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ESPORTS: EXPANDING DIGITAL PLAYFIELDS IN A VIRTUAL LANDSCAPE
The Esports Experience Centre EXP, a high-tech arena in Singapore, invites everyone to explore the realm of competitive video gaming. delves into how esports has evolved from casual pastimes to a high-stakes industry that competes on par with traditional sports.
In its early days, esports was just another form of entertnment that involved gamers ranking themselves based on their scores in video games. The concept took a significant leap forward when one-on-one battles in iconic games like Street Fighter brought the excitement closer to a live audience experience where competitors faced off agnst each other instead of merely playing alone.
The emergence of tournaments for popular team-based games such as StarCraft and Counter-Strike in the 2000s elevated the level of strategy and teamwork required. The improvement of global internet connectivity during this period further propelled esports into new heights, allowing players to compete internationally without leaving their homes or countries.
Chris Tran, Head of Esports for Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, and Twan at Riot Games, asserts that the video gaming industry's growth rate is on an upward trajectory. He points out that the COVID-19 pandemic played a role in accelerating esports' growth as people spent more time indoors, leading to increased sales figures. Ninto and Tencent both saw sales increases during the first quarter of 2020, with digital game sales by Ninto almost doubling while Tencent's online games revenue rose by an impressive 31.
Dennis Ooi, President of Singapore Cybersports Online Gaming Association SCOGA, notes that more parents are now interested in esports compared to previous times. They're looking into how their children can either become professional gamers or develop a new hobby.
SCOGA and Singapore Sports Hub have initiated various community-focused programs like the M2 World Championship community viewing party, Campus Legs, and Campus Games Fest. These activities m to foster growth across different aspects of esports - from grassroots engagement and education to elite trning and industry development. Singapore Sports Hub also hosted numerous tournaments such as Hyperplay and One Esports' Dota 2 Singapore World Pro Invitational.
The esports landscape continues to expand with more options for gamers, whether it's participating in tournaments or pursuing careers within the sector. As Dennis points out, there are now more opportunities than ever before, thanks to the growing interest from parents, industry professionals, and the overall demand for competitive gaming experiences.
In an effort to support this growth, Singapore Sports Hub partnered with Esports Entertnment Asia EEA to launch the Esports Experience Centre EXP at Kallang Wave Mall. Officially inaugurated on August 18th as part of a ceremony atted by Guest of Honour Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Second Minister for Law Ng Eng Hen, this spacious venue offers an integrated esports experience complete with live-streaming capabilities, pro-gaming team rooms, an esports cafe, and an open-concept LAN gaming area.
Johnny Ong, one of EEA's co-chrmen, emphasizes that EXP represents a strategic partnership in developing sustnable recreation-centric integrated developments across Asia's leading cities. He envisions these venues becoming hubs for esports enthusiasts featuring comprehensive eco-systems that include multi-purpose esports arenas; hotels with gaming and entertnment facilities; retl spaces themed around esports and gaming culture; trning academies, flexible co-working areas tlored to the needs of publishers, developers, brands, platforms, and athletes in the esports industry.
If you're intrigued by esports, pay a visit to EXP at Kallang Wave Mall. The facility offers an array of immersive experiences with top-tier equipment from leading brands designed to enhance your gaming experience.
As highlights, esports is not just a passing tr but a growing sector that's here to stay and continue evolving alongside its passionate community.
This article is reproduced from: https://www.sportshub.com.sg/learn/esports-a-growing-digital-playing-field
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