With the development of modern and more exciting games, the gaming industry is growing at an alarming rate. As such, different terms in the industry are used interchangeably such as Esports and gaming. However, this is not the case as gamers and Esport fans do not have the same influences or habits. The general public and brands need to understand the differences between the two, especially when developing an entry strategy into this space. 

Esports

Short of Electronic Sports, these are professional and competitive video gaming in the form of competitions played by professional gamers. They are held on multiplayer online video game platforms with single player-based strategy or team-based elements. While examples of team-based elements include Call of Duty, Overwatch or League of Legends, examples of single-player based strategy elements include Starcraft 2 and Hearthstone.

Most Esports take the place of organized gaming competitions between teams or individual professional players. A large number of bystanders and audiences can hence be noticed in live matches. 

Gaming

Common among gaming enthusiasts or gamers, this is the act of playing video games. While some gaming may have a competitive element, others do not. Gamers, however, enjoy various titles including Spider-Man, the Sims, Super Smash Bros and Clash Royale. 

In gaming, gamers play against non-player characteristics, commonly referred to as a bot hence it doesn’t promote live matches with an audience or viewers. 

Similarities between Esports and Gaming

• Both include titles in the competitions

Differences between Esports and Gaming

Definition

Esports refers to professional and competitive video gaming in the form of competitions played by professional gamers. On the other hand, gaming refers to the act of playing video games. 

Player characteristics

While Esports take the place of organized gaming competitions between teams or individual professional players with a large number of bystanders and audiences, gaming involves playing against non-player characteristics, commonly referred to as a bot.  

Live matches

While Esports promotes live matches, gaming does not promote live matches. 

Esports vs. Gaming: Comparison Table

Summary of Esports vs. Gaming

Esports refers to professional and competitive video gaming in the form of competitions played by professional gamers. It takes the place of organized gaming competitions between teams or individual professional players with a large number of bystanders and audiences and does not promote live matches. On the other hand, gaming refers to the act of playing video games which playing against non-player characteristics, commonly referred to as a bot. Brands should especially differentiate between the two for an effective campaign strategy. 

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