The advent of virtual reality changed both traditional games and gaming tournaments. Today, esports competitions include both VR and formal video games. VR has an impact on esports because it is dynamic. When playing VR games, players must move, react, run, walk, grab objects, point guns, and shoot, among other physically taxing tasks that are not required when playing regular video games. Teamwork, planning, and quick thinking are also necessary skills for these activities, but the fundamental distinction is in the degree of physicality.
The International Olympic Committee stated that it hopes esports players will adopt a more active lifestyle and perhaps strike a balance between gaming and staying physically fit. With the announcement of needing new skills for esports tournaments, the producers have indicated esports have the potential to be incorporated into the sports movement.
Instances Where eSports And Virtual Reality Sideswipe
The sports industry’s enthusiasm is obvious as more money is being invested in virtual reality (VR). Additionally, it’s becoming increasingly apparent that VR will significantly influence the burgeoning competitive video game (eSports) market. The eSports phenomenon is real, with estimates stating that there will be 148 million die-hard followers worldwide by the end of the year and 215 million by 2019. While the possibility of using VR in competitive e-sport games is still under debate, the following four crucial factors will impact the two developing industries.
- Search For Golden Opportunities & Challenges
With its digital character, eSports offers the opportunity to literally take spectators into the game and the action in real time. Physical sports are experimenting with giving VR broadcasts from the sidelines of live games. In addition, it is undoubtedly appealing to the idea of engaging ardent gaming audiences—who are often tech-savvy—through various broadcasts or fan installations. In light of this, the VR industry has taken note of eSports. Attending live sporting events remotely is one of the many potential uses for virtual reality. Similar to this, VR has much potential for developing novel watching experiences, even when used in conjunction with popular eSports game genres. However, the possibility of giving VR experience to the masses is a challenge yet to be won.
2. Authentic & Creative Content
The most immediate opportunity in eSports is identifying creative content best suited for VR delivery, considering inherent challenges with virtual reality technology, such as simulator sickness and low image refresh rates. It will help create a product connection with competitive gaming audiences. In contrast to traditional sports, eSports spectators devote a sizable portion of their viewing time to user-generated gaming content. A critical factor for promoting widespread acceptance of virtual reality in the competitive video game segments is the broad appeal of genuine, video-based material. It should be noted that conventional packaging doesn’t necessarily precede interesting content.
3. Immersive Experiences
While eSports and virtual reality will create a new generation of immersive gaming experiences, the overall ecosystem represents the greater possibility. Looking at the eSports customer profile to see where the two sectors overlap is essential. To begin with, those who follow electronic sports are not used to HD broadcasts delivered via linear TV and prefer a wider variety of devices for content consumption. As eSports fans haven’t established a dominant viewing experience, like sports on TV, this is encouraging for the introduction of virtual reality devices.
4. More Participation
Competitive gaming differs from traditional sports in that all players play the same game regardless of skill level, muddying the distinction between spectator and player. In other words, there is a significant association between those who play a specific eSport game on their own time and people who watch it played by others. In keeping with that, it is evident that gamers make up most eSports watchers.
Gamers who want to better their competitive gameplay now have access to a “skills economy” thanks to the relationship between watching games played and actually playing them. Due to this, numerous businesses are focusing on this industry and providing boot camps, coaching assistance, competitive gaming strategy, etc. Companies specializing in virtual reality can increase consumer awareness and adoption by creating specialized experiences that help players advance. Thousands of hours have already been spent by gamers honing their talents to become professionals. Every fan can experience a sense of ownership over eSports thanks to the sincerity of this passion. In eSports, virtual reality can succeed by supporting and fostering this emotional connection.
Conclusion
The gaming dynamics may be improved by creating new hand-eye coordination-capable technology. A competitive esports experience that requires a certain degree of physical and mental fitness can be made via virtual reality. Additionally, it will include aspects of athleticism like player endurance and agility.
Virtual reality is not just for gamers; fans can also use it to acquire a more accurate perspective and overall “feel” of the game. Fans can get more emotionally invested in esports and get an immersive experience because of this. These encounters can produce a virtual space where viewers can get up from their seats, support their team, or fight with the supporters of the other teams.
