Introduction
The competitive video gaming industry, commonly known as esports, has seen a meteoric rise o
Introduction
The competitive video gaming industry, commonly known as esports, has seen a meteoric rise over the past decade. With its growing popularity, esports has taken center stage at various international sports events. The recently-concluded Asian Games in Jakarta was no exception, with esports making its debut as a competitive event. Among the esports games featured was the wildly popular multiplayer game, League of Legends.
League of Legends: The Asian esports giant
League of Legends (LoL) has taken the esports world by storm, and the Asian region is no exception. The game boasts a player base of over 100 million worldwide, with a significant portion hailing from Asia. LoL is a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game where players take on the role of a champion, fighting against enemy champions in a pursuit to destroy their enemy's base.
Esports at the Asian Games: A new milestone
The inclusion of esports in the Asian Games is a significant milestone for the industry. It marks a shift in the way competitive video gaming is perceived, as a legitimate sport with global recognition. Six games were featured in the inaugural esports event at the Asian Games, including League of Legends. The region's top teams competed against each other for a chance at a medal and national pride. China, South Korea, and Vietnam emerged as the top three countries respectively, with Chinese team Royal Never Give Up winning the first-ever gold medal in the esports category.
Esports at the Olympics: A matter of time?
Esports' inclusion in the Asian Games has raised hopes and speculation that it could one day become a part of the Olympic Games. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has previously stated that esports could be considered for inclusion in the Olympics if they meet certain criteria. This includes the establishment of an independent governing body, a code of ethics, and compliance with Olympic values. While there are still hurdles to overcome, the possibility of seeing esports at the Olympics might not be too far off.
The future of esports in Asia
Esports' popularity in Asia shows no signs of slowing down. The industry is expected to generate revenue of over $1.5 billion in 2020, with a significant portion of this coming from the Asian region. In addition to the Asian Games, esports tournaments such as the League of Legends World Championship draw in large numbers of fans and viewers from all over the world. This solidifies Asia's position as a major player in the esports industry and provides opportunities for growth and development.
Conclusion
The inclusion of esports in the Asian Games signals a new era for the industry, marking its recognition as a legitimate sport. League of Legends, with its established player base and fan following in Asia, has cemented its position as a pillar of the esports industry. With the possibility of esports one day becoming an Olympic event, there is no doubt that the industry's future in Asia and beyond is bright.