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An eSports competition in Moscow, Russia, in 2019.
SHUTTERSTOCK.COM
STANDARDS
NGSS: Core Idea: PS4.C
CCSS: Speaking and Listening: 1
TEKS: 6.2E, 7.2E, 8.2E, TA.6A
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The Rise of eSports
Is video gaming on its way to becoming the most popular spectator sport in the world?
AS YOU READ, THINK ABOUT the technological advances that helped boost the success of eSports.
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, thousands of sports fans would pack into massive arenas to see their favorite teams compete against one another. But at these events, rivals weren’t facing off on a field or court—they were sitting at computers playing video games!
When social-distancing restrictions prevented people from gathering in large numbers, these eSports events shifted online. But the change in venue didn’t make eSports any less popular. With the rise of live-streaming platforms for gamers like Twitch, more people are watching video game competitions. During the height of the pandemic in 2020, 82 percent of people surveyed worldwide said they played or watched video game content, according to the market research company Nielsen.
Before the Covid-19 pandemic, huge arenas were packed. Thousands of sports fans came to see their favorite teams compete against one another. But players weren’t facing off on a field or court at these events. They were sitting at computers playing video games!
Then people had to start social distancing. They could no longer gather in large numbers. So these eSports events moved online. But the change in setting didn’t make eSports any less popular. Twitch and other live-streaming platforms for gamers took off. Now more people are watching video game competitions. At the peak of the pandemic in 2020, the market research company Nielsen took a survey. Worldwide, 82 percent of people said they played or watched video game content.
Rocket League
ROCKET LEAGUE
The start of eSports dates back to 1980, but modern competitions didn’t take off until the early 2000s. The internet allowed players from around the world to compete remotely. Today, some middle and high schools even have their own eSports teams. Members play games like Overwatch and League of Legends—online multiplayer games that involve battling an opposing team. Students meet up to test strategies, train with different characters, and practice for competitions. Amy Whitlock, a teacher and eSports coach in Oswego, Illinois, says, “Players are not just gamers. They’re athletes.”
The start of eSports goes back to 1980. But modern competitions took off in the early 2000s, thanks to the internet. Players around the world could compete from a distance. Today, some middle and high schools even have their own eSports teams. Members play games like Overwatch and League of Legends. In these online multiplayer games, teams battle one another. Students meet to test game plans, train with different characters, and practice for competitions. Amy Whitlock is a teacher and eSports coach in Oswego, Illinois. She says, “Players are not just gamers. They’re athletes.”
EPIC GAMES
Fortnite
The most competitive eSports tournaments have prize pools to award winning players. In 2020, competitors received about $116 million. Here are the top five prize pools by game during that year.
SOURCE: ESPORTSEARNINGS.COM
DIG INTO THE DATA: The Counter-Strike: Global Offensive prize pool was worth how many times that of Fortnite?
It’s predicted that eSports will have more viewers in the U.S. in 2021 than any major sports league other than the National Football League (NFL).
SOURCE: ACTIVATE, SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY
DIG INTO THE DATA: Which two leagues combined are predicted to have almost the same number of viewers as eSports in 2021?
Twitch, which launched in 2011, is the most popular video game streaming platform. The service has nearly tripled its average daily viewership since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic.
SOURCE: TWITCHTRACKER.COM
DIG INTO THE DATA: What was the difference between the daily average Twitch viewership in January 2019 and May 2021?
The first commercial video game was introduced in 1971. Since then, video games have progressed from the arcade to home consoles to the internet.
Space Invaders
1980
A 17-year-old won the Space Invaders championship.
1982-1984
Contestants on the American TV show Starcade competed to beat each other’s arcade game high scores.
ARCADEIMAGES/ALAMY STOCK PHOTO
Super Mario Bros. 3
1990
The Nintendo World Championship held competitions in 30 U.S. cities. Three champions were chosen, each from different age groups.
2000s
The first professional eSports organizations were created, including the World Cyber Games, the Intel Extreme Masters, and Major League Gaming.
BLIZZARD ENTERTAINMENT INC.
Hearthstone
2010s
ESPN and Fox Sports televised eSports. In 2013, the U.S. government recognized eSports players as professional athletes. Stadiums focused solely on hosting eSports events opened.
DIG INTO THE DATA: How many years have passed since the U.S. recognized eSports players as pro athletes?
Continue Your Learning
Design your own multiplayer video game that could be played at an eSports competition. Draw what a typical scene in the game would look like. Then describe the rules and other important details about the game, such as how many players could participate and how they could win. Make sure the content of the game is appropriate for your age group and does not violate any school rules.