There are many ways we can enjoy sport watching it on TV or a smartphone, attending an event at a stadium or even playing the game. But for those who enjoy gettingcompetitivewith their computer gaming, there are realistic-looking games withlifelike graphicsto be played without leaving home. Its this type of sport if thats what we can call it that has become big business. And interest in it has gone to a new level.
Initially, grabbing ajoystickorcontrollerand playing a game was asolitaryactivity. But around 20 years ago computers became cheaper and the internet became faster, which made it much easier for more people to get involved with computer gaming. This led togamersconnecting with each other around the world, so they could gohead-to-headonline. It also became aspectator sport, with people watching others play. The whole experience has been given the name esports electronic sports.
Now, huge esportstournamentstake place all over the world in big arenas with large crowds.Die-hardenthusiasts, who have becomefirst-rateplayers, are now well-known – some play together in teams. Its top stars can earn millions of dollars a year, without even breaking into a sweat! And fans from around the world tune in to watch the action online. The global audience is now estimated at more than 200 million and growing. Annualrevenuesfrom esports, currently around 650 million dollars for events, continue to rise with billions more generated through video games sales.
Famous football clubs are now trying toget in on the action. Englands Football Association for example launched its first esports team this year, known as the eLions. It recruitedFifa 19players to represent them at theinauguralFifa eNations Cup. Mark Bullingham, the FAs chief commercial and football development officer, said The FA prides itself on being a modern,innovativeorganisation that strives to engage andinspireall generations of football fans.
But while thisvirtualversion of football might give aspiring footballers a chance to get closer to the real game, some might argue the lack ofphysical activitymeans it shouldnt be called a sport and the biggest winners are the companies who promote and sell esports.
1. What is it about modern computer games that make them look so lifelike?
2. How did faster internet connections help develop the growth in esports?
3. In which ways, mentioned in the article, is money made from esports?
4. True or false?Englands FA has recruited Fifa 19 players for its football team.
5. Why might some people not call this type of gaming a sport?
2.
1. My son is very ______, he always plays cricket to win, not just for the fun of the game!
competition competing competitive competing
2. We hope you can make the ______ meeting of our book club we hope it will become a regular event.
inaugural innovative solitary gamers
3. Its very exciting my football team are going ______ with the current champions. Lets hope we beat them!
head-on-head heading head-to-head heads-to-heads
4. I am a ______ fan of the TV series Friends. I have all the DVDs and binge-watch them from time to time.
5. I started a band with my friends but now my girlfriend wants to ______ and be the lead singer!
get acting get off on the action go in on the action get in on the action
1. What is it about modern computer games that make them look so lifelike?
The lifelike graphics make many modern computer games look realistic.
2. How did faster internet connections help develop the growth in esports?
Faster internet connections meant gamers could connect with each other around the world, so they could go head-to-head online.
3. In which ways, mentioned in the article, is money made from esports?
Revenue (money) is made from hosting esports events and from selling video games.
4. True or false?Englands FA has recruited Fifa 19 players for its football team.
False. Englands Football Association recruited Fifa 19 players to represent them at the inaugural Fifa eNations Cup not a real football tournament!
5. Why might some people not call this type of gaming a sport?
Some might argue the lack of physical activity means its shouldnt be called a sport.
2.
1. My son is verycompetitive, he always plays cricket to win, not just for the fun of the game!
2. We hope you can make theinauguralmeeting of our book club we hope it will become a regular event.
3. Its very exciting my football team are goinghead-to-headwith the current champions. Lets hope we beat them!
4. I am adie-hardfan of the TV series Friends. I have all the DVDs and binge-watch them from time to time.
5. I started a band with my friends but now my girlfriend wants toget in on the actionand be the lead singer!
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