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The Difference Between Virtual Sports and eSports

By William Davis

|

Jul 30, 2024

Reading time: 5 min

Sports and games have changed much over the years. Nowadays, people enjoy new forms of entertainment called virtual sports and eSports. You can find many of these sports on UK casino not on GamStop. Virtual sports and eSports might sound similar because they’re both digital, but they’re actually quite different in many ways. Let me tell you more about these digital sports

What Are Virtual Sports?

The idea of virtual sports might seem a bit confusing at first. It sounds a lot like the sports video games we’ve been playing for years. But actually, they have more in common with online slot games than with video games like FIFA or Madden.

In simple terms, virtual sports are simulated sports games that are decided by random number generators (RNG). Much like how slot machines work. They can be based on real sports teams and events or feature imaginary players in fictional games that are modeled after real sports. 

The aim of virtual sports is to recreate the experience of being at an actual sports event. They use state-of-the-art graphics to show the players and  arenas in stunning detail. Sounds are also used to draw you further into this virtual world. You can hear commentators, cheering fans, and other sounds you’d associate with a particular sport. You might hear the revving of engines at the starting line, the sound of horses waiting for the gates to open, or the squeaking of sneakers on a basketball court.

Most popular virtual sports out there: Virtual Football (Soccer), Virtual Horse Racing,Virtual Greyhound Racing,Virtual Basketball and Tennis, Virtual Motor Racing and Cyclin.

What Are eSports?

Electronic sports (eSports) are  about competitive video gaming.Real people compete against each other in video games with  a large audience watching them.

In eSports tournaments, both amateur and professional gamers compete for cash prizes. For example, in the game League of Legends, two teams of five players each battle in a virtual arena. They  try to destroy the opponent’s base. In shooter games like Call of Duty, Overwatch, and Counter-Strike, players face off in various modes to complete tasks.

eSports is  a way to celebrate gaming skills and professionalism. These top-level gamers know their games inside out. These guys are like  professional footballers or athletes in their sports.

Players can compete one-on-one in games like FIFA and Street Fighter, or in teams. For instance, in Halo, two teams of four compete, while in Overwatch, two teams of six face off. Each game has its own rules and strategies.

Unlike football, where men’s and women’s competitions are separate, eSports is mixed, with male, female, and gender-nonconforming players all competing together. By the way, the number of women in eSports is rising. According to data from Women in Games, about 1 in 20 women are involved in the eSports. And this number is gradually increasing. Many women are also involved in non-player roles such as casting and production. One of the great things about eSports is that it’s open to everyone, regardless of physical skills. This inclusivity is one reason why eSports has become so popular.

Some of the most popular eSports games are League of Legends, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Overwatch, Dota 2, and Call of Duty. Professional teams usually have coaches, analysts, and managers to help players perform their best.

How Do They Work?

Virtual sports are pretty straightforward. They usually only last a few minutes. Virtual tennis or football are designed to be fast and exciting, just like real sports but quicker. People can watch these simulations and even bet on the outcomes. It’s perfect for someone who wants a quick bit of entertainment. You do not need to wait for a full match or season.

eSports, however, are all about real-time competition. Players or teams compete in matches that can last from a few minutes to several hours. These can be small matches or big tournaments that span days or even weeks. 

Who Watches These Sports?

The people who watch virtual sports are often sports fans and bettors. They like the quick, thrilling nature of virtual sports.Because  the outcomes are decided quickly, virtual sports are great for gambling. The audience tends to be older, like those who enjoy traditional sports.

eSports, on the other hand, have a much younger audience. They are mostly  kids and young adults who are always on their computers or consoles. They not only watch these competitions but often play the games themselves. Like football fans follow their favourite clubs, these kids and young adults follow their favourite eSports  players and teams.

The Tech Behind It All

Virtual sports rely on some pretty clever technology. They use algorithms and graphics engines to create realistic simulations.The key is to make it look and feel like a real sport so that people get just as excited watching it.

eSports require a different kind of tech setup. They need powerful servers and internet connections to handle all the real-time gameplay and streaming. The game developers have to make sure the games are balanced and fair, and they keep updating them to keep things interesting. It’s a big job, but it’s what keeps the players and fans coming back for more.

Cultural Impact

eSports have a huge cultural footprint. They’ve created new career paths for players, coaches, and even commentators. Major eSports events draw millions of viewers worldwide. Big sports networks cover esports events. Some universities even offer scholarships for eSports. You see that universities  recognise eSports  as a serious field of competition.

As to virtual sports, they  don’t really have a huge cultural impact. They’re more of a fun, quick entertainment option, mostly tied to the betting world. They don’t create new trends or communities in the way eSports do.

So,  even though virtual sports and eSports are both digital, they’re quite different. Virtual sports are quick, computer-generated simulations that are great for betting and fast entertainment. eSports are all about real people competing in video games. Both have their unique appeal and place in the modern world of entertainment.

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