Long practiced away from the spotlights, esports (electronic sports) has reached a new dimension in 2020. These video game competitions, bringing together individual players or teams from around the world, are expected to attract nearly 495 million spectators this year (mainly on Twitch and Youtube), and generate nearly 1.1 billion dollars in revenue.
From local competitions in Switzerland to the next Olympic Games in Tokyo, from one’s living room to crowded stadiums, from casual players to professional players under sponsorship contracts, we are witnessing a true revolution that is as much sporting as it is digital, cultural and societal.
While the best players in Switzerland were challenging each other on the game Hearthstone during the first ello cup organized at the Maladière Stadium in Neuchâtel on 1 November as part of the Swiss Digital Days 2020, our five guests gave an hour-long insight (in French) on the rise and practices of esports, of its impact on gaming and on sports in general. It was also (and foremost) an opportunity to outline the possible futures of esports as a sport, a media and a culture as a whole.
This online panel was organized by the Academy of Journalism and Media (AJM) of the University of Neuchâtel and Radio Télévision Suisse (RTS), with support from the IMI, and brought together approximately 35 people who were able to interact with the speakers.
Video of the event
Watch on YouTube