to the thrill of competing. To participate, a valid credit card or
paypal account is required. And, a player must live in a state or
country that has no laws against online gaming for money. Sites which
promote such activities are: and
Gaming leagues are becoming professional and organize competitions
where cash prizes are worth over US$ 100,000 in cash. These events are
seen as business and marketing development opportunities. Hardware
manufacturing giants like Intel sponsor gaming clans and see gaming
world-wide as a profitable avenue for promoting their products.
High-stake gaming competitions are popular, but the real fights occur
behind the scenes, where companies spend millions trying to get their
technology directly into the hands of gamers
Professional gaming has taken the world by storm and, LAN competitions
are high-stake tournaments with a few gamers earning a living just
competing. A professional gamer with a sponsorship plan in place can
earn up to US$ 500,000 per year. Cyberathlete, Professional League,
Gamecaster, Global gaming League, are some of the organizations that
host competitions. The first professional gaming league was set up in
1997 and today the competitions are not just televised but covered by
major publications and newspapers. MTV, CNN,ESPN, USA Network, ABC
World News Today, FOX, WB and others telecast the events live.
Gamers from all walks of life train intensely to become virtual world
champions, winning brings fame, money, as well as recognition. And,
since 2001 The World Cyber Games are held in a different country each
year. The prize in 2004 was worth US$ 400, 000 and competitors played:
FIFA Soccer 2004, Need for Speed, Underground, Star-Craft, Brood War,
Unreal Tournament 2004, Dawn of war, Dead or Alive Ultimate, and Halo
2.
Gaming is serious; it is about quick thinking, intense practice, team
work, interaction with other players, and understanding technology at
its best. Gamers have to be on their toes, keep abreast with new
launches, changes, patches, cheats, and more.
According to online gaming expert Psychologist Professor Mark Griffiths,