Journalist competition

In a generation in which technological advances are plentiful, and price of power reasonable, there has been a massive influx in the amount of exposure and interest in the world of on-line gaming.

With such growth comes financial injection, media exposure and a more professional approach to the hobby we all enjoy.

Having been a keen gamer since my early days, playing UT on a machine barely capable of running MS Word and IE in the same instance, I've been witness to a massive change in attitude of both spectators and participants both on-line and on LAN.

What was once perhaps a way in which to escape reality, has become much more business like, with organisational competition both on and off the 'server'.

My question, fellow players, is a simple one;

Has eSports developed in a positive way, or are we heading toward a place that represents everything we're trying to escape by playing on-line games?

Over recent years, gaming has exploded onto the radar of the worlds media, from EU LAN events being covered on local television, to celebrity-like gamers with endorsed products.

Whilst rendering our pastime as potentially profitable through prize pots and sponsorship deals, it could be argued that the heart and soul of on-line gaming communities have paid the price.

Since the emergence of CS 1.6 as a ''profession'' the motivation to carry on playing has perhaps shifted from enjoyment to dedication, from reasons such as ''a passion for the scene'' to ones of a far more economical nature.

Whilst it's no doubt an advance to see the cream of the crop earning a crust as a result of producing the same magic we've seen for years, it is perhaps at a price far more valuable than the monthly pay packet.

The growing importance of ''skill'' on-line has produced such problems as bullying and be-belittling of your more casual player. The need for forum administrators, server admins and general peace keepers on-line has rapidly increased in parallel to the financial growth, perhaps pushing new gamers away. This goes against the very core values of on-line gaming, or values that once existed. In the early years there was little flaming, fighting, just sheer enjoyment at the opportunity of being able to face something other than a bot with AI that deserved at the very least, an overhaul.

My experience in both the CSS and COD4 community has left my belief in

e-Sports and it's values dented.

As mentioned previously, the influx of sponsors and organisations keen to affiliate themselves with LAN winning, cup dominating teams has become architect to numerous problems faced by the average player.

The ego's of players lingering at, or pushing to be at the top of a community clash, and make for disturbing reading and listening at times. In a ''sport'' with such a young presence, it's imperative that these role models set an example.

In short, as this is a taster of my potential, the changes of the scene we all love to be a part of, whilst for the greater good, must be watched over carefully to maintain the heart of e-Sports as everything gamers like myself, and you have created.

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