eSports Genres Explained: Dominate the Games to Bet On
Ever wanted to jump into eSports betting but felt lost in the jungle of game titles? We got you! This guide is your cheat sheet to understanding the major eSports genres. Learn what each game type is all about, and soon you’ll be placing informed bets on matches you can actually follow. Get ready to level up your eSports betting game!
Table of Contents: Types of eSports
Complete Guide to eSports Genres in 2024
1. First-Person Shooter (FPS)
Recognize those intense Domination and Search and Destroy matches in Call of Duty League game modes? Those are all part of the FPS (First-Person Shooter) world in eSports genres.
Imagine yourself in the game, seeing everything through your character’s eyes. That’s the FPS experience—pure adrenaline as you blast away with all sorts of weapons against other players online (PVP) or take down AI-controlled enemies. And FPS isn’t just Call of Duty; it includes awesome games like Halo, Overwatch, and Rainbow Six Siege, too!
2. Real-Time Strategy (RTS)
Ever dreamt of building your own empire? In RTS (Real-time Strategy) games, you get to do just that, but with a twist! Unlike eSports genres in the turn-based games box, everything happens in real-time.
You’ll be responsible for managing your territory, making crucial choices about building your population, and strategizing against enemies, all while the clock ticks down. Think of it as city planning meets warfare, on fast-forward!
Age of Empires IV, Starcraft II, and Sid Meier’s Civilization are some classic examples of this genre.
3. Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA)
Ever wanted to be a legendary hero battling for glory? MOBAs (Multiplayer Online Battle Arenas) let you do just that!
In these eSports genres for strategy games, you’ll join a team of players on a specific map, each controlling a powerful character with unique skills. Think of it like a giant chessboard where your hero is a key piece, contributing to the team’s victory.
Player’s main objective? Destroy the enemy’s main base, although some games might have other ways to win to give it a more unique spin from the usual. League of Legends and Dota 2 are the kings of MOBAs, with millions of players and spectators hooked on the intense team battles.
4. Fighting Games
Fighting games are all about strategy and skill, not just blindly hitting buttons! These one-on-one (or 1v1) battles, a staple of eSports genres and gaming history, offer a unique challenge compared to team-based games.
The perspective is typically side-scrolling, showcasing the intensity of the fight. These types of eSports require technical prowess as you master combos, strategize your attacks, and even use a little psychology to outwit your opponent. It’s a mental and physical test that rewards practice and cunning.
Street Fighter, Tekken, and Super Smash Bros. are some of the biggest names in fighting games, offering hours of strategic battles and intense competition.
5. Battle Royale (BR)
Ever wanted to see a gaming Hunger Games play out? Battle Royale (BR) games are the closest you might get in eSports genres!
While the genre existed before (think DayZ and H1Z1), it exploded with PUBG and Fortnite. These days, while it’s one of the top eSports games for players, it might not be the most popular among eSports viewers.
Still, Battle Royale eSports tournaments are still massive. These events boast hundreds of thousands of viewers and incredible prize pools. The core gameplay loop is what captivates audiences – hundreds of players dropped onto a shrinking map, fighting for survival with every passing moment.
It’s a recipe for pure adrenaline, making BR games a blast to play and watch. PUBG, Fortnite, and Apex Legends are the current leaders in this thrill-ride of a genre.
6. Sports Simulators
Sports Simulators take the excitement of traditional sports and make them playable from your living room! These simulator games, like the recently rebranded EA Sports FC (formerly FIFA) for soccer and NBA 2K for basketball, faithfully recreate the rules and strategies of various sports in a virtual world.
Typically played with a controller, they offer a chance to hone your skills and compete against others online.
FIFA has been a powerhouse in one of the most unique eSports genres for years, but it’s not alone. Games like NBA 2K show the potential for other sports to thrive in eSports, with tournaments offering massive prizes! Even combat sports like UFC and WWE 2K are trying to enter the eSports arena, although they haven’t quite reached the mainstream popularity of other titles yet.
