GAMING MANIA

MOST of us know about video games.

Well, eSports is a form of competition using video games.

Today, it takes the form of organised, multiplayer video gaming, particularly between professional players.

Professional players? Really!

Until late 2000, organised online and offline competitions were part of the gaming culture.

Today, with the increased use of live streaming, the popularity of gaming has increased dramatically. It was in early 2010 that eSports became a significant factor in video gaming with many software and video game developers designing for a professional eSport subculture.

For a world that continually discusses obesity, sedentary lifestyles and improving eating habits, we are now introducing and supporting a “sport”, where people sit down for hours on end.

Ridiculous? Unhealthy? I say yes to both.

The world is, apparently, jumping into the realm of online gaming and providing an obscene amount of money to those who are the best.

If you consider the importance of activity, probably the most important fact is that “Regular physical activity can produce long-term health benefits. People of all ages, shapes, sizes, and abilities can benefit from being physically active. The more physical activity you do, the greater the health benefits.”

This is a very general statement, and we have heard of the occasional death of people who have died while playing sport and have been physically fit.

We have already had a taste of eSports events in Australia with many major cities hosting games.

So, could eSports be in the next Commonwealth Games?

Or are we just encouraging kids’ gaming addiction?

It’s a question we need to consider in this e-sports debate.

eSports basically turns video game playing into a sport, so apart from potential profit, what we are actually debating is whether video gaming is a desirable recreation for kids now and in the future.

Will the Gold Coast Academy of Sport look to include eSports in its list of growing sports?

We will wait and see. Contact us if you have an interest.

There is definitely a need to teach and guide players in how to get their best out of their health, concentration, mind and critical approach to play.