For those who lack gaming knowledge, it’s easy to dismiss esports as just another subset of the broader gaming industry. Many people mistakenly think that esports has been around for a short while, when in fact, they emerged decades ago, in the early ‘70s, when consoles started to gain mainstream popularity. It’s just that the vast majority of people only became aware of the existence of esports after the technological advancements of recent years made them available to the masses and turned them into a global phenomenon.
But the problem is not whether esports have a long history behind them or not. It’s the common misconceptions that people have about esports that pose an issue. If you’re not a big fan of gaming in general, you probably don’t think much of esports. Opinions are usually divided on this topic. There are those who praise esports for their entertainment value and those who think esports doesn’t make much sense since you can play real-life sports. We don’t expect everyone to agree, but we’d like to share some light on the realities of esports and point out a few facts that might have escaped your attention. Because as loved or hated as they might be, esports have both pros and cons. So, let’s take a moment to look at the advantages and drawbacks esports provide and then you can draw your own conclusions.
The pros
Anyone who’s ever played esports can tell you they’re immensely entertaining. That’s hardly a secret since fun and excitement are the main reasons people engage in video games in general. However, what you may not know is that esports can also be quite active.
People tend to think of gaming as a sedentary activity that requires players to sit on a chair for hours on end and only move their fingers or occasionally jump off the edge of their seats when things get intense. While this scenario might be true for the most part, you need to know that not all electronic sports are created equal, and some actually involve a healthy dose of physical activity. Since video games have gotten a bad rep for encouraging a sedentary lifestyle, many developers have tried to address this issue by using motion sensor controllers to integrate physical movement into their games. So, if you’re not the kind of person who likes to sit put for too long, these types of games might suit you better than traditional ones.
Social interaction is another highly debated topic when it comes to playing video games. There’s this preconception that esports isolate players into a bubble and have a negative impact on their social lives. But the image of the lone gamer in a dark room doesn’t reflect reality. Esports has become so popular nowadays that you’re bound to make a lot of friends when you join this community. You can connect and chat with other players online, or you can have your friends come over and play esports together. Although you might not be able to enjoy the same level of interaction you get by playing sports in real life, there are still plenty of opportunities to socialise in the virtual realm.
One advantage that people often oversee has to do with safety. While real-life sports expose players to the risk of injuries, it’s highly unlikely to suffer an accident while playing virtual sports. There are certain health issues related to esports, but they’re nothing compared to the severe injuries people can experience on a real playing field.
And it’s not just about what esports can prevent but also about what they can improve. Studies have demonstrated that cybersports can help people enhance their coordination and thinking skills. That should come as no surprise, given that players are always on their toes as they have to perform a wide variety of actions at a fast pace and make split-second decisions. This is beneficial for their sensory and motor skills and can also positively impact attention and logical thinking.
The cons
Unfortunately, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows in the esports realm. On one hand, cybersports keep you safe and warm as they allow you to play your favourite games from the comfort of your own home, and on the other hand, they expose you to the risks of the digital environment. These risks range from cyberbullying and invasion of privacy to data breaches and identity theft. If you’re not aware of these hazards and don’t take the necessary precautions, you might be faced with all sorts of issues. And while you can claim data breach compensation in the UK to mitigate the damages, it would be a lot better to learn how to avoid these problems.
One of the biggest problems with playing video games is caused by the repetitive motions that players do, like moving their hands, fingers and wrists, which can lead to repetitive strain injuries. Players also tend to sit in the same position for extended periods of time, and that can take a toll on their health by causing pain in their back and muscles.
In addition to physical problems, gamers might also experience issues like anxiety and insomnia due to the high levels of adrenaline released while they’re playing. Constant concertation and alertness might help sharpen your thinking skills, but they can also lead to exhaustion and irritability if you’re not cautious and take things a bit too far.
Although these drawbacks take nothing away from the benefits of playing esports, it’s important to be aware of them before engaging in online gaming. Research and education are key when you intend to participate in any kind of activity. Now that we’ve covered both the pros and the cons of esports, the ball is in your court. So, it’s up to you to decide if it’s worth giving esports a try or not.
