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eGaming Evolution: Get Immersed in the Digital Arena
Last updated on Friday, 25/10/2024
eGaming refers to the activity of playing video games, which can range from casual solo experiences to competitive multiplayer matches. It encompasses a wide variety of genres, platforms, and player communities, offering both entertainment and skill-building opportunities.
Once considered a niche hobby, eGaming has rapidly evolved into a global phenomenon, drawing millions of players and spectators alike to the virtual world for an escape from reality.
Playing video games can also be done competitively as eSports have taken to the leagues of football or basketball with competitions and tournaments cropping up worldwide. Accredited eSports leagues in popular games such as League of Legends, a Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) style of gaming, or Valorant, a first-person shooter (FPS) allows players to compete against each other for cash prizes and recognition.
Although beyond the competitive scene, eGaming provides more than just money and fame. When we’re not studying or travelling, it’s nice to get away sometimes, so how convenient is it to have a digital vacation at your fingertips from the comfort of your own home? There is also the opportunity to foster a sense of community through gaming with the plethora of multiplayer games available on the market. The world is too stressful not to indulge in these epic worlds every now and then, whether it be solo, with your friends and family, or even connecting with new people from all across the globe.
Video Games and Their Mental Health Benefits
The United Nations Regional Information Centre for Western Europe highlights COVID-19 as the turning point in which video games stepped into the spotlight as an effective method of coping through social interactions facilitated by these digital platforms to connect with friends and relax.
Going into quarantine and isolation during COVID-19 separated people from friends and family, evidently having negative effects on the mental health of many. However, being able to stay connected through virtual worlds with the help of video games ensured that we were still able to communicate with others in a way we could not engage in person. As a result, many more young people who were physically away from their friends and schools engaged in eGaming. Even these days, well after the global pandemic, there is still a strong community of millions of young gamers worldwide.
Video Games Europe’s Key Facts Report of 2023 polled thousands of Europeans from the UK, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain, collecting demographics and gaming habits. The report revealed that of participants interviewed, by age group:
- 83% of 11-14 year olds play video games
- 78% of 15-24 year olds
- 62% of 25-34 year olds
Evidently, younger people are very involved in eGaming, as these trends have held up or increased compared to the report presented for 2022.
The “Power of Play” report, also by Video Games Europe, reveals that of the Europeans surveyed:
- 68% play for fun
- 68% play for stress relief
- 53% play to avoid isolation and loneliness
- 67% play as an outlet to help deal with everyday challenges
The report also reveals high percentages of improved creativity, problem-solving, cognitive, teamwork and collaboration skills.
Popular Sports
As mentioned before, League of Legends and Valorant are some of the most popular eSports games with millions of players worldwide. If you like MOBA games but League of Legends is not necessarily your thing, there are other big games in this arena such as Dota and Heroes of the Storm.
FPS games are even more popular with recognisable titles such as Apex Legends, Call of Duty, Counter-Strike, and Overwatch 2 (though seasoned gamers know what happened to this unfortunate entry).
And if neither of these types is your style, or you’d just like to go solo, luckily the world of video games encompasses so much more. A few categories and popular examples include:
Fighting Games:
- Mortal Kombat
- Street Fighter
- Super Smash Bros.
Racing Games:
- Forza Horizon 5
- Mario Kart
- Gran Turismo 7
Life Simulation Games:
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons
- Stardew Valley
- The Sims 4
Mobile Games:
- Clash Royale
- Brawl Stars
- PUBG Mobile
Horror Games:
- Dead by Daylight
- The Mortuary Assistant
- Lethal Company
Eurodesk Escape Games:
Many on the list have both large and small-scale competitions and events worldwide to engage in though nonetheless, playing with friends or even by yourself can bring hours of entertainment!
Interested in finding community through gaming? Why not attend a convention, listen in on some conversations with game developers, try out up-and-coming features and meet other enthusiastic gamers?
Here are some events happening across Europe in the near future:
Pocket Gamer Connects London 2025 (22-23 January 2025)
London, United Kingdom
Copenhagen Gaming Week (13-15 February 2025)
Copenhagen, Denmark
The Creative Europe Programme of the European Commission is also providing funding to organisations. The goal of this support is to help European video game makers and XR studios create awesome video games and interactive experiences that can be enjoyed by people all around the world.
Written by Eurodesk Brussels Link