Asian Games Esports

Introduction:

The Asian Games is an international sporting event that features many different sports played by athletes from countries all around Asia. In recent years, the popularity of esports has grown rapidly, and as a result, it has been included as a demonstration sport in the 2018 Asian Games and as a medal event in the 2022 Asian Games. This is a significant milestone for the esports industry, as it marks the first time that esports has been officially recognized as a sport in a major international multi-sport event. In this article, we will delve deeper into the Asian Games esports scene, exploring its history, the different games that are played, and what the future holds for this emerging sport.

1. History of Esports in the Asian Games

Esports has come a long way since its early beginnings in the late 1970s and 1980s, when video games were still a relatively niche hobby. Over time, esports evolved and grew in popularity, with the development of faster internet speeds, better hardware, and more advanced games. The rise of esports in Asia is no different, and countries like South Korea and China have become powerhouses in the industry.

1.1 The Rise of Esports in Asia

The Asian Games has a long history of promoting traditional sports and fostering unity amongst Asian nations. However, with the increasing popularity of esports, the Asian Games has taken a step towards embracing this new and exciting form of competition. In 2018, esports was included in the Asian Games as a demonstration sport, allowing gamers to showcase their skills in a competitive arena at a major sporting event. This demonstration consisted of six esports games- League of Legends, Dota 2, Starcraft II, Hearthstone, Pro Evolution Soccer, and Arena of Valor.

1.2 Esports Becoming A Medal Event

After the success of esports as a demonstration sport in the 2018 Asian Games, the Olympic Council of Asia announced that esports would become a medal event at the 2022 Asian Games, to be held in Hangzhou, China. This will be an even bigger stage for esports, as players will compete against each other for the chance to win official medals.

2. The Different Esports Games Played At The Asian Games

The Asian Games offers a variety of different esports games for players to compete in. Each game has its own unique rules and gameplay mechanics, making it appealing to a wide range of players and spectators. Here are some of the most popular esports games featured at the Asian Games:

2.1 League of Legends

League of Legends (LoL) is one of the most popular multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) games in the world. Teams of five players work together to destroy the enemy team's nexus, a structure located in the opposing team's base. With over 100 million active players every month, LoL is a staple in the Asian Games esports scene.

2.2 Dota 2

Similar to LoL, Dota 2 is another popular MOBA game in which two teams of five players compete against each other. The objective is to destroy the enemy team's Ancient, located in their base. With a large player base and a wide range of heroes to choose from, Dota 2 is a highly entertaining game to watch.

2.3 Starcraft II

Starcraft II is a real-time strategy game that is played between two players. Each player builds an army and collects resources to defeat their opponent. It is one of the most popular esports games in South Korea, and has a dedicated fan base across Asia.

2.4 Hearthstone

Hearthstone is a digital collectible card game in which players build decks of cards and compete against each other. It is a game that requires strategy and careful planning, making it an exciting game to watch.

2.5 Pro Evolution Soccer

Pro Evolution Soccer is a football simulation game, in which players take control of a football team and compete against each other on the virtual pitch. It is a popular game in many parts of Asia, with passionate fans and professional players alike.

3. The Future of Esports in the Asian Games

The inclusion of esports as a medal event in the 2022 Asian Games has sparked a lot of excitement and anticipation. Many believe that this could be a major step towards esports being recognized as an official Olympic sport in the future. The growth of esports in Asia has been impressive, with countries like South Korea and China establishing themselves as dominant players in the industry. With increased support and investment, the esports scene in Asia is only set to grow bigger and better.

The editor says: The inclusion of esports as a medal event in the Asian Games is a significant statement about the growth, popularity, and legitimacy of esports in the global market. With a wide range of games on offer, esports has become a major force in the sports industry, and we can only expect to see more growth and development in the future with the continued recognition of esports as an official sport at major international events.