Professional Gaming

[zen5887]

Anything that has that many CS dickheads yelling "Fuckin' Pwn'd!" everytime they kill someone and "Fuck you noob ******" every time they die can not be a good thing.

 

[CmdrGoob]

I watch Korean pro-Starcraft on Youtube [http://www.youtube.com/user/VioleTAK], it is pure awesome.

 

[Zer_]

The game companies use those competitions as a loss leader to promote their games. If the "sport" (and as a sports fan I hate when poker/gaming/other non-sports co-opt that term) had to stand on its own (outside of South Korea, at least) it couldn't keep itself going. There wouldn't be enough prize money for even the best players to make it worth their while.

Wrong. Many leagues and the well known ESWC (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ESWC) are completely self funded. They use Sponsors much like any sport event, and if game developers so choose they can donate money but don't think for a second that these organizations cannot stand on their own.

 

[Slash Dementia]

I've only watched a CoD4 tournament on GameSpot once, it was fine I guess. I would never watch it frequently as I'd rather play the game.
One thing I do like is a when people play games live to raise money for charity (The Speed Gamers for example). They do marathons and such, that's pretty fun to watch.

 

[Bigfatstupid]

I think Professional gaming is one of the stupidest ideas ever made.

Video games were made for our entertainment. Where the hell is the fun in trying to figure out the perfect mechanics and styles in a fighting game? I understand being a hardcore gamer, but honestly, was that new character clothes worth that month of your life you just left behind?

Some people fustrate themselves by playing ridiculously hard challenges without any sort of reward from it. People who depend 100% on trying to perfect themselves on every game they play, seem kinda retarded to me.

Far be it from me to stop someone from doing what they love, but that's just my opinion.

 

[chromewarriorXIII]

It can actually be fun to watch people play video games and I've watched MLG (Major League Gaming) before. It's a good way to learn new stuff in games.

 

[Flour]

Some people enjoy watching competitive gaming, I don't. After watching Tool Assisted gameplay, everything else is just not worth it anymore.

For those scratching their head, wondering what "tool assisted" means:

Spoiler

At first there were 70 stars because Bowser demanded it.
Then there were 16 stars because MIPS the rabbit demanded it.
Then there was 1 star because Bowser's Sub demanded it.
Now there are none because the viewers are impatient and demanded the game be quicker.
source [http://tasvideos.org/1197M.html]

EDIT: wrong youtube video

 

[Nazulu]

I like seeing pro's doing quick speed runs or showing of their awesome skill in tournaments. I also like watching sport unless they play like shit then it isn't so great.

 

[sky14kemea]

i enjoy watching my bro and cousin plays games like Halo and Resi 5
im not so good at those games, by the time ive aimed im usually deaded, i stick to things im good at like Dynasty Warriors and Rockband =D
its entertaining if you either have people who are good at it, or people who are so bad at it that it makes you laugh
my cousin always accidentally manages to kill my bro in the funniest ways, so me and my cuz are rolling around laughing for 10 mins while my bro gives us the 'evils' and tells us to 'go to hell'
XD its like watching a really bad B movie

 

[cainx10a]

I don't know anybody that watches that shit watching people play games sucks

And watching someone else play football sucks. And watching someone else play soccer sucks. And watching someone else play poker sucks. And watching someone bass fish sucks.

And yet, a million people watch them.

Video Games have as much potential to become a professional sport, and I encourage it. If someone can make a living off of something they love, more power to them. I'm tired of hearing the excuse of how "video games don't require as much skill as [insert sport here]" or how "it's sucks watching other people have fun" when that's the argument against every sport.

I hate baseball, but that doesn't make it any less of a sport. I'm completely baffled at how anyone would want to watch a bunch of guys in skinny tights run around with a ball, but football is still a sport.

Hell, chess, bass fishing, poker, curling, and croquet are all considered sports! For god's sake, if bass fishing is considered a sport, then I see no reason why playing video games for a living shouldn't be one to.

It'll probably never happen, or if it does become more official then it'd be like every other god damn sport out there.

QFT. I have played in an amateur CS team for over 5-7 years, from 1.3 to 1.6, and I can tell you, I miss those years, a lot. From the intensity and adrenaline-pumping action in scrims, to participating in LAN Tourneys.

Someone who didn't or haven't tried playing at the competitive level won't probably understand how e-sports is important to those players who dedicated humongous amount of time to hone their skills. Competitive gaming not only brought my friends even closer together, but it also opened doors for us, new friends, team-oriented challenges and of course, the money; winning a few $50 per head was fun, while it lasted in those mini-tourneys.

Anything that has that many CS dickheads yelling "Fuckin' Pwn'd!" everytime they kill someone and "Fuck you noob ******" every time they die can not be a good thing.

Ever heard of sportsmanship? Guess what, it's enforced in all level of professional/amateur gaming.

Personally, I hate pubbing with a passion, that's where all the immature people tend to flock.

 

[Zer_]

I don't know anybody that watches that shit watching people play games sucks

And watching someone else play football sucks. And watching someone else play soccer sucks. And watching someone else play poker sucks. And watching someone bass fish sucks.

And yet, a million people watch them.

Video Games have as much potential to become a professional sport, and I encourage it. If someone can make a living off of something they love, more power to them. I'm tired of hearing the excuse of how "video games don't require as much skill as [insert sport here]" or how "it's sucks watching other people have fun" when that's the argument against every sport.

I hate baseball, but that doesn't make it any less of a sport. I'm completely baffled at how anyone would want to watch a bunch of guys in skinny tights run around with a ball, but football is still a sport.

Hell, chess, bass fishing, poker, curling, and croquet are all considered sports! For god's sake, if bass fishing is considered a sport, then I see no reason why playing video games for a living shouldn't be one to.

It'll probably never happen, or if it does become more official then it'd be like every other god damn sport out there.

QFT. I have played in an amateur CS team for over 5-7 years, from 1.3 to 1.6, and I can tell you, I miss those years, a lot. From the intensity and adrenaline-pumping action in scrims, to participating in LAN Tourneys.

Someone who didn't or haven't tried playing at the competitive level won't probably understand how e-sports is important to those players who dedicated humongous amount of time to hone their skills. Competitive gaming not only brought my friends even closer together, but it also opened doors for us, new friends, team-oriented challenges and of course, the money; winning a few $50 per head was fun, while it lasted in those mini-tourneys.

Anything that has that many CS dickheads yelling "Fuckin' Pwn'd!" everytime they kill someone and "Fuck you noob ******" every time they die can not be a good thing.

Ever heard of sportsmanship? Guess what, it's enforced in all level of professional/amateur gaming.

Personally, I hate pubbing with a passion, that's where all the immature people tend to flock.

Totally agree with you. I remember playing in many Quake III Leagues. With Quake Live I expect that to come back too, I can't wait to see what comes out of that too.

 

[Jumplion]

QFT. I have played in an amateur CS team for over 5-7 years, from 1.3 to 1.6, and I can tell you, I miss those years, a lot. From the intensity and adrenaline-pumping action in scrims, to participating in LAN Tourneys.

Someone who didn't or haven't tried playing at the competitive level won't probably understand how e-sports is important to those players who dedicated humongous amount of time to hone their skills. Competitive gaming not only brought my friends even closer together, but it also opened doors for us, new friends, team-oriented challenges and of course, the money; winning a few $50 per head was fun, while it lasted in those mini-tourneys.

Then I envy you. Not many people get payed to do what they love, it's a dream for all of us to get paid to eat pizza or being paid to "house sit" a beach house. I'm hardly what you would call a "professional" gamer, I wouldn't win a tournament of any game (unless everyone else were nooblets, in which case I'd crush them all!)

 

[PrimeSynergy]

I hate watching people play games, just like I hate watching people play sports. I'd rather do it myself...

A-G-R-E-E-D. I just don't see the whole deal with it all.

 

[Voicuboyy]

i don't really understand what the hell is fun in watching someone play games.. it's fucking stupid.. just like sport games, if you want to play football go the fuck outside of the house

 

[Gamine]

If people can play football, basketball, tennis. Act/sing for huge amounts and as professionals
i dont think Professional gaming is such a big deal

Everyday people become professionals out of things they know how to do very well, much more than the average.
why should gaming be an exception.

 

[Asehujiko]

I think Professional gaming is one of the stupidest ideas ever made.

Video games were made for our entertainment. Where the hell is the fun in trying to figure out the perfect mechanics and styles in a fighting game? I understand being a hardcore gamer, but honestly, was that new character clothes worth that month of your life you just left behind?

Some people fustrate themselves by playing ridiculously hard challenges without any sort of reward from it. People who depend 100% on trying to perfect themselves on every game they play, seem kinda retarded to me.

Far be it from me to stop someone from doing what they love, but that's just my opinion.

You seem to be mistaken about what professional gaming is. What you described is somebody who's very bored for whatever reason or somebody with OCD. Proffesional gamers are people who attend official tournaments and most likeky make more money from it then you do.

Based on this thread, people who like watching e-sports are noticeably more mature then those who don't, based on the coherency of posts, ammount of needless swear words used and calling the opposition "retarded" and "stupid" and the ammount of misinformation.

 

[Da_Schwartz]

I really enjoy watching the Korean Starcraft games. I didn't realize how much I sucked until I watched them for the first time.

Indeed. I dont usualkly brag but i'm vicious in star and warcraft.. all cheap rushes aside. But the Koreans are like..w..t..f. LIke 50 simotaneaous moves going on at any given time Fingers all crazy like. It's just insane.

 

[Jumplion]

I think Professional gaming is one of the stupidest ideas ever made.

Video games were made for our entertainment. Where the hell is the fun in trying to figure out the perfect mechanics and styles in a fighting game? I understand being a hardcore gamer, but honestly, was that new character clothes worth that month of your life you just left behind?

Some people fustrate themselves by playing ridiculously hard challenges without any sort of reward from it. People who depend 100% on trying to perfect themselves on every game they play, seem kinda retarded to me.

Far be it from me to stop someone from doing what they love, but that's just my opinion.

You seem to be mistaken about what professional gaming is. What you described is somebody who's very bored for whatever reason or somebody with OCD. Proffesional gamers are people who attend official tournaments and most likeky make more money from it then you do.

Based on this thread, people who like watching e-sports are noticeably more mature then those who don't, based on the coherency of posts, ammount of needless swear words used and calling the opposition "retarded" and "stupid" and the ammount of misinformation.

You'd think that most of us, gaming enthusiasts, would encourage gaming to develop and evolve into something that could be watched and enjoyed by the masses. Accept the idea that you could make money off of playing the damn things.

And I like your observation, it is 100% true

 

[-Seraph-]

I actually don't mind watching people play, I will go on youtube and watch peoples videos in order to get a better understanding of how to play and I still find it entertaining. Hell it's better than watching golf or poker. As long as people keep seeing games in a childish light, they wont be taken seriously and professional gaming will be scoffed at by people who are either ignorant or hypocrites. Some people just have these double standards engrained into them and will accept only what they deem acceptable although they will let something as equally stupid slide.

I mean are you telling me you will allow chess tournys, world poker matches, hell even scrabble!? have professional events but not games!? games have huge potential. I wont go into debate on whether it's a "sport" or not, as it is so often debatable. But seriously, whats the big deal!? Yea games are meant to have fun, but so is every other activity.

I just think people have to be more open minded about this, some may not enjoy it but hey, we can't all like the same damn things. Hopefully one day people will get off their high horses and stop scoffing at games and treat them with a tad more respect, although the industry has to do their part in this as well unfortunately...and with that in mind the future looks a little grim.

 

[Sevre]

I wish I was a pro-gamer, sadly I gave up that dream long ago when I realised I sucked at most multiplayer games. Although I'm pretty good at some RTSs, its not Korean good.