The World of Video Games Reviews

E-Sports and the World of Competitive Gaming: ISBN 978-1-68282-557-0 / eBook: 978-1-68282-558-7
Booklist, April 1, 2019

Competitive video gaming, originally popular in South Korea, is gaining popularity elsewhere, with more than 150 million players in the U.S. alone. This entry in The World of Video Games series (6 titles) profiles E-Sports, starting with the first video game in 1958 and moving from to video arcades to today's multi-player professional competitions, watched by millions through streaming and video on demand platforms. The book mentions the sport's positive aspects (teaching strategic and tactical thinking skills and teamwork), its downsides (underage children illegally gambling, the lack of women players), and discusses some potential futures in store for the sport. The text is supplemented with a time line, color photos, source notes, and information for researchers, such as websites and organizations. A readable and useful overview for longtime gamers or newcomers to the sport.
—Sharon Rawlins