Has eSports broadcasting imitated traditional sports broadcasting?

Esports has rapidly gained in importance in recent years. Millions of fans watch the exciting events centred around League of Legends, CS:GO, Dota 2 and the like - similar to traditional sports. But what about the actual broadcasts of the games? Has eSports simply modelled itself on traditional sport or are there innovations in this area?

The importance of eSports - playing, watching and betting

eSports is not just a sensation for the participants, who can win millions in prize money at some events. There are more and more people who want to watch the top gamers play. It is estimated that by 2025 there will be almost 320 million fans worldwide who regularly enjoy eSports events.

This popularity can also be seen among bookmakers. Sports betting usually includes not only the classics such as football and basketball, but also numerous eSports events.

If you look at the rapid development of eSports, it is only understandable that investments are being made in broadcasting, just like in traditional sports. After all, the aim is to offer fans a good experience.

Similarities in the broadcasting of eSports events and traditional sporting encounters

In some respects, it is fair to say that the eSports industry has modelled itself on the way traditional sport is broadcast. Among other things, the following similarities can be observed:

• High technical standards: just like the games themselves, attention is paid to razor-sharp graphics and high-quality sound effects during broadcasting. As with traditional sport, high-resolution cameras and state-of-the-art technology are used to offer viewers a first-class experience.

• Commentators: It's hard to imagine a football match without a commentator. Even if you only follow the game on the radio, you are kept up to date with the action and background information. It's no different with eSports.

• Event structure and reporting: Major sporting events such as the football World Cup are not just about the game itself, but also about prior analyses, half-time reporting and so on. The major eSports tournaments have a similar structure.

Innovations in the broadcasting of eSports tournaments

Even though there seem to be many aspects that the eSports industry imitates from traditional sport, there are also some special features that make the game broadcasts stand out.

One major difference lies in the media. Popular events in traditional sport are usually heard on the radio and broadcast on television. eSports, on the other hand, focuses primarily on digital streaming platforms.

Among other things, this results in an interactive viewer experience. Platforms such as YouTube or Twitch are particularly popular for eSports broadcasts. They give fans the opportunity to comment live on the action or interact with other viewers.

The reason for the different forms of broadcasting probably lies in the slightly different target group. While traditional sports appeal to a very broad audience, eSports has a predominantly young audience. This audience is tech-savvy and familiar with digital streaming platforms.

Conclusion

Even if there are some similarities in the broadcasting of eSports and traditional sporting events, it is difficult to say that this is a case of imitation. It is in the nature of things that the focus is on good quality and the events are given a framework with commentators and reports. The channels used, which provide additional interaction, show that eSports wants to go its own way.