Powerful New League of Legends Video Defends Esports
A new video from Riot Games sends a powerful message about League of Legends and esports that [...]
A new video from Riot Games sends a powerful message about League of Legends and esports that solidifies the growing industry's spot among other traditional sports and games.
Whether you're a veteran of watching esports or have just recently gotten into it, you've probably been met with some quizzical looks at the idea of watching video games. You're watching someone else play a video game – an activity that already falls victim to preconceived ideas – a pastime that removes one more step from human activity as Jimmy Kimmel said. Couple that with the fact that "sports" is a core part of the relatively new word and you'll be met with a complete shutdown from those who reject the idea of video games being sports.
But the video's brief description that says "Not just a sport. Our sport," sums up a common response to the esports discussion about whether or not competitive League of Legends matches and other games should be considered a sport or not. The word "sport" might conjure up ideas of breaking a sweat through rigorous physical activities, and the debate could go on for days to decide whether "sport" is the correct phrase or not, but sports also deals with strategy, decision-making, teamwork, and so many other ideas that are perfectly showcased in the video's compilation of professional testimonies.
From the casters to the players to the fans, the video hits on all of the core parts of professional League of Legends matches that should validate the idea of competitive gaming regardless of whether you think it's a sport by definition or not. Watching the casters go crazy during climactic Elder Dragon steals or seeing victorious teams standing on stage after taking home a win are scenes that'll send chills through anyone who's stuck with the esports scene for some time, but it might also be enough to get you into the pro scene if you haven't given it a shot yet.
