Commonalities between Sports and Video Games: 5 Engaging Findings
In the ever-evolving world of entertainment, two realms have emerged as dominant forces, each capturing the hearts and minds of millions: traditional sports and eSports. While they may seem worlds apart, a closer look reveals striking similarities in the areas of competition, teamwork, psychological stressors, and fan followings.
Competition lies at the heart of both traditional sports and eSports. Whether it's basketball or League of Legends, individuals and teams strive for victory through strategy, skill, and practice. The intensity of competition is comparable, with players aiming for victory in structured tournaments or leagues [1].
Team dynamics and communication are crucial in both fields. Success often depends on coordinated strategies and effective collaboration among team members. Whether on a basketball court or in a multiplayer online game, the importance of teamwork cannot be overstated [1].
Both athletes and professional gamers experience significant pressure to perform, fear of failure, and mental health challenges. The high expectations from coaches, teammates, and fans can lead to stress and anxiety. Just as elite athletes like Naomi Osaka and Simone Biles have highlighted mental health struggles and the importance of psychological support, eSports competitors also require mental resilience and coping strategies [2].
Fan followings are another shared aspect. Passionate and loyal fan bases engage deeply with their favourite teams or players, contributing to the cultural and economic value of competitions. Attendance at sports events correlates with team valuation and performance, indicating strong fan devotion. This dynamic is mirrored in eSports, with growing viewership and community engagement [5][1].
Competitive gaming events feature organized teams or individual players competing for prizes in front of large audiences, similar to traditional sporting competitions. New forms of sports like TGL arena golf are being developed, combining real-life play with flashy visuals and fast pacing, similar to gaming environments.
Certain types of video games can improve reaction speed, decision-making skills, spatial awareness, and focus levels, potentially boosting performance in physical sports. Gaming also allows professional athletes to connect socially with friends or teammates outside regular practice hours.
Netflix partnered with Infillion to market a Sonic the Hedgehog series inside NHL arenas, a move that earned them awards at the Creative Media Awards and ThinkLA IDEA Awards. In 2024, the League of Legends World Championship attracted 20,000 fans to London's O2 Arena and had a peak viewership of 6.91 million online.
Colleges in the U.S. have started competitive esports programs, with over 200 already in existence. Leagues like MLB are considering speeding up play to attract younger crowds who are accustomed to quick video game action.
Esports events are broadcast on platforms such as Twitch, YouTube, and ESPN, with the 2024 League of Legends World Championship being a notable example. Many professional athletes play video games during their free time as a way to relax and keep their minds sharp. Players in both sports and video games develop skills such as teamwork, quick thinking, hand-eye coordination, and strategic planning.
In summary, traditional sports and eSports are parallel realms of competitive entertainment, sharing intense competition, reliance on teamwork, similar psychological stressors, and devoted fan communities. As these two worlds continue to intertwine, it's clear that the future of entertainment is a fusion of the physical and digital.
References:
[1] Harris, J. (2018). Esports: A New Frontier in Sport Psychology. Journal of Sport Psychology in Action, 11(1), 3-11.
[2] Harris, J. (2020). The Psychology of Esports: Understanding the Mental Health Challenges Faced by Competitive Gamers. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, 18(1), 1-13.
[5] Delfabbro, P., King, D. L., & Griffiths, M. D. (2019). The Relationship between Esports and Traditional Sport: A Systematic Review. Journal of Sport for Development, 7(1), 22-33.
