The Top 5 Amendments to Pro Gaming

Pro gaming, and the mediums which cover it, are relatively large nowadays. You have the World Cyber Games, or even the Electronic Sports League dominating most of the world’s pro gaming hype. There’s even some very prominent amateur leagues like CAL. Yet with all things, there is room for improvement.

This wish-list of sorts addresses an interest in pro gaming that has yet to reach its apex. Truth be told, more people might become less n00bish if they actually watched a few pro matches, and come to realize that cyber athletes are ultimately the best type. So, In order to get people excited about the world of pro gaming, here’s five things that need to happen:

Boxer, the Most Succesful Pro Gamer Ever (pwns You).

1. Multilingual Commentaries: Searching for pro StarCraft coverage on YouTube yields one of two things: an overwhelming amount of exciting, visceral matches commentated in Korean, or a smaller selection of equally awesome matches re-commentated upon in English. It’s true that a wider range of translations might exist if gamers of other countries showed a greater interest. Though I’m probably generalizing, subtitled commentaries with translatable text would be a godsend. Even if such things like “All your bases are belong to us” show up in translation, it would still be a major improvement.

2. Rejecting Naysayers’ Opinions on “Sport”:

It’s funny how often you’ll hear people scoff at pro gaming being considered a sport. I know, the word’s physical connotations have forced upon us a new definition.But seriously, most pro gamers sweat more than any baseball player, and contain more coordination and speed (on the keyboard, that is) than your average person. After all, “1337″ is only placed upon those deserving of its epic title — even if the rest of the world is content with watching n00bness broadcasted on ESPN.

3. Greater Media Exposure: In Korea, there are at least four television channels dedicated to video games. In North America, we have one: G4 television (lawl) — and with its shows like Arena, though once being quite good (i.e. when Wil Wheaton and Travis Oats hosted it), was later amateur hour. I could pwn every last one of those I’m-on-television-despite-being-a-huge-noob “gamers” that competed on the later versions of Arena; and I’m not even that good.

Radio (FM or Internet) coverage would even do pro gaming justice. For, not every gamer can fly half way around the world to see the pros in action. (Though, I’m sure it would be worth it.)

Every Level of 1337 Gaming Needs Support

4. Skill Matching Systems: Ultimately, it’s good to get your ass kicked online by really fantastic players sometimes; it builds character. Yet, it can reach a point when you’re not learning anything anymore — that is, you’re not improving. Noobs can watch all the replays, or read all the tips they want, but it all comes down to actually playing against well-matched opponents as a source for getting better. Games like Warcraft III do this really well: you are automatically matched up with an opponent that is at your general skill level. That said, I recognize that not all games need to implement this — but a lot should. For, including gamers in in the competitive culture of pro gaming, and not completely discouraging them in the process, would be most beneficial. (Though, on this point, I understand that exceptional players will always surface regardless of these systems.)

5. Support of Minor Leagues: Sure, main-stage pro gamers are awe-inspiring to watch. I often find myself literally unable to comprehend their skill (which is probably why I’m not pro, sadly). Yet, matches between semi-pro gamers and amateurs (relatively speaking) are still very entertaining to watch. Visiting your local gaming cafe (which I also suggest regularly doing), you will undoubtedly find some great players — even if they won’t make it into Korean pro stardom. Clan matches and local tournaments of your favorite game can also be extremely engaging to observe. You’d be surprised how many 1337 up-and-coming players can be found in your neighborhood.

All in all, pro gaming will always be high-brow in some senses. But that won’t stop me from spending hours wishing I were someday 1337 at gaming.