Video games no longer ‘a waste of time’

MELAKA: With the advent of electronic sports ( eSports), playing video games is no longer considered as a frivolous activity or a waste of time.

The sport is now gaining popularity especially among youths as they can also make money from this alternative leisure activity.

According to an eSpor ts enthusiast Muhammad Aiman Roshizam, 23, the sport has now created a positive impact in living a healthy and balanced lifestyle and it could also be considered as a career.

“If we were to look back eight years ago, playing video games was perceived as a waste of time or just for fun but the situation has changed as people are now following and investing in the sport.

“In fact the sport has been c ont e s t e d a t ama t eu r to professional levels, and is now competed in world- class tournaments which offer lucrative prizes,” said Muhammad Aiman who had competed and acted as commentator in various eSports competitions especially the FIFA football video games.

Muhammad Aiman added that the game has helped its followers to develop themselves as commentators, marshals and other related positions which could help them earn reasonable income.

He said, to ensure that eSports received wider acceptance, efforts to educate and create awareness on the game should be enhanced and involvement of more organisations should be encouraged.

“The government’s move to channel an allocation of RM10 million in developing the eSports sector as announced in Budget 2019 recently is a positive step in developing this new industry.

“Indirectly this will help in the preparation of talents capable of representing the nation in competitions and world- class tournaments, apart from providing more employment opportunities in the sector,” he added.

Meanwhile, Axis Technology Resources general manager Hanaz rie Zai nol said t he company intends to support the government’s efforts in developing the sports by sponsoring related events next year. He said RM1.3 million had been spent within six months for the use of facilities such as computer equipment and other paraphernalia and in their search for new talents.

H a n a z r i e who is also Ansara Electronic Sports Club communication of f icer, said the club has also opened the National eSports athletic database registration for video games, to gather players’ data.

“This is also part of our efforts to unleash talents to represent the country at international compet it ions,” he s a id. — Bernama