E sports, short for electronic sports, is a form of competition using video games. E sports often takes the form of organized, multiplayer video game competitions. Particularly between professional players, individually or as teams. Although organized competitions have long been a part of video game culture. These were largely between amateurs until the late 2000s. When participation by professional gamers and spectatorship in these events through live streaming saw a large surge in popularity. By the 2010s, e sports was a significant factor in the video game industry. With many game developers actively designing and providing funding for tournaments and other events.
By the late 2010s, it was estimated that the total audience of e sports would grow to 454 million viewers. With revenue increasing to more than US$1 billion, with China accounting for 35% of the global e sports revenue in 2020. The increasing availability of online streaming media platforms, particularly YouTube and Twitch, have become central to the growth and promotion of esports competitions.
Despite viewership being approximately 85% male and 15% female. With a majority of viewers between the ages of 18 and 34, female gamers have also played professionally. The popularity and recognition of esports first took place in Asia, seeing significant growth in China and South Korea. With the latter having licensed professional players since 2000. Despite its large video game industry, esports in Japan is relatively underdeveloped, with this being largely attributed to its broad anti-gambling laws which prohibit paid professional gaming tournaments. Outside of Asia, esports are also popular in Europe and the Americas. With both regional and international events taking place in those regions.
E sports in Nepal
The egaming culture which had been limited to only a few enthusiasts previously has started gaining massive popularity across the world these days. In the past, egaming was seen as more of a hobby but now with serious gaming enthusiasts and large scale competitions, it has become a burgeoning business, not just globally but here in Nepal too.
The gaming scenario in Nepal is also booming. Some of the popular games that played professionally in Nepal are Dota 2, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO), Valorant, PUBG Mobile and Free Fire. However, the government has not yet formally recognised esport. To cater to the aspirations and demands of Nepalis involved in esports, the Nepal Esports Association (NESA) established in 2016.
There are now individuals who have actually taken up esports as a career. For instance, Arun Mishra is a professional Counter Strike player who has played for myRevenge Nepal team as its captain. Mishra, who has been playing the game for over a decade is also Managing Director of a Nepal-based esport company called WASD Arena. According to him, esports started to evolve from the year 2000 globally and it was in 2002 that the culture was introduced in Nepal and since then it has been only increasing with the boom in cyber culture.
Shakya also says that though esport is gaining popularity, it is still a new market in Nepal and many people are unaware about it. “But there is a lot of potential as many youngsters have started getting involved in it even viewing it as a profession.”
