The meteoric rise of esports has been nothing short of phenomenal. But have you ever wondered when this digital revolution really began? This article provides a captivating journey back in time to the genesis of esports.
The term ‘esports’ may sound like a recent buzzword, but the concept has been around for longer than you might think. It’s a world where the joystick and keyboard replace the football and the tennis racket. A world where players swap the physical pitch for the virtual one.
The Rise of Electronic Sports: A Historical Perspective
Giving an account of the history of esports reveals a compelling journey. It takes us back to the era of arduous beginnings, evolving through major events, leading to the establishment of online multiplayer empire we witness today.
Diving into the early stages, esports came into existence in the late 20th century, with origins tracing back to October 19, 1972, at Stanford University. It was then that the first documented video game competition took place, with students setting high scores on a game named “Spacewar!”.
Another monumental milestone was achieved in 2000 with the formation of the largest gaming organization – the World Cyber Games (WCG). Coining themselves as the ‘Olympics of esports,’ WCG hosted tournaments with multi-genre games, formulating a platform for worldwide gamer participation.
When Did Esports Start
This portion of our exploration into “when did esports start” unfolds the chronological evolution of esports. Every decade adds a crucial chapter, contributing to this digital saga.
Esports in the 90s: A Growing Phenomenon
The dawn of the 90s beheld a visible shift in the esports landscape. Prior to this era, competitive gaming found root in local arcades and university campuses. But the 90s unrolled a more organized and global platform for players. It marked the genesis of renowned events like the Red Annihilation tournament in 1997, a touchstone moment that crystalized esports’ potential.
The 2000s: The Maturation and Mainstream Recognition of Esports
As the new millennium arrived, esports matured from a niche pursuit into a mainstream venture. A consequential juncture occurred in 2000 with the institution of the World Cyber Games (WCG). Undeniably, WCG’s inception holds paramount significance, as it served to legitimize esports, granting it status akin to a bona fide international sport.
The Key Games that Defined the Start of Esports
Several groundbreaking games have left deep imprints on the ladder of esports success. From Starcraft to Dota and League of Legends, these games represented crucial stepping stones in the industry’s evolution.
The Impact of Starcraft in Esports’ Popularity
Starcraft, released in 1998 by Blizzard Entertainment, emerged as a turning point in esports history. Dominating the gaming market, Starcraft’s intricate competitive scene caught the attention of mainstream media, especially in South Korea, where televised Starcraft matches became a norm. Data supports this impact, with Starcraft tournaments boasting tens of thousands of spectators and millions of television viewers. Its essence in strategic gameplay and the visually distinct armies created an inclusive environment for both casual players and professionals, bolstering esports’ popularity significantly.
Dota and League of Legends: Catalysts for Esports’ Rapid Growth
With the release of Dota (Defense of the Ancients) in 2003, another seismic shift within the esports landscape took place. Its complex, team-based strategy gameplay made this game an instant hit among competitive players. Followed by the launch of its successor, Dota 2, in 2013, the game introduced impressive prize pools, making it attractive for players aiming to carve a lucrative career in esports.
Similarly, Riot Games’ League of Legends, launched in 2009, rendered an influential role in propelling the esports industry. Captivating millions of players worldwide, the game also introduced a structure for competitive play, invoking the birth of the League Championship Series, where teams compete in structured, seasonal tournaments. Both these games marked a phase in which esports began to resemble conventional sports, with regular seasons, professional teams, and substantial global viewership, hence catalyzing rapid growth in the industry.