Professional gaming is a new thing. While tournaments are common enough, only recently has the cash and prizes available on the scene risen to the level that e-sports competitors could make a living with their skills. That’s a good part. The dark side is that earning those skills means practice and more practice, and with it, a detachment from the physical world. Gamers have literally played to death, and the pro scene demands ever more dedication. Can it last? Is it healthy? Check out this article about the pro scene and the gamers who live in its demanding world. CNN has the story.
The kind of dedication it takes to reach the top of the pro gamer ranks is amazing and frightening. These are people who really do lose themselves in their game of choice. There is a danger there, especially since gaming is often done alone. Real-world athletes have support from other players, coaches, trainers. These people set limits that prevent the players from destroying themselves for their sport. Gamers only have themselves.