Calvin University's official student newspaper since 1907

Calvin University Chimes

Since 1907
Calvin University's official student newspaper since 1907

Calvin University Chimes

Calvin University's official student newspaper since 1907

Calvin University Chimes

E-sports catching up with traditional sports

What comes to mind when you think about “e-sports”? Perhaps a decade ago, the term “e-sports” was an unfamiliar, foreign term. E-sports is defined as competition using electronic gaming systems. Research shows that times have changed, and, with it, the role that “e-sports” plays in the everyday lives of people in 2016.

According to a news report by Newzoo, a research firm, e-sports viewership has begun to catch up with traditional sports viewership. Approximately 15% of millennials aged 21-35 watch e-sports, which is a dramatic increase comparing it to the e-sports viewership of the past decade. Additionally, approximately 22% of millennial males aged 21-35 watch e-sports, which surpasses the viewership of ice hockey and almost surpasses that of baseball at this age bracket. The Newzoo report stated that “76% of e-sports enthusiasts state that their e-sports viewing is taking away from hours they used to spend on viewing sports.” Newzoo also predicts that e-sports will earn $1.1 billion in revenues by 2019.

Based on all these statistics, it is safe to conclude that, as the X and Y generations grow up, e-sports is and will become a constantly bigger part of society. Because millennials, unlike past generations, have grown up with the presence of video games, e-sports has slowly become a part of life. With all the attention and revenue beginning to pour in, many companies and sports brands have begun to invest in e-sports. For example, this past month, the Philadelphia 76ers acquired e-sports teams Dignitas and Apex.

In an increasingly technologically evolving world, e-sports will only continue to grow. As e-sports progress and expands, it will eventually take as important of a role as traditional sports has been.

You can find the Newzoo report here.

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