Social distancing measures have led to the cancellation of all large gatherings and activities that require group involvement. This effectively means that including all national sports, and even adult recreational leagues, have been postponed until further notice. While most people have been worked up over this, there are some positives and creative alternatives that have come from it. Let’s review how the sporting world was able to turn to an unlikely hero, video games, for some continuity and hope. Ultimately, if executed correctly, video game leagues are a brilliant way to keep us all connected during these hard times. Since opportunities to connect are in very high demand, video games can provide some much needed relief our lives and for those that have been planked by intense isolation. Professional Athletes have taken upon themselves to compete against each other during live online events. Some of these streamed events have even been drawing larger crowds than you would expect.
For example, over 12,000 people watched the Phoenix Suns’ Mikal Bridges take on the Philadelphia 76ers’ Matisse Thybulle on NBA 2K through Twitch and Twitter. San Francisco 49ers Richard Sherman, Philadelphia Eagles’ Darius Slay, WWE wrestler Cesaro, two-time Olympic gymnast Aly Raisman, and F1 driver Lando Norris streamed live on Twitch for charitable purposes (raising almost $3 million). As well, there are 30 Major League Baseball players taking part in a MLB The Show 20 baseball league. Major League Soccer recently held an esports tournament featuring 32 pro football/soccer players and FIFA 20 esports pros to benefit Feeding America and Food Banks Canada.
Pro athletes are using video games as a way to have fun, pass the time, raise awareness, and interact with their fans. Who would have thought that pro-athletes have the same hobbies we all do? While video games are serving as a good outlet to occupy us during this pandemic, it is also being used as a potential tool to help reopen professional sports as safely as possible. Video game noise, particularly the cheering that is added to sports games, is being considered to replace the lack of fans that will be in attendance when stadiums/arenas are opened. Real fans will not be present because social distance efforts will still be in place to minimize the spread of coronavirus. Some professional leagues are considering using video game noise as a replacement for fans. This includes Sky Sports, a group of British subscription television sports channels operated by the company Sky, who is planning to use EA’s FIFA 20 in its Premier League broadcasts. The NBA is also planning on using NBA 2K for crowd noise when it opens up.
Adult recreational leagues are also offering its customers an opportunity to connect with the community across the country through virtual games, console video games, and Zoom! This is through organization of daily virtual games, tournaments, and online leagues (e-sports leagues) that are all live. Not only will this provide some continuity for their customers, it will also allow them to compete against each other and see where they rank in the digital sports world. Some of the games being played in these leagues are Madden NFL 2020, NBA 2K20, NHL 20 and FIFA 2020.
Ultimately, if executed correctly, video game leagues are a brilliant way to keep us all connected during these hard times. Since opportunities to connect are in very high demand, video games can provide some much needed relief our lives and for those that have been planked by intense isolation. Video games are certainly a positive tool that can help fight through and continue to feel as normal as possible during this incredibly difficult time.