eSPORTS FUTURIST AND KEYNOTE SPEAKER: WHAT’S THE FUTURE OF VIDEO GAMES?

Per eSports futurists and keynote speakers, the field (also known as electronic sports, e-sports, or competitive gaming) refers to organized, multiplayer video game competitions, particularly between professional players. A few general characteristics are often shared amongst these events, which are often livestreamed and shared online or via TV with thousands or even hundreds of thousands of gaming enthusiasts.

Note that according to leading eSports futurists and keynote speakers, competitive tournaments and leagues are often based around video games of various genres including FPS (first-person shooter), RTS (real-time strategy), MOBA (multiplayer online battle arena), fighting games, etc. Popular titles with proponents of the pastime include the likes of League of Legends, Dota 2, Counter-Strike, Overwatch, Call of Duty, etc.

Anyways, some types of things you might see if you tuned into one of these programs or tournaments via PC, smartphone, tablet or household TV set:

• Teams of players that train and compete professionally. eSports athletes are often contracted by professional esport organizations.
• Live streaming broadcasts of esports competitions on platforms like Twitch and YouTube, often accompanied by extensive recaps, feedback, play-by-play commentary and analysis.
• Prize pools and player salaries reaching millions of dollars for top events, especially those backed by prominent household name brands and leading video game publishers, developers or software distributions.
• Fan bases of millions worldwide who spectate online or pack into large venues like arenas and stadiums.
• Governing bodies that oversee rules and regulations, such as the Electronic Sports League (ESL) and Major League Gaming (MLG).
• Collegiate participation through varsity esports programs at many universities.
• Corollaries to traditional sports like player trades, team management, coaches, training regimens, etc.

You don’t have to be a eSports futurists or keynote speaker to get a sense that esports involves professional video game playing viewed and celebrated as a spectator sport by a large global audience. It is a major part of gaming culture and a growing industry – which explains why so many businesses and brands (including some of the world’s largest household names) are now expressing interest in partnering with teams and companies in the field.