The Age of Electronic Sports is Now

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The main design for the game title, Valorant

June Kim, Staff Writer

Sports have always been a huge part of our lives. Whether it’s from playing or watching on TV, they’ve always occupied a significant part in most of our lives. However, as the age of technology began to blossom upon the world, more and more our understanding of what is and is not a sport has evolved. Among these topics, the one debated about the most is Esports. 

ESports, short for electronic sports, takes place with professional video gamers fighting in a tournament for prize money, fame, and trophies. While it is considered a sport, a lot of people also argue that playing video games is different from traditional sports, as you don’t work your own body to win. However, using the skills you create and master, you become the top of the top, which is why it’s considered a sport. 

There are countless amounts of triple A games that are famous in the competitive world of gaming, but the one we’ll be focusing on is a game called Valorant. Valorant is a 5v5 tactical FPS game, where one team must fight against the spiker team, who carries a spike to win the game, while the other team tries to defuse the spike. The last-standing team is the winner. There are a total of up to 25 rounds, with the first team to 13 wins crowned the winner. 

The unique part of Valorant is the system of agents, or playable characters. There are 16 agents, with each one having a special set of three unique moves, along with one ultimate. These can be used during difficult situations to be able to turn the tides of the battle into your favor. The primary weapon choices throughout the game can be obtained through your shop menu. You can purchase different kinds of virtual weapons through the money you get throughout the game. 

A huge part of Valorant, as well as similar games, is the variety of maps that are available to be used. There are different structures and hiding locations that can be used to increase the chances of your team’s victory if used correctly. Each location is better for a different agent, which is why having an understanding of each one is very important. The same can be said for the maps, as a person who’s unfamiliar with their surroundings is easy to get ambushed from behind. This is why tactics are a huge part of playing Valorant, as when your team synergy is cut off, then you have no chance of victory. 

Now then, why is Valorant considered an esports game? Valorant involves tons and tons of skills. Decision making, aim, team communication, and even thinking. All these add up and are a part of the reason why the game is so popular. Combining your knowledge and skills together with a group of people is fit for the top of Esports team competitions. Esports and Valorant are so popular because you’re able to question and think about the choices that the players are making, and then when the whole group joins together and presents to the crowd what they were aiming for, it truly is a mind-blowing experience.