As eSport becomes increasingly popular and begins to cross into new genres of gaming, it is easy to think of the multiplayer phenomenon as something new. However, it is something that has been around since the earliest days of gaming. Think of old classics like Pong, going back 40 years or more. Sure, you could always play against the computer, but it was far more fun to take on your friend or sibling.
The same phenomenon has stayed with us into the console age. Hugely popular games like FIFA have enough depth to keep you entertained if it’s just you against the AI. But the fun ramps up exponentially in multiplayer mode.
Online multiplayer gaming
The first major revolution came when it was no longer necessary for combatants to be in the same room using handsets attached to the same machine. Online pool games allowed friends to meet up for a few racks without having to leave their homes, even if they lived on opposite sides of the globe. Social games like Farmville took the notion to a whole new level, and new friendships were forged over crops of virtual carrots. This, in turn, led to the eSports phenomenon, with thousands of gamers entering tournaments and joining teams to pit themselves against one another in a virtual gladiatorial arena.
Increasing choice of games
In the early years of the new millennium, online multiplayer gaming was something that could be enjoyed in a few specific niches, such as those online gaming rooms or social media games mentioned earlier. Today, all that is changing and this type of gaming is becoming the norm, not the exception. Fancy a few games of baccarat or poker in the company of friends? No problem, there are dozens of online casino games just waiting for you to log on. Want to take on your old school buddy at FIFA? You can relive your foolish youth together whenever you want, even if you live miles apart.
Playing professionally
When this type of gaming first became possible 20 years ago, the idea of making a living from it would have been frankly ridiculous. Today, there are numerous possibilities. From poker pros to eSport stars to gamers who simply stream their activities on Twitch, there is sufficient interest in multiplayer gaming for big-name sponsors to up the ante or blog monetization to make gaming a viable full-time occupation.
Looking to the future
eSport is here to stay and will be the largest single growth area as far as multiplayer gaming is concerned over the coming years. This year’s Fortnite World cup has a prize pool of $30 million, and it is anticipated that next month’s Dota 2 tournament will exceed that. As the stakes increase, so will the level of competition and the number of people who want to get a piece of the action, and perhaps a cut of the spoils. Meanwhile, at the domestic level, further advances in virtual and augmented reality will make those multiplayer games with friends all the more engaging, and blur the distinction of whether you are side by side at the console or miles apart.