The Covid-19 pandemic has had a major impact on the esports industry, disrupting physical tournaments and events and resulting in cancellations of high-profile esports events like the League of Legends Mid-Season Invitational, the Overwatch League, and Dota 2’s The International 10. However, the industry has shown resilience by shifting to virtual tournaments and events, leveraging technologies like esports broadcasts to create an online community. The shift to virtual tournaments has presented challenges such as cheating during online competitions, the stability of viewers’ internet connections, and the loss of community feeling associated with physical events. The industry has also seen the emergence of new esports games, positively impacting gaming companies’ revenues.
The Impact of Covid-19 on Esports Tournaments and Events
The global pandemic brought about by the Coronavirus disease (Covid-19) has disrupted virtually every aspect of human life, and the esports world has not been an exception. With the restriction on movement and gatherings, the holding of esports tournaments and events have been significantly affected. This article seeks to examine the impact of the pandemic on esports tournaments and events.
Cancellation of High-Profile Esports Events
The pandemic has caused the cancellation of several high-profile esports events worldwide. For instance, the League of Legends Mid-Season Invitational was called off due to Covid-19 concerns. Other notable cancellations include the Overwatch League, Dota 2’s The International 10, and the CSGO Major Championship.
Shift to Virtual Tournaments and Events
With the inability to hold physical events, esports organizers have had to resort to virtual tournaments and events. Virtual events leverage technology to create an online community, and the use of esports broadcasts has further enhanced their popularity. Several notable events have been held virtually, including the NBA 2K league, the World Series of Poker, and the Formula E Race at Home Challenge.
Challenges in Organizing Virtual Esports Tournaments and Events
The shift to virtual tournaments and events has come with several challenges. One significant challenge is the handling of cheating during online competitons. As players compete from different locations, it is harder to control their environment and ensure a level playing field. Another challenge is the stability of the viewer’s internet connection. Esports events attract massive viewership, and the inability to keep up with demand can significantly affect the viewer’s experience. Lastly, the lack of in-person interaction can cause a loss of the community feeling that comes with physical events.
Emergence of New Esports Games
Covid-19 has not only disrupted the running of esports events but also led to the emergence of new esports games. With several sports leagues on hold, esports gaming has provided a platform for sports enthusiasts to stay engaged. For instance, the MLB created the MLB The Show Players League, where players represent their respective teams in a virtual baseball league. Moreover, the NBA has created its own gaming league, where players represent their teams in virtual basketball matches.
Impact on Gaming Companies
Covid-19 has had a mixed impact on the esports gaming industry. On the one hand, the increase in demand for virtual games and competitions has positively affected gaming companies’ revenues. However, the inability to hold physical tournaments and events has negatively affected the industry as a whole. The pandemic has caused significant revenue loss for gaming companies that rely heavily on physical events, such as VALORANT and Overwatch.
Conclusion
The Covid-19 pandemic has had significant implications on the esports world. While the pandemic has disrupted the running of physical tournaments and events, it has also led to the emergence of new esports games and a shift to virtual tournaments and events. Furthermore, the pandemic has caused revenue loss and impacted gaming companies that rely on physical events. Overall, the esports industry has been significantly affected by the pandemic, but it has shown resilience by adapting to the new normal.