As an avid esports enthusiast, I’ve witnessed the dramatic rise of competitive gaming. It’s not just a pastime anymore – it’s a global phenomenon, a professional sport, and for many, a way of life. Each year, one game stands out, captivating audiences worldwide. This article is all about that game – the esports game of the year.
From thrilling in-game action to the captivating narratives behind the scenes, the esports game of the year isn’t just about popularity. It’s about impact, innovation, and the indelible mark it leaves on the esports landscape. So, let’s dive into the digital arena and explore the game that took the esports world by storm this year.
Understanding Esports
Esports, short for electronic sports, isn’t just a subculture anymore; it’s now fully embraced as a legitimate sport worldwide. Having been influenced by the game of the year, the esports landscape carries an impact far-reaching beyond player popularity or game narratives. Let’s delve deeper.
The Rise of Esports
Esports got its start with early game competitions and has witnessed exponential growth over the years. A turning point came with the advent and proliferation of the internet, enabling players from various geographic locations to compete with each other in real-time. The numbers indeed tell the story. In 2020 alone, esports saw a global audience size of 495 million, with revenues soaring to the tune of 974.9 million U.S. dollars. This rise can be attributed to not just the competitive nature of the games themselves but also to the rise in streaming platforms and the establishment of professional esports leagues, bolstering the legitimacy of esports.
Different Types of Esports Games
Esports genre isn’t limited to one type of game; diversity lies at its core. The most widely recognized esports games fall into a few broad categories.
- Real-Time Strategy (RTS): RTS games, such as StarCraft II, involve strategic, on-the-spot decision-making. Players build units and structures to secure areas of the map and ultimately dominate their opponent.
- Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA): MOBA games, including notable ones League of Legends and Dota 2, pitch teams against each other with the goal of destroying the opposition’s base.
- First-Person Shooter (FPS): FPS games, including Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and Overwatch, are centered around combat and usually involve teams competing against each other to complete objectives or eliminate the opposing team.
- Battle Royale: Games like Fortnite and PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds fit into this category. These games feature a large number of players, often up to 100, all striving to be the last one standing on an ever-shrinking map.
Whether it’s the strategic planning in RTS games, the team dynamics in MOBAs, the fast-paced combat in FPS titles, or the survival instincts in Battle Royale games, each genre caters to different player tastes; reflecting the rich tapestry that makes up the world of esports.
Esports Game of the Year
Selecting the ‘Esports Game of the Year’ isn’t a roll of the dice. It’s governed by a rigorous set of criteria, ensuring the winner truly represents the industry’s pinnacle.
Game Design and Technical Excellence
Among the fundamental criteria, game design and technical excellence take center stage. These parameters examine the architectural integrity and functionality of the game. Top-notch game design ensures a smooth and engaging gameplay experience, offering players a dynamic playground. For instance, Dota 2 utilizes an intricate map filled with objectives and intricate details contributing to strategic depth.
Community Engagement and Player Base
Another pivotal determinant, community engagement and player base, indicates the emotional bond between the game and its followers. These elements measure the strength of the game’s community, taking into account player dedication, involvement in in-game events, and community growth. League of Legends, for instance, maintains high community engagement through regular in-game updates, events, and a welcoming, inclusive gaming environment.
In-Game Competitiveness and Balance
In-game competitiveness and balance fundamentally define the fairness and strategic depth of an esports title, providing an equally challenging environment for all players. It ensures that no character, team, or strategy maintains an unfair advantage over others. Valorant, with its diversified range of characters with unique yet balanced abilities, exemplifies this criterion effectively.