Cybersports or eSports is a term used to describe competitive video games. They differ from standard ones, as they contain competitive elements when one person opposes another. As a rule, it fuels spectator interest, as in traditional sports. Where eSports is taught in Birmingham and how to get started? Learn more at birmingham-future.com.
What is eSports?
Esports tournaments are usually made up of amateur or professional gamers. The latter compete against each other for a cash prize. Thus, they earn money. For example, in League of Legends, five gamers play against five others in a virtual battle arena. Such shooters as Call of Duty and Counter-Strike can be played at tournaments. So we can say that eSports requires skills and professionalism.
Professional players know the games inside and out, just like professional football players or athletes or chess players are fluent in their fields. Players can play alone against each other in such games as FIFA and Street Fighter. They also can play in teams. For example, Halo is played by two teams of four, while Overwatch is played by two teams of six.
The rules and strategy can vary greatly depending on the game. However, what remains unchanged and similar to other sports is that players should train.
We should note one more significant difference from other sports. Unlike, for example, soccer, which is separated into men’s and women’s leagues, eSports involves men, women and gender-nonconforming players. The number of female players has increased in recent years and continues to grow thanks to such initiatives as Women in eSports.
Equal opportunities in eSports
According to Women in Games, 1 in 20 women are involved in the eSports industry, although this number is gradually increasing. In addition, there are many women who hold various non-player positions in the sphere, such as casting, coaching, producing, etc. In addition, eSports is open to everyone, regardless of their physical abilities.
Some of the most popular eSports games include League of Legends, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Overwatch, Dota 2, Call of Duty and many others. Professional teams usually have coaches, analysts and managers to help get the best results and organise strategies.
Some games are played on consoles like Xbox One or PS4, while others are played on PC. Tournaments can be held online or during offline events. Usually, such meetings take place during the grand finals, if it is safe, recalling the relatively recent COVID-19 pandemic. Then the participants of the competition play through a local network.
Competitions can be watched by spectators during the live event or online via such streaming platforms as Twitch.
The eSports industry has developed to such an extent that some of the biggest tournaments offer millions of pounds in prize money. Those with the largest prize pools are The International (Dota 2) with $34 million and The Fortnite World Cup with $30 million as of 2019. These events are watched by millions of fans and attract a lot of attention.
Professional eSports
Professional players have a decent salary. Depending on the team and game, top pros can make hundreds of thousands of dollars a year. It can be a standard salary or sponsorships and donations. However, the situation is completely different with amateur players, as sometimes they don’t even have a contract. Instead, they take part in low-level tournaments collecting a part of the winnings or playing for fun.
In recent years, player representation has been a pressing topic in eSports. The same relates to the settlement of relationships, including financial ones. Currently, game publishers and developers set the rules and are responsible for ensuring fairness and applying penalties if necessary. In general, eSports has grown significantly in recent years thanks to bookmakers, broadcasters and major non-traditional brands such as Coca-Cola. Therefore, the industry has no other way but to develop further.
So, how and where can you learn to play games professionally in Birmingham? Welcome to BMet or Birmingham Metropolitan College. Here, you can continue your education or get a higher education. The college was established relatively recently, in 2009, following the amalgamation of Matthew Boulton and Sutton Coldfield Colleges. What does the institution offer in the sphere of eSports? The answer is Esports Academy.
BMet’s Esports Academy
ESports Academy is an additional course in a study programme. That is, you can combine A-Level courses or vocational courses with the chosen sport, as well as English or maths and additional programmes if necessary.
If you get a place in the eSports Academy, you will be provided with coaching and the opportunity to compete against other colleges in FIFA 21, Rocket League, League of Legends or Overwatch. ESports Academy recognises and ensures they stick to the philosophy of the Four Corners of Coaching, i.e. social, technical, psychological and physical. You will receive from 6 to 12 hours of training, as well as the opportunity to participate in local, regional or national leagues and cup competitions.
In addition to professional training and playing, you will be given access to specialist advice on such issues as
- food
- fitness training and programming
- sports psychology and emotional intelligence
- personal and social development
- progress information, including career planning
- long-term development of an athlete
- injury prevention and rehabilitation
- additional/special sports qualifications
- leadership, volunteering, coaching and refereeing opportunities.
If we talk about studying at Birmingham Metropolitan College in more detail, it should be noted that students are the centre of everything that happens here. Whether you are a school-leaver looking to improve your qualifications and career prospects or an adult who has decided to return to education to start a new career in eSports or even start your own business, BMet will support you along the way. The benefit of such a partnership is mutual. Modern facilities, enthusiastic staff, exceptional academic and career advice and financial support will help make your dreams come true.