Ben-DutkaI suppose the following statements will disqualify me as a "gamer" but in truth, just about everyone I know – all of whom are gamers to some extent – agree.
Let me make this plain: I don't give two sh*** about eSports. I know ESPN has just recently embraced eSports and that's fine by me; if they air stuff like billiards, darts and bowling, they can darn well air eSports. All require a ridiculous amount of precision and practice, but none require that the participants be athletes . At least, not by my definition.
Now, I think there's this pervading belief among most non-gamers that if you play video games, you're automatically watching and loving eSports. I mean hell, they just sold out Madison Square Garden so obviously, it's crazy popular. But frankly, I'm starting to think that all those who participate in eSports and even those who watch it are simply different kinds of gamers. It just isn't appealing to me or anyone I know and yet, we all like to play.
I don't know what it is, but I just find watching other people play video games to be mind-numbingly boring. I'd rather watch anything else. Even soccer. I'm sorry, no, I'm not impressed and I simply can't fathom the source of the excitement. Of course, I'm sure those who don't care about football or baseball would probably say the same thing; I'm sure it's just a matter of personal preference. That being said, it absolutely is true that many believe avid gamers would watch eSports.
Nope.
I'll watch friends play, I'll even watch clips of old games for the nostalgia value but I can't get into watching competitive gaming. Perhaps it's a little bit of jealousy.
When I think competitive gaming I get this flash of Fred Savage in The Wizard. I was so psyched back then.
I don't ever call myself a "gamer" the same way I don't call myself a movie buff just because I like movies. I happen to play videogames. That's about it.
Besides, if I were to classify myself as a gamer, I would probably join all those angry "gamers" who got all bent out of shape from what Jimmy Kimmel said about watching people playing videogames on Youtube.
Anyway, I did like watching people playing games as a kid. Watching friends beating Contra or After Burner at the arcades. But not so much anymore. I rather play the games myself.
I agree. Labels in general are dumb. If you identify yourself by your recreational activities, I think you're missing the point of recreational activities.
I like reading books, watching movies, listening to music, and playing games but those things don't define who I am. Who I am defines what books, movies, music and games I enjoy.
And if people are insistent on labeling themselves for their enjoyment of games, they should at least come up with something better than "gamer". Makes me cringe every time I hear it. "Hardcore gamer" is even worse. There is nothing "hardcore" about sitting on your couch for five hours a night.
I've never gotten the impression from anyone I've conversed with or am friends with, that they think I watch esports. Most don't even know it exists. So while it may have sold out Madison Square Garden, those are the same people that will help the next venue sell out I'm sure. It's a really small group of people attending and competing in the activity.
I also agree that those competing don't typically go out of their way to play anything other than CoD, BF, Starcraft, and whatever else they play in competitions. And that same thing goes for those attending to watch. Most watching are probably trying to get into it. Of course this is all speculation.
As for it airing on ESPN, I think it's mainly because Disney has money in the industry and it will benefit in some way. I also think they are trying to cut down on the amount of rehashing and replaying segments of deflategate, and LeBron James.
One thing I do get is that since I'm a gamer I must be really good at it and so should try to compete.
Wrong. I was good in my day but there have been a lot of murdered brain cells and reaction slow down over the years so I'm really just okay at it and gaming because I love it.
Depends on the game for me. Starcraft and pokemon I really enjoy, LoL I don't even know what the hell's going on when I try.
eSports wouldn't be for me. And I'm really not sure anyone, gamers or otherwise, know much about it at all here in Ireland. So although it's your reality that all gamers are bundled into this misconception, I don't think it's a sentiment shared globally.
To me eSport is boring, I rather watch real sports like sumo wrestling or lesbian orgy…
I'm sure you get a good workout watching Sumo wrestling and Lesbian Orgies.
I couldn't think of anything worse than watching Youtube "celebrities" playing video games.
I'd rather play the games myself. I'm weird like that.
I'd like to watch all the Presidential candidates play GTA 5. It should be a requirement.
If I did watch which I don't I'd end up wanting to grab the controller off them and having a go myself.
Last edited by tlpn99 on 9/11/2015 2:53:56 AM
I enjoy watching league of legends competitions as well as a bit of hearthstone.
It's good someone enjoys them, they need viewers too!
tell that to the millions of views they get xD
Lol finals got more viewers than the superbowl which is crazy xD
I'm with you on this one. eSports are the worst.
I could watch eSports if it was of a game I was into. That is, if was SFV, DOA, Tekken, or VF etc. I'd probably be an avid watcher.
Otherwise if I don't understand the rules and how some eSports game plays and what makes these professional players great I wouldn't be able to get into it.
Edit: admiring mad skills no matter the context is usually intriguing. Whether that's swallowing light bulbs or shooting hoops.
Last edited by Temjin001 on 9/11/2015 10:08:33 AM
Speaking of swallowing light bulbs, have you seen that professional regurgitator on America's Got Talent?
Insane.
Now fighting games are a different animal. It's as if two weaklings were top fighters and entering into a MMA match. Safe, non-head-injuring battle via avatar, plus it requires smarts.
The only eSport worth watching is fighting games, especially Street Fighter.
Fighting games take real skills to master and it is always exciting to watch unlike DOTA 2 or LOL.
Just search Daigo Umehara on Youtube and you'll understand.
Have to disagree big time. Lol takes an insane amount of skill and the difference between professional players and even "good" players is crazy. I personally love to watch an intence game of league which can have so many different outcomes and plays can be made that are very impressive.
I don't think anyone thinks everyone who plays games likes to watch other people play games.
I'm not a fan of watching esports, but I'll watch people play on youtube for reviews and such.
I've never watched a single twitch stream and I like text guide instead of Youtube vids.
I live by the code of the old Gods.
Though if I have a friend over I'd rather watch them play than me play because I wanna be a good host. Unless it's local 2player.
It's kind of like baseball. I like playing it, but I've never been big on watching it
Bleh I think it's because you don't have interest in the game.
I bet if it was Blitzball esports you would take interest! 😛
I played league a lot and so I like to watch it sometimes.
Avid watcher of all tournaments for games I love here. Love seeing them all at the highest levels.
I hate watching people play (playthroughs on Twitch for single player games) though. Time is precious and too many people truly waste their time by watching others play things. I used to do it for 1/2 a year until I realized all the negatives.
Some just watch others so they can ask if it's worth buying. But they watch for hours. But the answer's always going to be "not buying it" because they don't have money anyway. Because time is money.
Avid watcher of all tournaments for games I love here. Love seeing them all at the highest levels.
I hate watching people play (playthroughs on Twitch for single player games) though. Time is precious and too many people truly waste their time by watching others play things. I used to do it for 1/2 a year until I realized all the negatives.
Some just watch others so they can ask if it's worth buying. But they watch for hours. But the answer's always going to be "not buying it" because they don't have money anyway. Because time is money.
I could watch eSports if it was of a game I was into. That is, if was SFV, DOA, Tekken, or VF etc. I'd probably be an avid watcher.
Otherwise if I don't understand the rules and how some eSports game plays and what makes these professional players great I wouldn't be able to get into it.
Edit: admiring mad skills no matter the context is usually intriguing. Whether that's swallowing light bulbs or shooting hoops.
Last edited by Temjin001 on 9/11/2015 10:08:33 AM
I'm not a fan of watching esports, but I'll watch people play on youtube for reviews and such.
I've never watched a single twitch stream and I like text guide instead of Youtube vids.
I live by the code of the old Gods.
Though if I have a friend over I'd rather watch them play than me play because I wanna be a good host. Unless it's local 2player.
Now fighting games are a different animal. It's as if two weaklings were top fighters and entering into a MMA match. Safe, non-head-injuring battle via avatar, plus it requires smarts.
The only eSport worth watching is fighting games, especially Street Fighter.
Fighting games take real skills to master and it is always exciting to watch unlike DOTA 2 or LOL.
Just search Daigo Umehara on Youtube and you'll understand.
Have to disagree big time. Lol takes an insane amount of skill and the difference between professional players and even "good" players is crazy. I personally love to watch an intence game of league which can have so many different outcomes and plays can be made that are very impressive.
Bleh I think it's because you don't have interest in the game.
I bet if it was Blitzball esports you would take interest! 😛
I played league a lot and so I like to watch it sometimes.
I'm with you on this one. eSports are the worst.
I don't think anyone thinks everyone who plays games likes to watch other people play games.
It's kind of like baseball. I like playing it, but I've never been big on watching it
I don't ever call myself a "gamer" the same way I don't call myself a movie buff just because I like movies. I happen to play videogames. That's about it.
Besides, if I were to classify myself as a gamer, I would probably join all those angry "gamers" who got all bent out of shape from what Jimmy Kimmel said about watching people playing videogames on Youtube.
Anyway, I did like watching people playing games as a kid. Watching friends beating Contra or After Burner at the arcades. But not so much anymore. I rather play the games myself.
I agree. Labels in general are dumb. If you identify yourself by your recreational activities, I think you're missing the point of recreational activities.
I like reading books, watching movies, listening to music, and playing games but those things don't define who I am. Who I am defines what books, movies, music and games I enjoy.
And if people are insistent on labeling themselves for their enjoyment of games, they should at least come up with something better than "gamer". Makes me cringe every time I hear it. "Hardcore gamer" is even worse. There is nothing "hardcore" about sitting on your couch for five hours a night.
It's good someone enjoys them, they need viewers too!
If I did watch which I don't I'd end up wanting to grab the controller off them and having a go myself.
Last edited by tlpn99 on 9/11/2015 2:53:56 AM
eSports wouldn't be for me. And I'm really not sure anyone, gamers or otherwise, know much about it at all here in Ireland. So although it's your reality that all gamers are bundled into this misconception, I don't think it's a sentiment shared globally.
Depends on the game for me. Starcraft and pokemon I really enjoy, LoL I don't even know what the hell's going on when I try.
I couldn't think of anything worse than watching Youtube "celebrities" playing video games.
I'd rather play the games myself. I'm weird like that.
Speaking of swallowing light bulbs, have you seen that professional regurgitator on America's Got Talent?
Insane.
tell that to the millions of views they get xD
Lol finals got more viewers than the superbowl which is crazy xD
I'm sure you get a good workout watching Sumo wrestling and Lesbian Orgies.
I've never gotten the impression from anyone I've conversed with or am friends with, that they think I watch esports. Most don't even know it exists. So while it may have sold out Madison Square Garden, those are the same people that will help the next venue sell out I'm sure. It's a really small group of people attending and competing in the activity.
I also agree that those competing don't typically go out of their way to play anything other than CoD, BF, Starcraft, and whatever else they play in competitions. And that same thing goes for those attending to watch. Most watching are probably trying to get into it. Of course this is all speculation.
As for it airing on ESPN, I think it's mainly because Disney has money in the industry and it will benefit in some way. I also think they are trying to cut down on the amount of rehashing and replaying segments of deflategate, and LeBron James.