Esport is a tale that needs to be told over and over again. The privilege of the early adopters, one might say.
But evangelism is a necessary step for all the non Esport savvy people coming to your events : parents, boy/girlfriend, passing by crowd and of course generalist medias… You name them.
As we’ve been through this “enlighten me” process countless of times – and will do it for a couple thousands more times – here are 10 ways we efficiently used to explain Esport with simple arguments, or just sparkle a light in our audience head.
1. Think of it like the new skateboard
Photo : Tony Hawk at X Games
Esports is already big from today’s perspective, but it’s still in infancy if we were to compare with what’s coming in the next 2 years. Think about skateboard, which started as an underground, underdog discipline, before going mainstream.
2. Also think about metaphores
Photo : Chess player Alexandra Botez
Event tho they don’t always nail it, metaphors bring a better, smoother understanding. Chess, archery, soccer, poker… Use familiar disciplines to explain yours. Just warn that Esport is never exactly the same.
3. Yes, there are physical prowesses
Photo : Starcraft II player Losira
Main critics towards Esports are that the progamers are not “real” athletes in their own right, as they don’t run and sweat. Prove them wrong, talking about A.P.M, Eye / hand coordination and reflexes. Don’t talk about Hearthstone.
4. It is the heir of the 3 largest popular cultures in decades
Photo : Riot LCS Finals 2014
Esports = Video Game + Internet + Sports = Here to stay and dominate. Enough said.
5. Talk money
Photo : Dota 2 International 4 growing cash prize
Because yes, money talks. People often hang on cold hard cash facts to give credit (no pun intended) to something new to them. The International 4 $10M cashprize, or NaDeShot $1M yearly revenues should do the math (pun intended).
6. There’s variety in the disciplines
Photo : Some of ESWC 2014 disciplines
Esport is not about a video game. It’s about a lot of different video games. The depth of Esport disciplines adds to its credibility (more people, more communities, mores styles), as there is a type of game for everyone.
7. You’re on familiar ground
Photo : Street Fighter signature move
Esport is a new field for the people you’re talking to, but video games aren’t. Chances are they have already played or seen Call Of Duty or Street Fighter once in their life.
8. Listen to the casters
Photo : Professional CS:GO casters
Esport is not only about the champions. The casters are the other stars, bringing insights, help and hype to any event. It’s one of the best way to enjoy Esports without…
9 …You don’t need to understand everything
Photo : ESWC crowd
… You to understand everything. Like any sport, Esport is also about the show. Sometimes, you enjoy a crazy move because the crowd is going nuts, or dead silent. Because the casters and the champions are throwing their headsets in the air. Because you’re feeling a chill even tho you don’t clearly understand what’s going on the screen.
10. Just come and watch
Photo : League Of Legends Copa Latino Americana
Esports are a very empirical thing. People can’t understand the hype, the excitement, the cheerings and the dramas until they’ve seen it in the flesh. No more talk : invite them to jump in !
