Introduction:
Electronic sports, or Esports, have gained popularity in the Philippines over the past years. It is a form of
competitive gaming where players engage in virtual battles using various platforms. In the country, Esports is recognized as a form of entertainment and a profession. This article aims to provide an
extensive academic discussion on Esports in the Philippines, including its
history, growth, and challenges.
History of Esports in the
Philippines:
The Philippines started to take
notice of Esports in the late 1990s. The first notable event was the
"Netrek Tournament," held in 1998, organized by the
Philippine Internet Service Organization. This tournament featured Netrek, a multiplayer online game that was popular at the time.
In 2004, the first official Esports
event in the Philippines was held, which was the World Cyber Games. It was an
international competition featuring games like Starcraft, Warcraft III, and
Counter-Strike. The event was held at the SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City and
was attended by local and international gamers.
Growth of Esports in the
Philippines:
The growth of Esports in the
Philippines can be attributed to several factors. One of the main factors is
the availability of affordable and high-speed internet connections. The
Philippines has one of Southeast Asia's fastest-growing internet penetration rates, with over 67 million internet users as of January 2021
(Statista, 2021).
Another factor is the support of the
government and private organizations. The Philippine government recognizes
Esports as a legitimate sport and has formed the Philippine Esports
Organization (PESO) to oversee its development (Esguerra, 2021). Private
organizations such as Mineski and TNC Predator have also played a significant
role in promoting Esports in the country by organizing tournaments and
sponsoring teams.
Esports has also gained significant
attention from the media, with mainstream media outlets such as ABS-CBN, GMA Network,
and TV5 broadcasting Esports events. This has helped increase awareness and
interest in Esports among the general public.
Challenges of Esports in the
Philippines:
Despite the growth of Esports in the
Philippines, it still faces several challenges. One of the main challenges is
the need for more support and recognition from some sectors of society. Some still consider Esports as a form of leisure rather than a legitimate sport, which
hinders its potential for growth and development.
Another challenge is the need for more infrastructure, particularly Esports facilities. Most Esports
tournaments in the country are held in malls or convention centers, which may
provide a better environment for competitive gaming.
Conclusion:
Esports has come a long way in the
Philippines and has become a legitimate sport recognized by the
government and private organizations. The growth of Esports in the country can
be attributed to several factors, including the availability of high-speed
internet, support from the government and private organizations, and the
attention of the media. However, Esports still faces several challenges, such
as the lack of support and recognition from some sectors of society and the
need for more infrastructure. With continued support and development, Esports in the
Philippines has the potential to become a significant industry in the country.