From its humble beginnings, esports has blossomed into a global phenomenon, drawing in millions of fans, players, and substantial investments. This article traces the captivating journey of esports, from its inception in the 1970s to its current status as a thriving multi-billion dollar industry.
The Genesis of Esports (1950s - 1970s)
In the 1950s, the groundwork for video games was established, setting the stage for computer games and, eventually, esports. The progression of technology towards the end of the 90s made video games available to the masses, paving the way for the rise of cybersports.
The Birth of Multiplayer Games
The roots of competitive computer games can be traced back to 1952 when computer scientist Alexander Shafto Douglas developed the game "XOX". However, the first actual multiplayer game, "Tennis for Two", was introduced in 1958. This game, played with an early form of the joystick, is often regarded as the genesis of esports.
The First Esports Tournament
The first esports-like contest took place a few years later. The game "Spacewar!" was written in 1962 on a PDP-10 computer. This game had two players fighting each other with individual spaceships. The world's first digital computer game, it was recognized as one of the most crucial computer games of all time by the New York Times in 2007.
On October 19, 1972, the "Intergalactic Spacewar Olympics" was held at Stanford University, marking the world's first esports tournament. The winner was awarded a year's subscription to "Rolling Stones" magazine.
The Dawn of the Console Era (1970s - 1980s)
The introduction of the "Magnavox Odyssey" in 1972 revolutionized digital gaming, making it suitable for the masses. Furthermore, arcades became prevalent, allowing the general public to enjoy games like Pong on machines. However, the competitive aspect of gaming only became feasible with the introduction of permanent high score lists.
Milestones in Competitive Gaming
One of the first machines to feature this high score option was "Sea Wolf" from 1976. In 1979, "Asteroids" and "Starfire" allowed gamers to immortalize themselves in a high score list with a personal name code. With the introduction of Space Invaders in 1978, Atari laid the foundation for the world's first significant esports tournament. More than 10,000 gamers competed in the 1980 Space Invaders Championships.
The Rise of Online Gaming (1990s)
As personal computers became more affordable and powerful, video gaming began to shift towards PCs and online networks. By the mid-90s, the first large LAN parties started, where gamers could compete with each other. This led to the formation of the early clans that would drive professional play.
The Emergence of Esports Leagues
Towards the end of the 1990s, the first esports leagues were established. For instance, the Electronic Sports League, which emerged from the "German Clan League", and the "ClanBase", which was launched in 1998.
The Esports Phenomenon (2000s - 2010s)
The 2000s saw the meteoric rise of esports as a major part of the video game industry, with many game developers designing and funding for tournaments and other events. From a small niche, esports became a multi-media billion-dollar market, attracting many investors.
The Impact of Streaming Platforms
The advent of online streaming media platforms, particularly YouTube and Twitch, enabled a surge in participation by professional gamers and spectators.
The Influx of Major Sponsors
As esports started to gain global recognition, major brands like Samsung, Korean Air, and Asiana began sponsoring teams and players, hoping to get their brands in front of younger generations.
The Creation of Franchise Leagues
Over the last decade, the esports industry has seen the development of franchise leagues such as the Overwatch League and Call of Duty League. These leagues offer more stability for team owners and sponsors, allowing for revenue sharing between competing teams, and are more attractive to investors.
The Future of Esports
The future of esports looks bright with the industry continuing to grow in popularity and make its way further into the mainstream. The total audience of esports is estimated to grow to 454 million viewers by 2023, with revenue increasing to over US$1.5 billion.
As the esports industry continues to evolve, it is anticipated that more developers will adopt the franchise league system, further enhancing the structure and organization of esports. It is also expected that more traditional sports teams will acknowledge esports as a method to attract new followers, leading to dual ownership of established esports organizations.
Conclusion
In less than seven decades, esports has grown from a leisure activity into a significant sport, attracting millions of players and spectators worldwide. From its humble beginnings in the 1950s to its current status as a multi-billion dollar industry, the evolution of esports is a testament to the power of innovation, passion, and the human spirit of competition. As esports continues to evolve, it will undoubtedly continue to break barriers and redefine the very concept of sports in the 21st century.