My understanding of esports grew. They made so much money, they had such a passionate fan base, there must be something there. I realized that games do make you sweat. I even began playing games with other people. I was no longer afraid that I’d be the worst one, we were playing on a team so it wouldn’t matter too much. Worst case scenario, my new, healthy relationship friends could carry me to victory and hey, I might even get to have a little fun.
By the time Assassin’s Creed Valhalla came out, I was a seasoned gamer. Thousands of hours across all platforms, dozens upon dozens of games in a variety of genres. Still, I would say to colleagues and buddies when it came up, “Esports? I get it… I just don’t get it.”
Then I booted up Valhalla. Which to be clear, is not an esports game. It’s an open world adventure game where you role-play as an ancient Viking warrior named Eivor. There’s no multi-player, there’s no big leagues, there’s no multi-million dollar cash pool or sponsorships if you get good at it. But there is movement. There is flow.
For the first time in a game I truly felt ONE with my controller. I was a panther, fluid, sleek, deadly. I slashed and combo’d and battled my way through ancient Britain carving the same path that my Norse ancestors did when they pillaged their way into my British ancestors’ lives. And I finally understood. I finally felt what it could be to take down an enemy and feel like you’ve earned your victory with your skill with the controller. I finally “got” that esports is like competitive art. The thrill of victory, the joy of competition… was mine at last. And I understood, even in a single player game, that esports are how people are connecting. That the joy of competing is worth the risky pain of failure. I may not ever be a pro at League or any competitive FPS, but I understand now. And to you e-thletes out there sweating your way through the performance materials of your jerseys: I bow respectfully and hold out my hand, in kinship.
*A Note On Etheletes: What should we call them? I am genuinely asking whoever reads this to weigh in on what “E-Sports Athletes” should be called. “E-thletes” or “ethletes” sounds good when you say it out loud and conveys the right meaning. “E-Sport Athletes” is totally fine but seems long. Calling pro-gamers “athletes” alone is reductive of both athletes and e-thletes. So what are we thinking here? What should competitive pro-gamers be called? “Competitive Pro-gamers?” Seriously weigh in here, my twitter is @jacuzzitubbs.