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Video games are now a legitimate high school sport

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Video games are now a legitimate high school sport

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(Jimenez) There is a video included too!

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video games are now a legitimate high school sport - cnn

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Video games are now a legitimate high school sport

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Competitive video game playing, also known as esports, is now a high school varsity sport in eight states.

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Football and basketball has new competition with esports at high schools *Sign in using Google Account

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Football and basketball has new competition with esports at high schools *Sign in using Google Account

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(Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

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Newsela | Move over football and basketball, esports gains foothold in high schools

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Esports, a video game competition, is gaining popularity on high schools and college campuses.

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Should Video Games be Considered A Sport?

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Should Video Games be Considered A Sport?

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(Rangaraju & Rudolph)

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As the popularity of video games continues to grow, more people are starting to consider this form of gaming as a sport. After all, it does require a high level of skill and concentration which is a big part of sports. In 2018, ESPN's sports magazine featured a famous video gamer, known as Ninja, on the cover. Across the colorful purple cover, we can see Ninja looking optimistically into the distance while the words "The Legend of Ninja: Biggest Gamer in the World" were written across the side. This caused a huge controversy in the athletic world. Even though some people believe this activity is a sport, we don't fully agree.

For example, video games don't require physical activity like sports in the real world. According to dictionary.com , "an athletic activity requiring skill or physical prowess and often of a competitive nature, such as racing, baseball, tennis, golf, bowling, wrestling, boxing, hunting, fishing, etc." Though video games do require lots of skill and quick reflexes in the fingers, professional video gaming does not require the physicality of sports. Being able to quickly move your thumbs does not make you an athlete.

Real sports like swimming and football help people get exercise and stay healthy, unlike video games. People often sit for many hours playing video games, and it doesn't really require much physical activity. Playing video games for a very long time can even cause issues such as eye-discomfort, blurry vision, and headaches. Shaheer Lodhi, a freshman here at Green Level, said, "Video games are not a sport because your body is not benefiting from it in any way. If anything you are losing your eyesight from." In sports, the athletes have to train for hours, but all of their hard work pays off and helps them gain muscle and become more capable athletes. Even though professional gamers do train for hours similar to athletes, these gamers are not benefiting their bodies from their excessive.

Some may say that video games should be considered a sport because most video games do include the competitiveness that can be found in sports. It is true that video gaming does require plenty of skill and capability, but the physical aspect of a sport is where this form of gaming falls short. The competition in video games is probably what makes them almost like a sport. However, the lack of physical activity in gaming excludes video games from the athletic community. Mr. Rogers, a math teacher here at Green Level told us, "I think because in many video games you have leaderboards and you see the competitiveness and dominance. However, sports have more of a physical aspect.

Video games do not require physical activity, and though professional gamers do practice their gaming for many hours of the day, athletes are physically training and growing their muscles for the game throughout the week.

Real sports take place in the real world and video games take place in a digital, made-up world. Video games are not as active, and they aren't healthy which defeats the whole purpose of sports in the first place. That's why we believe video games are not a sport. The virtual world of video games will never exist like events and competitions that happen in the real world. Video gaming is a skill that is hard to develop, and we do have respect for you gamers. However, gaming should not be held as equal to something like football or baseball.

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Should Video Games be Considered A Sport

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Tweet As the popularity of video games continues to grow, more people are starting to consider this form of gaming as a sport. After all, it does require a high level of skill and concentration which is a big part of sports. In 2018, ESPN's sports magazine featured a famous video gamer, known as Ninja,...

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(Olson) You will need to "sign in" to get access. There is an audio version of this text if you want to listen to it!

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Should video games be considered a sport? Yes! Here's why

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Should video games be considered a sport? Yes! Here's why

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(Ryan)

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Quick, what are the first few things that come to mind when you hear the word "sport?"

Competition, wins, and losses

Athletic ability

Physical activity

Fans and entertainment; stadiums, fields, and arenas

Practice and dedication

College scholarships

Going a step further, you probably think of baseball, basketball, football, and the like. Some of you might say NASCAR and other forms of racing. Others might even debate things like poker and hot dog eating.

I mean, all of these things are covered by ESPN, right? It's only the biggest sports television and entertainment company in the world.

So, then, what about playing video games? Should holding a controller in your hand and hitting buttons on that controller to direct the movement of virtual characters on your TV, computer monitor, or mobile device be considered sport?

(Oh, and an important piece to note. I'm a huge baseball fan, playing it and basketball for most of my life through high school. If you would have asked me back then if video games were sports, I would have laughed heartily. Today, I'm a changed person, and the absolute skyrocketing surge of popularity in video games and eSports has helped drive such a shift in mindset.)

Should video games be considered a sport?

Yes, video games should be considered a sport. Rooted in competition, involving athletic ability, requiring practice and physical activity, taking place in stadiums, and cheered on by diehard fanatics, video games and the playing of them checks all of the required boxes.

Let's start by throwing the idea against some of those definitive words conjured up when thinking about the meaning of "sport"-competition, entertainment, athletic ability.

When you pit video games against those terms, take a look at how they match up.

1. Competition, wins, and losses

I'd consider this one of the easiest points to prove. The basic tenet of any sport is competition. A team or individual competes against another team or individual in hopes of achieving victory.

Competition is all around us...I mean, even Monopoly is competitive (to the point of turning friends into enemies and family members against each other!).

So, it's not a stretch at all to say video games are competitive. With any type of video game - but especially those with players going head to head with another player - you're going to have competition. Even if you're alone and playing a campaign against simulated competition in the form of a computer, you're still very much competing, right?

2. Athletic ability

What makes athletes like Deion Sanders and Bo Jackson so special? Both played professional football and baseball, and were quite good at both.

My point is, there are great athletes all around us. But, a large percentage of those athletes are only good at the sport in which they've found professional success. Put a professional basketball player on a baseball diamond and hilarity will probably ensue.

Then, when you consider the fact that each sport - and each position within a sport, even - requires a specific athletic ability, who is to say video game playing can't just be another set of a different type of athletic skill?

A quarterback has a tremendously different skill set than a wide receiver. Same goes for the skill of a pitcher in baseball versus that of a shortstop.

What athletic ability does a video game player have?

While playing video games doesn't require as many abilities as other sports, it does share a big one-coordination. Just like you need coordination to catch a 90 MPH baseball in a glove, or hit one with a bat, video game players need coordination to strike at the perfect time, synching the technique they use on their controller with whatever their eyes see unfolding in front of them.

Video gaming also shares another big ability with traditional sports-stamina. Quite frequently, head to head video game battles are a true test of a gamer simply trying to outlast their opponent. First one to blink (aka, get tired, worn down, etc.), loses.

And last, but certainly not least, what about responsiveness? It's an ability required of pretty much any fast-moving athlete, especially someone like a hockey goaltender. Successful video game players must also be able to quickly respond to a game's changing landscape, whether it's to counter a thrown punch from an opponent, or even getting their on-screen athlete in their favorite sports game to dodge a tackle or dribble past the other team.

Point being, an NFL lineman is considered an athlete thanks to their strength in blocking and tackling, but those abilities vary greatly from the speed and agility required of a running back.

While video game players must harness a very different type of athletic ability, it's an athletic ability nonetheless.

3. Physical activity

Many who don't consider video games to be sport probably haven't really endured a marathon gaming session. Their video game experiences have probably consisted of couches or lounge chairs and a game here or there when they're bored.

But for professional gamers, physical activity and the resulting strain is real. There is rapid button pushing and continuous joystick shifting. Is it as physically taxing as running up and down the soccer pitch for 90 minutes? Of course not. It's a shorter burst of activity, and contained to a much smaller space or "playing field," but again, it's physical activity nonetheless.

4. Fans and entertainment; Stadiums, fields, and arenas

In what is typically a scene reserved for something like a Golden State Warriors basketball game, it's common to have arenas packed to the gills, full of fans who are attending to show their support of their favorite gamers.

In fact, more than 173,000 attendees gathered to watch the 2017 World Championship held in Katowice, Poland...which was 100,000 more than the group that was in attendance for the Super Bowl that same year.

Then, consider the viewing audience at home-for the event referenced above, 46 million unique online viewers were looking on. It's also been said that on average, young gamers ages 18-25 spend 3 hours and 25 minutes online watching others play video games.

Think about that. What do you do during the week for nearly 3.5 hours? You probably watch a few hour-long TV shows, right? Or maybe you spend around 45 minutes each night reading before bed?

Last year in total, esports tournaments and live streams drew 258 million unique visitors.

5. Practice, dedication, and training

I've played video games. You've played video games. Because of that, it's hard to think that the activity we were taking part in was in fact sport. I mean, we've probably done so in our pajamas, on the couch, etc.

The key is that there are multiple levels of an activity in which one can engage; different tiers of skill and proficiency, and the level you and I were engaging in would probably be considered the lowest of levels.

I mean, you wouldn't draw one single picture and call yourself an artist, or sing one song and consider yourself a vocalist.

To become a professional gamer, one must practice and dedicate time, daily even, to their craft. The more skilled one becomes, the more like sports video games become.

And training doesn't mean simply playing more games; there is plenty of that, sure, but there is a lot more that goes into it. In fact, many eSports athletes endure physical and strength training to avoid common eSports injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome or tennis elbow. And of course training to improve coordination and the aforementioned responsiveness.

Proper nutrition and hydration must also be top of mind. Just as a cramp would be disastrous to any athlete mid-stride, a gamer with a cramped hand is basically useless.

6. College scholarships

You might have smirked and chuckled the first time you heard of a university fielding a competitive eSports team. I know I did.

But, that "can you believe that" attitude was quickly erased upon learning that not only are post-secondary institutions fielding teams, but they are awarding scholarships to fill those teams. It's one of the key eSports benefits.

In fact, there are 81 schools making up the National Association of Collegiate Esports (NACE), and all but two offer scholarships.

If asked to associate sports memories with major colleges, you might recall a pretty good University of Oklahoma football team and Heisman Trophy winner, Kyler Murray, this past season, or Boise State's epic 2007 Fiesta Bowl victory featuring a now famous Statue of Liberty play to seal the win.

There is also plenty of sports history from schools like New Mexico State, which has made the NCAA tournament in five of the last six years, and Wichita State, which is the college baseball's highest winning team for the past 31 seasons.

Well, believe it or not, these schools and other high-profile institutions also field eSports teams. And, based on industry growth and the staggering viewership numbers mentioned above, they could very well be writing college sports history books of their own.

So, is there still a question?

I know what you're thinking...if video games are considered sport, then what about mastering chess strategy or playing other similar games? Simply, chess fails against two of the 5 points above-athletic ability and physical activity (it's much more mental than anything, and the resulting "physical activity" is not a factor in the outcome of the match).

So, are video games a sport? Yes. Is it the only sport you can play while simultaneously devouring a pepperoni pizza? Perhaps. Although, I've been stuck in my fair share of baseball diamond outfields where a quick nap probably would have gone unnoticed.

Either way, the narrative is changing. For those of us who engage with video games as a hobby, they're fun and low key. For the highly-trained gamers and millions of viewers tuning in to watch, they're a true sport.

Have a child who wants to engage with video games in a different way, as a designer, creator, or developer? Check out our video game online courses and summer programs featuring eSports summer camps, and other STEM courses!

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Should Video Games be Considered a Sport? | eSports & Virtual Gaming

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Quick, what are the first few things that come to mind when you hear the word "sport?" Competition, wins, and losses Athletic ability Physical activity Fans and entertainment; stadiums, fields, and arenas Practice and dedication College scholarships Going a step further, you probably think of baseball, basketball, football, and the like.

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(Mezzacapo)

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(G2A.com)

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Gaming is often associated with hardcore geeks spending half of their lives locked up in their rooms. And yet this unique activity can be considered a sport! Why? And what has changed in gaming in recent years? Let's find out!

Contrary to the disciplines we know from the Olympics, playing video games is relatively new. The first esports competition took place in 1972, followed by another - already on a large scale - Space Invaders Championship in 1980. Since then, gaming competition has developed regarding audience size, equipment advancement, and the number of players. So we can now enjoy esports championships on a gigantic scale. But is joyful keyboard clicking a sport? And can gamers be considered athletes? After all, there is no sweat, muscle power exercises, or physical fitness. To solve this mystery once and for all, let's answer some crucial questions about the rise of esports!

Is Gaming a Sport?

The definition of sport is any physical activity that contributes to the development of the bodily and mental condition, the growth of social relationships, or the achievement of results. As we all know, gaming has little to do with regular physical activity.

After all, it's just sitting in front of a computer or console. But is it? As it turns out, the typical day of professional esports players is almost as rigorous as that of athletes. Participants in online competitions must maintain a healthy diet to stay alert. They practice specific control patterns or movements to improve muscle memory and tire less during official games. It is also vital to practice team cooperation and learn from mistakes by following records from previous competitions. It's hard work that has nothing to do with lazy keyboard clicking. Plus, there are tremendously valuable prizes - Dota 2 International reached a whopping $40 million prize pool in 2021!

The Pros and Cons of Gaming as a Sport

Like every life area, gaming has its benefits and weaknesses - especially as a sport. It turns out that if gaming was officially adopted as a sport worldwide, it could provoke new changes - regarding kids and adults. So what are they? Among the best pros in gaming as a sport, you can find improved hand-eye coordination. It is the basis of playing video games, constantly practiced by all players. Gaming also gives you increased attention and boosts your decision-making. And during the pandemic, we all discovered that gaming is one of the best ways to have fun together at a distance. So it can serve as a meeting tool.

Unfortunately, it also has some groundbreaking flaws. Playing for too long can cause muscle aches, sleeping troubles, or an aversion to physical exercise. Combined with an incorrect and lazy diet, gaming as a sport could do more harm than good. In this category, a lot depends on the strong will of the player, so professional esports players who combine physical activity with gaming can be a great authority. But kids may not have as much power over themselves, which can quickly lead to disorder or harmful addiction.

Why Some People Think Gaming Should be a Sport

Video games require constant skill training, team cooperation, and exceptional focus. Also, they earn more money and get more viewers than some professional sports like the NFL or MLB. Gaming is no longer just a fun activity for an afternoon after school - esports are growing in popularity and provoking goals like all other sports.

Source: Youtube (BobYoMeowMeow)

The Different Types of Gamers

This category can be vital in deciding whether gaming is a sport. Imagine a professional runner going for a run. His goal is to stay fit, achieve specific training objectives and become better and better at what he does. Now, imagine an ordinary person going for a run. In this case, the purposes are almost identical but on a slightly smaller scale, including the desire to lose weight. The path to these goals leads through physical and mental effort and outstanding dedication.

The goals of professional esports players are very similar. They want to win by staying in shape, healthy, and focused. What about non-professional gamers? Well, here we can find all examples of approaches to playing a game. Some may want to have fun, others desire to win, and the rest do it for companionship in multiplayer. But what about recreational players? Can this approach to video games still be called a sport? Even playing the piano is not, although some sonatas can push humans to the limits of physical and mental endurance. So it's rather hard to say if amateur players play sports. At first glance - not so much

Does playing video games make you a better athlete?

As strange as it may be, the answer is yes! It does not apply to professional athletes from elite leagues like the NFL, NBA, or FIFA. But casual players can boost their athletic skills by playing games. Many interactive or simulation titles require knowledge of rules and hand-eye coordination. Even the most easygoing gameplay supports strategic thinking and cooperation with the team, which can result in many benefits in real life. So if you want to get better at your favorite game, check out the best sports games to improve your skills even in your spare time.

How does the gaming industry compare to traditional sports?

We can find the answer hidden in this question, as traditional sports is precisely that word - tradition. The rules have been known for hundreds of years, there is no need to change them, and the only difference is new records. Whether it's running races, soccer, or javelin throwing, they've been the same since the dawn of time. Meanwhile, the gaming industry is constantly evolving. As a new area of life, it experiences constant changes, breakthroughs, and improvements. Even professional esports competitions can alter their rules over time, especially since a lot depends on the available equipment or new games released.

Why is there a growing interest in competitive gaming?

You can follow it just like traditional sports and have a lot of fun watching the struggles of your favorite team. But you can also play it yourself to explore the other side of this coin. Nothing prevents you from buying the title of your favorite team to engage in fantastic competitive play in similar locations and using similar strategies. Moreover, the latest video games come out in increasingly better quality, guaranteeing a realistic viewing and gameplay experience. All this brings new options to participate in competitions, prepare them, finance, manage and, in general, create new career opportunities.

Even the most casual player can become a gaming star if the audience likes his Twitch streams. So why is competitive gaming so popular? For two reasons - it is more accessible and creates new opportunities to earn big money.

Are video games a sport? - Summary

Not yet. But there are more and more signs that they may soon become. Gaming is still quite an exotic form of entertainment, almost unknown to older generations. Sports TV stations still broadcast traditional sports. Meanwhile, websites like YouTube and Twitch flourish thanks to the complex work of professional and amateur players.

Esports teams make millions of dollars, fans follow every tournament, and streamers become more famous than aging Hollywood stars. The gaming industry promises breakthroughs, changes, and profits - even if it never becomes a sport, it will always thrive. So it's better to keep a finger on the pulse because the future of gaming means a noticeable change in the understanding of already known definitions.

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Is Gaming a Sport? Let's Find Out! - G2A News

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Gaming is often associated with hardcore geeks spending half of their lives locked up in their rooms. And yet this unique activity can be considered a sport! Why? And what has changed in gaming in recent years? Let's find out! Contrary to the disciplines we know from the Olympics, playing video games is relatively new.