Why are sports video games so popular among sports fans?

Sports are popular among the young generation. Football, for example, has 3.5 billion global fans. The next most popular sports, such as cricket, hockey, tennis, and volleyball also supported by billions of fans worldwide. Sports fans willingly spend time at stadiums or live streaming from home to support their favorite players or teams.

The growing number of sports fans has led to the emergence of various sports video games, namely Rocket League, eFootball, EA Sports FC games, and NBA games. These games allow fans to play as their favorite athletes or teams, challenging their strategy skills in competing against their opponents. Today, sports video games offer a more immersive experience with realistic graphics and multiplayer modes.

The expanding sports gaming popularity has even transferred to the professional gaming scene. The e-sports scene we know is dominated by high-octane battle games, like the League of Legends. However, recently in the Asian Games 2023, EA Sports FC 24 was included in the list. This multiplayer online football game was part of the individual events at the Asian Games last year.

Key elements in sports video games

These key elements drive the popularity of sports video games worldwide.

Immersive gameplay

Sports video games let fans experience their favorite sports in more immersive gameplay. For instance, performing a slam dunk in real life as a non-professional basketball player is difficult, but it is possible to perform gravity-defying slams with ease in a video game.

Fans can also create their favorite teams and even players, as seen in many soccer fans have done in eFootball and EA Sports FC 24.

The sense of escapism also draws many fans to play sports video games. Sports games can offer a stress-free and enjoyable environment for fans to engage in favorite sports.

Realistic graphics

As technology evolves, many game developers put their efforts into making the game as realistic as possible. EA Sports uses Hypermotion V to boost the animations in the game, which captures real matches and then transforms them into a video game.

Similarly, basketball fans can enjoy the smooth and realistic gameplay in the NBA 2K series video games. In the game, there is a stamina meter that can describe players’ energy after performing dribbles or during the match.

Another developer, Codemasters, brings the F1 series video games to another level of realistic graphics, providing precise control that highlights the accuracy of the racing game.

Social interaction

The pandemic has significantly impacted the increased popularity of sports video games. During that time, many sports events were canceled or postponed, leading many fans to shift to virtual sports. That way, they can satisfy their desire for competition and entertainment.

Sports video games offer a way to engage in their favorite sports, as well as to connect with others in social limitations and isolation during the pandemic. The games also became a great escape from regular activities at home, offering another adventure and competition through the video games.

Moreover, the Internet has brought a wider community for gamers, where online multiplayer modes make it easier for players to compete against others from around the world. The competition also brings a sense of community and competition, enhancing the social interaction beyond the game.

Emerging popularity of sports betting

Besides sports video games, the popularity of sports also drives the growth of betting activity. Sports betting significantly impacts the sports industry, generating revenue through active fan participation.

Sports betting with crypto has become a game-changer in the industry. Players can use Bitcoin and other crypto tokens to bet. Crypto sports betting provides many advantages, including anonymity as well as fast and cost-efficient payment.

Cryptocurrencies allow users to place their bets without disclosing personal information compared to conventional platforms. It only requires an email address and crypto wallet ID in transactions, including making deposits and withdrawals.

Unlike traditional bank payments, crypto offers faster and more secure transactions, with almost instant processing and cheaper transaction costs.