The word ‘esports’ is shorthand for ‘electronic sports’ and refers to the competitive gaming scene that has sprung up worldwide in recent years. Esports is now big business, with professional gamers earning sponsorships and prize money from playing tournaments in front of huge crowds.
Several factors have led to esports’ growth. Fans can now bet on super bowl and esports easily. Here are some of the most vital technologies that have shaped the esports industry.
Twitch
This is a live-streaming platform launched in 2011. It’s now the go-to platform for esports spectators, with millions of people tuning in to watch live tournaments and individual gamers playing popular games such as Fortnite, League of Legends, and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive.
Twitch has also become a key revenue stream for professional gamers and esports organizations. The platform allows viewers to donate money to their favorite streamers, and many top gamers generate six-figure incomes from Twitch donations, sponsorships, and advertising.
Virtual Reality
Virtual reality (VR) technology is still in its infancy, but it’s already impacting the world of esports. VR creates immersive gaming experiences that make spectators feel inside the game.
This is best illustrated by the ‘VR League, a competitive gaming league that uses Oculus Rift headsets to give spectators a virtual front-row seat to all the action. The VR League is just one example of how VR is being used to enhance the esports spectator experience.
Drones
Drones are being used to record aerial footage of esports tournaments. This gives spectators a bird’s eye view of the action and makes for some spectacular live broadcasts.
Among the most prominent esports tournaments in the world, such as the League of Legends World Championship and the Overwatch League, now feature drones as part of their live broadcasts.
Render Farms
This is a cluster of computers used to render high-quality 3D graphics. This technology plays a significant role in the world of esports.
Many of the world’s top esports organizations have to render farms, which create realistic in-game graphics for training purposes. This allows professional gamers to get an accurate idea of what they’re up against before they enter the competition.
Haptics
This is the science of applying touch to digital interfaces. This technology is often used in gaming controllers to give players a sense of feedback when they interact with in-game elements.
Haptics also creates more immersive VR experiences. For example, the Virtuix Omni VR treadmill uses haptic technology to give users a realistic feeling of walking and running in virtual environments.
Augmented Reality
This is another technology used to create more immersive gaming experiences. AR allows superimposing digital elements onto the real world, giving gamers a new way to interact with their environment.
The Pokemon Go mobile game is one of the most famous examples of AR gaming. The game uses AR to add Pokemon creatures into the real world, allowing players to catch them with their smartphones.
Game Engines
A game engine is a software platform used to create video games. The two most popular game engines are Unity and Unreal Engine 4.
These engines get used by many of the world’s top game developers and are also playing a significant role in the world of esports. For example, many top esports organizations own Unreal Engine 4 servers to train professional gamers.
5G
This is the next generation of mobile network technology. This new standard offers faster mobile speeds and lower latency, which is ideal for gaming and esports.
It is still in its initial deployment steps, but it’s already used by some of the world’s top esports organizations. For example, SK Telecom T1, a professional esports team based in South Korea, has its own 5G-powered gaming house.
AI
Artificial intelligence is another technology used to train professional gamers and those who place wagers on super bowl odds. AI creates ‘bots’ to simulate opponents in training sessions.
This allows gamers to get a realistic idea of what they’re up against before entering the competition. AI also creates ‘coaching bots’ that can offer real-time advice and feedback to gamers during training sessions.
Blockchain
This is the technology that underpins cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. This distributed ledger technology also creates new platforms designed to support the development of the gaming industry.
For example, the blockchain-based platform GameCredits aims to provide a one-stop shop for gamers and developers. The platform includes a payment system that allows gamers to purchase in-game items and make in-game purchases.
Verdict
These are some technologies that are shaping the esports industry. As the industry continues to grow, we expect to see even more innovative technologies like the ones for getting the best super bowl lines. These will enhance the spectator experience and support the professional gaming scene.
