Keith Lui's Blog

The Internet has become an irreplaceable part of our lives.   It is a platform for people to communicate with one another, share ideas and thoughts and to expand their knowledge and develop new interests.  It is also a common destination for entrepreneurs looking to start up a business.

While the impact the internet has made on us and on society has long been discussed, some of the most wonderful things made possible by the Internet have been overlooked.   One example is professional competitive gaming (otherwise known as e-sports).

A large portion of the E Sport industry is based on real time strategy games.  At any point in time, Battle.net (Blizzard’s gaming network for their popular Warcraft and Starcraft titles) has an average of 1,000,000 users playing.   This is a significant amount, considering that gamers playing these titles represent only a fraction of gamers worldwide (albeit Blizzard titles are generally always amongst the most popular and most played).

What is the secret to Blizzard’s success?  Blizzard has a great understanding of what gamers look for, and have implemented their strategy perfectly.  Apart from the excellent graphics, countless units, characters, items, buildings, strategies, and abilities, Blizzard is able to keep players hooked to their games.  I am one of those players addicted to Starcraft II.

Blizzard.net works like this:  the player logs on, presses “search for match” and shortly after, is presented an opponent who is similar in skill level.  After each game, ranking points will be gained (or lost) depending on the results.  These points accumulate and put players in “leagues” that are appropriate for their skill level.

Apart from the immense fun provided by the game, there are other incentives for players to want to play games like Starcraft II.  Many tournaments and leagues, with huge fan followings and cash prizes are offered around the world.   Major League Gaming dominates professional gaming in the U.S., while in South Korea, teams backed by sponsors actually have contracts signed with their players.  Top players in South Korea are essentially celebrities.

Players realize that only the best of the best have a chance at this fame and glory.   Yet using technology such as Youtube and live streaming sites , lesser players are given ample opportunity to improve their skills.  In addition, tournaments aimed towards players of all skill levels are being sponsored by companies looking to do a little cheap advertising.

With technology further advancing, I think that professional gaming will continue to grow, that more companies will take advantage of  esports and sponsor league, tournaments and teams, and that the esports fan base will continue to grow.

Here is a replay of one of the most exciting games ever played in Starcraft 2: