(via gliterrosa)
The internet’s ability to connect individuals across the globe has made incredible advancements to the transmission of information at near light-speed. This ability to quickly send data seamlessly across large distances has greatly benefited the gaming community, allowing online multiplayer which no longer limits players to cramped split-screen gaming. Instead, video gamers are given access to several online gaming services, which provide a place for players to meet as well as enjoy music, television, and other accoutrements while taking a break from the fierce competition.
The challenging nature of video games likens them much to the world of traditional sports. This can be seen in the rise of gaming tournaments, such as MLG and IPL, where teams of gamers are pinned against one another for a hefty cash prize. Much like traditional sports, spectators are now becoming even more involved with their video gaming past-times as online capabilities continue to evolve.
Twitch, an online video streaming program, makes it easy for players across the globe to share their screens with online onlookers as they work their way through Bowser’s castle in record time. Speedrunning, the latest gaming craze to hit the Western world, challenges players to button-mash their way to finish games in the shortest time possible. Speed runs tend to involve classic games such as the Mario, Megaman, and the Legend of Zelda franchise. Like traditional sports, spectators seem to be drawn into the exhilarating experience of following live speedruns; viewers share in the ups and downs the online gamer encounters along the way. Video gaming empathy.
Who says you can’t make millions playing video games for a living, either? A popular online speedrun can garner in excess of 10,000 views, allowing video gamers to make a living from advertising while sitting at home playing their favorite childhood game. In fact, the virtual gaming sport has been popular in Japan for years. Lim Yo-Hwan, essentially the Michael Jordan of video gaming, earns a six-figure salary playing Starcraft tournaments to an audience in the hundred thousands. As long as people are interested, the possibility is always there.
Novel video games, such as Call of Duty: Black Ops 2, are beginning to take advantage of the trend by integrating online video streaming directly into the game itself. It’s amazing how video gaming has grown from the often isolated act of playing Super Mario Bros. in your bedroom to playing Halo with an immense, virtually accessible community of gamers, whilst never having to leave your room. This is the kind of revolutionary software that is changing the way we think of our virtual connectivity to one another. As our technology continues to advance, virtual gaming is sure to follow-suit. So if you feel good your video gaming skills, give online gaming a shot - you might just pick up a fan or two. Then, you’re on your way.
There is something nice about watching video games being played. I used to watch my older brother play Asteroids and River Run on our Atari as a kid. My father used to plan Pac-man and Moon Patrol when I was about fall asleep. Perhaps it all means more to someone with a similar childhood.
Cabe
