Video Gaming as a Sport?

[Townie 138]

Looking for serious discussion and feedback on posters' thoughts of video gaming as a sport.

 

I am an avid video gamer as well as a sports fan and recently I've noticed a lot of stuff in the realm of "eSports" that would suggest video gaming is a viable form of competition that is here to stay. Whether it's a sport is up for discussion/debate.

 

FWIW, the US government recently granted Visas to several video gamers in the past year, effectively recognizing them as an "athlete".

http://www.npr.org/blogs/alltechconsidered/2013/12/15/250793493/u-s-recognizes-a-south-korean-starcraft-player-as-an-athlete

 

Additionally, the same weekend of the British Open, ESPN3/Watchespn broadcasted a video game "Dota 2" tournament which boasted a $10 Million dollar prize pool (over 8 million more than Rory won, i think the 1st place team took home $5 M)

http://ftw.usatoday.com/2014/07/espn-dota-2-international-esports

 

 

Lastly, "The League of Legends season three world championship was watched by more people than the NBA Finals, World Series and BCS national championship."

http://ftw.usatoday.com/2014/07/espn-dota-2-international-esports

 

 

[Hovadipo 61,518]

Not a sport, but I'm a huge sports gamer and it's my favorite "hobby".


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[Dalton26 17,208]

In my opinion it's not even under consideration as a sport. It's a game yes but in order for it to be a sport there needs to be some physical activity going on.

Again that is just my opinion.


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[BtownStrength 1,480]

In my opinion it's not even under consideration as a sport. It's a game yes but in order for it to be a sport there needs to be some physical activity going on.

Again that is just my opinion.
 

Agree with this. Game vs sport, and video game is definitely in the "game" category. Games can be demanding though, thinking of those who play high level chess specifically.

[Walking Boot of Doom 18,170]

Video games are as much a sport as chess or poker. It requires a certain skill, but requires zero athleticism. Not a sport IMO.


Sent from my place of advanced, analytical thinking: the toilet.

[BlueDevil 9,556]

Nah gaming isn't a sport even though I am an avid gamer in online madden, 2k, and mlb leagues. Nothing but a hobby.

[BtownStrength 1,480]

I reserve the right to change my opinion once I purchase FIFA 15.

[Hovadipo 61,518]

I reserve the right to change my opinion once I purchase FIFA 15.

Played the demo. Better hold onto your britches because it will blow them right off. Especially on PS4/X1. I have 14 for PS4 and 15 still blew me away.


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[Townie 138]

In my opinion it's not even under consideration as a sport. It's a game yes but in order for it to be a sport there needs to be some physical activity going on.

Again that is just my opinion.


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+1

 

I think this is the main criteria that's lacking in categorizing gaming as a sport.  The lack of physical activity/exertion.

 

Who knows maybe somewhere down the road "virtual reality" gaming that the wii and xbox kinect pioneered could result in more physical activity. I still dont ever seeing it being as intense or require that much of physical effort because it wouldn't sell.

[Hovadipo 61,518]

+1

I think this is the main criteria that's lacking in categorizing gaming as a sport. The lack of physical activity/exertion.

Who knows maybe somewhere down the road "virtual reality" gaming that the wii and xbox kinect pioneered could result in more physical activity. I still dont ever seeing it being as intense or require that much of physical effort because it wouldn't sell.

You ever played wii baseball? I'm about to change my opinion because I go HARD in wii baseball.


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[Kilroy 271]

Ever checked out twitch.tv? often a few hundred thousand people watching someone else play video games.

[Naturalhoosier 15,478]

Ever checked out twitch.tv? often a few hundred thousand people watching someone else play video games.

My kids like watching me play video games. They say it's like a cartoon with a different ending each time.


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