Professional, televised gaming is coming. According to a report over at Major League Gaming [http://news.yahoo.com/s/nf/20060606/tc_nf/43621] to produce televised versions of select MLG match-ups starting in November. Just in time for sweeps, apparently.
While, as some are saying, this will perhaps open the door to more mainstream acceptance of video gaming, like the X-Games and the Olympics have done for "extreme" sports like snowboarding, it could also open that box in the corner marked "Property of Pandora - Do Not Open." Check this site [http://www.fatal1ty.com/] to find out how.
I think the gains for gaming as a whole may outweigh the potential pitfalls, but the first few years of this brave, new experience may be a little rough. For example, USA will apparently spend more time covering competitors who are photogenic over those who aren't. Having been to quite a few gatherings of gamers and geeks, I imagine their show runner will have his hands full making those decisions.
While, as some are saying, this will perhaps open the door to more mainstream acceptance of video gaming, like the X-Games and the Olympics have done for "extreme" sports like snowboarding, it could also open that box in the corner marked "Property of Pandora - Do Not Open." Check this site [http://www.fatal1ty.com/] to find out how.
I think the gains for gaming as a whole may outweigh the potential pitfalls, but the first few years of this brave, new experience may be a little rough. For example, USA will apparently spend more time covering competitors who are photogenic over those who aren't. Having been to quite a few gatherings of gamers and geeks, I imagine their show runner will have his hands full making those decisions.