The Rise of Esports: From Humble Beginnings to Global Phenomenon
Esports has progressed a lot since its humble beginnings in the mid-2000s. With the rise in League of Legends and the growth in popularity of Dota 2, the industry has grown significantly. What’s the reason for this change, and what is it implying shortly for gaming?
The Early Days of Esports
It is possible to trace the history of Esports to the beginning of 2000 when competitive gaming was first introduced as a distinct category. Games such as Counter-Strike and StarCraft gained popularity among players, and tournaments began to pop up all over the globe. But it wasn’t until the release of League of Legends in 2009 that esports began to gain momentum.
The Rise of League of Legends
League of Legends was the first game to popularize the multiplayer battle arena (MOBA) genre. The game’s engaging gameplay and frequent updates made it a favorite with players, and its competitive arena quickly gained popularity. Currently, League of Legends is one of the most well-known sports games, and millions of players and fans watch well-qualified games.
The Emergence of Dota 2
Dota 2 is another game that has made an important contribution to the development of Esports. The game was released in 2013. Dota 2 quickly became a favourite among esports players and players alike. The huge player base and regular update schedule have helped make it a mainstay of the esports community, and its esports’ premier competition, The International, is one of the most anticipated events in the world of esports.
The Growth of Esports
Esports has seen a significant boost in the past ten years. The industry is predicted to hit $1.5 billion in 2025. The popularity of esports has led to a rise in jobs, brand-new teams, and even new tournaments. The industry has also caught the attention of big companies, who are keen to profit from the lucrative market for esports.
The Future of Esports
As esports continues developing, we will likely discover new trends and innovative ideas. The rising popularity of virtual real-world and augmented reality gaming will likely shape the future of esports, as will the increasing importance of wellness and mental health in gamers. The growth of esports has been accompanied by concerns about betting and match-fixing, a problem that the industry is trying to resolve.