esporte,” declarou um dos organizadores do evento. O sucesso da 21ª edição do Thai Kids demonstra a relevância do evento para o desenvolvimento do muaythai no Brasil e reforça o compromisso de formar e apoiar a próxima geração de campeões.