Esports teams of all types, including amateur, collegiate, semi-pro, and pro, have embraced the trend of recent years of practicing and competing in gaming centers. The question is, why?
The rise of competitive gaming (otherwise known as esports) in the world of video games has led to a dramatic increase in dedicated gaming facilities to serve the community. Let’s take a look at some of the reasons behind this:
Shared Physical Space
Playing video games together in a group, particularly in the same room, offers numerous benefits, especially in the realm of esports. Over the years, teams typically have competed against each other online, but the competitive advantage that is gained by playing in the same physical space is measurable and proven. Simply, when team A plays in an online tournament against team B, team A will have a competitive advantage if they compete in the contest in the same room.
One of the key benefits is the ability for players to communicate more effectively. Non-verbal communication, such as body language and facial expressions, plays a crucial role in conveying important information quickly and efficiently, which is especially important in fast-paced, high-stakes games. This can also help to build teamwork and coordination among players, as they can work together to develop strategies and make split-second decisions based on each other’s cues.
Socialization & Team Synergy
Another benefit of playing video games in a group is the opportunity to socialize and build relationships. Video games serve as a common interest that brings people together, allowing them to form bonds and friendships that can last a lifetime. We’ve seen this happen in our own center over the years – it’s real and it’s powerful. This social aspect is particularly important in competitive gaming, where certain game titles mandate the formation of teams, such as League of Legends or Valorant. By playing together and socializing outside of the game, players get to know each other better, work together more effectively, and build a sense of camaraderie that can contribute to their success as a team.
As you can see from the above video, Envision Esports, a semi-pro team, chose our gaming center to compete in a high-stakes tournament, versus playing alone at home. They practiced at our facility a week beforehand, which allowed them to build a deeper level of communication and trust with each other. This is because they are able to observe each other’s body language and reactions, which can help them understand each other’s play styles and preferences. This improved communication can lead to better teamwork and coordination in the game, leading to a more enjoyable and successful gaming experience. The result: they won the tournament and the prize pool money.
Building Community: Connecting With Your Tribe
Gaming in a group can also provide a sense of community and belonging. When players gather together in the same room, they can share their experiences and opinions about the game, and participate in friendly competition with each other. This sense of community can help players to feel more connected to the game, and to each other, which can increase their enjoyment of the experience. At the end of the day, everyone wants to be heard, and bringing people together in the same environment creates a safe space for individuals to share stories and feel comfortable participating.
Furthermore, it can also be a great source of inspiration and motivation. When players are surrounded by others who share their passion for gaming, they can be inspired to work harder, improve their skills, and strive for greater achievements. This can be particularly beneficial for competitive players, who are very serious about winning. Also, when players feel like they are part of a team, they are more likely to take risks and try new strategies, leading to an overall improvement in their gaming skills.
Team Synergy & Developing Communication Skills
Team synergy refers to the way in which team members work together to achieve a common goal, which is crucial for winning any team sport. When players are able to communicate effectively, they are able to coordinate their strategies and work together more efficiently, which leads to better synergy. This can lead to improved performance, as well as a more enjoyable gaming experience. Players need to communicate effectively in order to coordinate their strategies and work together as a team. There are also benefits outside of gaming: good communication skills are important in all aspects of life, as they help people build relationships and achieve their goals.
Boosting Mental Health
Playing in the same room with others can also have positive effects on mental health. Being part of a team and playing together can help reduce stress and anxiety, as well as improve mood. This is because playing games with others is a fun and social activity that can help distract from everyday worries and challenges.
Building Confidence
Playing video games together in a room can also provide a sense of accountability. When players are playing with others, they are more likely to take their responsibilities and commitments seriously, as they are accountable to their teammates and to the overall success of the team. This sense of accountability can help to improve the performance of the team, and can also help to foster a greater sense of discipline and responsibility among individual players.
Turn Your Center into a Home for Teams
Whether your potential customers are amateur, semi-pro, or professional gamers, playing video games together in a room within a purpose-built esports gaming center, offers a wealth of benefits, including improved communication and teamwork, stronger relationships and sense of community, increased inspiration and motivation, and a greater sense of accountability. By gathering together and playing video games, players can enjoy a rich and fulfilling gaming experience that can contribute to their personal and professional growth.
Did you know that we offer free esports center consultations to help new and existing operators? Just contact us!
