KUCHING: eSports is no longer regarded as a “waste of time” but a form of sport competition using video games that can generate income.
It is becoming popular among youths with games such as Mobile Legend and PUBG.
Esports, also known as electronic sports, are multiplayer video game competitions that can be played individually or as teams.
Although organised competitions have long been a part of video game culture, these were largely between amateurs until the late 2000s, when participation by professional gamers and spectatorship in these events through live streaming saw a large surge in popularity.
By the 2010s, eSports was a significant factor in the video game industry, with many game developers actively designing and providing funding for tournaments and other events.
Malaysia for the first time sent its eSports team to the recent SEA Games in the Philippines.
Sarawak All Stars Esports founder Mohamad As-Salihin Daud said the objective of the programme was to give youths in Sarawak a chance to polish their talents, apart from turning their hobby into a lucrative career.
“Previously they were playing the game at home and now we are inviting them to competitions to polish their skills,” he said, adding that those with potential could be roped in for national and international competitions.
Salihin said the public’s perception on online gaming is that it does not bring any benefit and is a waste of time, along with being a bad influence.
“Through this programme, we want to correct this negative perception to prove that they can earn money and turn it into a business,” added Salihin.
Nur Aiman Abadi Pathi, a Mobile Legend player, said one of the benefits if eSports is skill-building.
“We can develop our skills even at home, we can keep on training and we can find chemistry with the team to succeed,” said Nur Aiman.
PUBG player Hasfarizal Majidalso agreed that eSports is no longer a game played at home but is becoming a popular sport that could help players earn money.
