Computer games have come a long way since the introduction of games such as Tetris and Pac man in the 80s. Nowadays, although relatively invisible to the public, broadband internet and online multiplayer games make it possible for people and even teams to compete and play matches against each other. This type of electronic competition is, apart from the obvious differences, easily comparable to any regular sport. In fact, nowadays it is commonly referred to as esports.
The competitive gaming world is very large tournament-wise: every day of the week hundreds of different on-line matches are being played in all sorts of arranged competitions, featuring some small prizes or just for the satisfaction of winning. The main form of competition though lies within the larger tournaments; these are offline tournaments on a LAN (Local Area Network). Players come together from all over the world to face each other under optimal conditions, playing on computers in front thousands of people alone at the location, and even more people who watch from home, linked up with live feeds of the games and accompanied by shout casters (who are the commentators of the esports world).
About five years ago the idea of winning much money from gaming was a special achievement to a select few, but an intangible concept to most. Online gaming was usually just a hobby; similar to golf in the beginning, but now the gaming scene is a much more serious affair. Increasing amounts of competitors and teams are turning professional, earning money from sponsors, subscriptions on their websites, and various other sources of income. In 2004 alone the major competitions offered over 3 million USD in prize money; in 2005 there was over 5 million USD in prize money, which will be expected to rise this year.
The competitive gaming world is very large tournament-wise: every day of the week hundreds of different on-line matches are being played in all sorts of arranged competitions, featuring some small prizes or just for the satisfaction of winning. The main form of competition though lies within the larger tournaments; these are offline tournaments on a LAN (Local Area Network). Players come together from all over the world to face each other under optimal conditions, playing on computers in front thousands of people alone at the location, and even more people who watch from home, linked up with live feeds of the games and accompanied by shout casters (who are the commentators of the esports world).
About five years ago the idea of winning much money from gaming was a special achievement to a select few, but an intangible concept to most. Online gaming was usually just a hobby; similar to golf in the beginning, but now the gaming scene is a much more serious affair. Increasing amounts of competitors and teams are turning professional, earning money from sponsors, subscriptions on their websites, and various other sources of income. In 2004 alone the major competitions offered over 3 million USD in prize money; in 2005 there was over 5 million USD in prize money, which will be expected to rise this year.
