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.
