In 2023, e-sports has shattered stereotypes and gained recognition at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. For the first time in a major multi-sporting event, e-sports features as a medal event, with seven exciting games taking center stage. These games include Arena of Valor Asian Games Version, Dota 2, Dream Three Kingdoms 2, FIFA Online 4, League of Legends, PUBG Mobile Asian Games Version, and Street Fighter V: Champion Edition. India, however, has chosen to compete in only four of these e-sports: League of Legends, Dota 2, FIFA, and Street Fighter. Let’s delve into these games, their objectives, and what sets them apart:
Dota 2: The Battle of Ancients
Dota 2, short for Defense of the Ancients 2, is a Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) game. It’s a 5 vs. 5 game where the objective is to destroy the enemy’s home base (Ancient) while protecting your own. This game involves strategy, as players select from over 120 playable heroes and 200 in-game items. The meta keeps evolving, making it a constantly changing battlefield. Matches can last anywhere from 10 minutes to several hours, offering intense gameplay.
League of Legends: The Fast-Paced MOBA
Similar to Dota 2, League of Legends (LoL) is another MOBA game featuring two teams of five players each. The main goal is to destroy the enemy Nexus. LoL is known for its fast-paced gameplay, often ending abruptly with a single decisive fight. It relies heavily on reflexes and quick thinking during champion selection, where teams try to counter each other’s strengths.
Street Fighter V: Champion Edition: Classic Arcade Combat
Street Fighter V is a classic fighting game series dating back to 1987. It’s all about two skilled martial artists duking it out in a brawl. Unlike the strategic depth of MOBAs, Street Fighter is straightforward—win the best of a three-round bout. Each character has a unique set of skills and fighting styles. It’s a game that’s easy to pick up but challenging to master.
FIFA Online 4: The Virtual Football Extravaganza
FIFA Online 4 represents football’s immense popularity worldwide. It’s a part of the long-running FIFA gaming franchise. At the Asian Games, the 2018 online version of FIFA Online 4 takes the stage. Players can simulate a full football match in a matter of minutes, choosing from over 650 clubs and national teams. It captures the essence of the sport in a fast-paced digital format.
These e-sports games showcase the diversity of competitive gaming and require a unique set of skills, strategies, and reflexes. India’s e-sports representatives are ready to compete on the global stage, aiming for victory and recognition in the world of e-sports. The 19th Asian Games promise to be an exciting battleground for these digital athletes.
Games Not Fielded by India
While India has chosen to compete in four e-sports at the Asian Games, several other exciting games like Arena of Valor Asian Games Version, Dream Three Kingdoms 2, and PUBG Mobile Asian Games Version will be part of the event, attracting e-sports enthusiasts from around the globe.
Note: The mentioned players and teams are representative and may not reflect the latest roster changes.