When it comes to sport, there is something for everyone. Some people play both sports and esports, which gives them the best of both worlds. Esports generally appeal to the younger generation, and allow them to play traditional sports like soccer online, as well as compete in other video game genres, such as fantasy, action and adventure, to name a few.
For this article, we will discuss the pros and cons of esports and traditional sports, comparing the positives and the negatives of both sporting types.
Pros of Esports
These are the positive aspects of playing esports:
A Wide Variety of Games
A wide selection of games to choose from caters to different preferences and interests. People have the opportunity to choose from different genres and play games that they want to play. This makes it easier for gamers to find their niche and for spectators to find their interest. Much like real sports, there is plenty of variety in games and teams/players to follow in esports.
This has also led to user-friendly bookmakers in Japan and other countries where esports are popular allowing betting on these virtual battles. This means fans can watch esports games live online when players are taking part in a tournament and place their bets on who will win as the action unfolds, just as with traditional sports.
Career Growth Potential
There are opportunities for people interested in esports to become professional coaches, gamers, streamers and commentators. This offers a viable career path within the industry. India is one of the countries that has the top esport players, while the United States is leading the number of esports players worldwide. Esports and gaming-related careers are also popular in Korea, with many incentives and training opportunities to allow people to follow their dream career path in the industry.
Some gamers even become creators of the games they enjoy playing or test video games for manufacturing companies: the possibilities are endless.
Easily Accessible
Esports can be played from anywhere and across different time zones. It can also be watched worldwide if the gamer or spectator has a stable internet connection. Unlike physical sports, which can have a high barrier to entry, esports are much more widely available. Instead, people with different talents and skills can participate in esports while competing on an equal playing field. The bar is not set at how physically fit you are or how fast you can run, but rather how well you can think, make decisions and use strategy to win.
Cons of Esports
These are the negative aspects of playing esports:
- Lack of Physical Exercise: Gamers do not get the same physical exercise or fitness benefits as traditional sports.
- Promotes a Sedentary Lifestyle: Since players are seated for long hours playing esports, they can experience negative health effects.
- Can Become Addictive: Gamers who do not break away from the screen and practice all the time can become addicted to playing, and it can impact their physical and mental health.
- Antisocial Behavior: Esports are played online, and this can lead to gamers having limited social interaction or meeting up with their teammates, as traditional sports encourage.
Pros of Traditional Sports
As with esports, there are many advantages of playing traditional sports. Some are the same as the benefits of esports, as there is some overlap between the two.
Promotes Social Interaction
People who play traditional sports practice communication and build their social skills through face-to-face interactions with teammates and opponents. It also builds teamwork among the players.
Promotes and Establishes Infrastructure
Traditional sports provide a structured environment, such as clubs, facilities and leagues. This provides room for development and structured competition.
Promotes Physical Fitness
This leads to improvement in physical health, strength and fitness.
Cons of Traditional Sports
Again, like esports, playing traditional, physical sports does come with certain drawbacks:
Injuries Risk
Traditional sports have a higher risk of physical injuries as players physically contact each other on the field. This can include minor sprains or fractures to severe concussions. In esports, any injuries are likely to be much more minor, like repetitive strain injuries in the hands, or eye strain.
It Costs More To Play Sports
Playing traditional sports can be more expensive as it involves getting the right gear, going to practices and playing in different areas that require travel. Many people who don’t play esports already have games and consoles, but few people have sports equipment and uniforms unless they take the sport seriously.
It Has Limited Accessibility
Not everyone can play the traditional sport they want to participate in; requiring specific equipment, facilities, and memberships might make it difficult to be noticed for the sport, or even to learn how to play properly.
Not Many Career Opportunities
Depending on where you are based and who your coach is, it can be difficult for athletes to be recognized and offered a professional spot within the industry.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this comparison between esports and traditional sports shows an even number of pros and cons per sporting type. Traditional sports have a longer history and a much wider audience of various age groups and demographic appeal and allow for physicality, which is not the same in the online world of esports.
Esports, on the other hand, have become a form of competitive entertainment that a tech-savvy, younger audience is attracted to. By providing convenience and easy accessibility online, fans worldwide can engage, enjoy and place bets without having to leave their home to watch a game at a stadium.
However, each sport type has its risks involved, and the choices made by both players and spectators are often based on personal preferences, level of engagement and interests.