Esports vs. Video Games: What’s the Difference?

Esports and video games are not the same thing. Esports is a form of competition using video games, while video games are a broad term that encompasses all types of games played on electronic devices.

Esports competitions are typically organized, multiplayer events between professional players, individually or as teams. The most common video game genres associated with esports are multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA), first-person shooter (FPS), fighting, card, battle royale and real-time strategy (RTS) games. Popular esports franchises include League of Legends, Dota, Counter-Strike, Valorant, Overwatch, Street Fighter, Super Smash Bros. and StarCraft.

While all esports games are video games, not all video games are esports. For example, single-player games and casual party games are not typically considered esports.

Here is a table summarizing the key differences between esports and video games:

Characteristic	Esports	Video games
Definition	Competitive form of gaming using video games	Broad term that encompasses all types of games played on electronic devices
Typical genres	MOBA, FPS, fighting, card, battle royale, RTS	All genres
Players	Professional players, individually or as teams	Casual and competitive players
Examples	League of Legends, Dota, Counter-Strike, Valorant, Overwatch	Grand Theft Auto, The Legend of Zelda, Mario Kart

Esports has become a global phenomenon in recent years, with millions of viewers watching tournaments online and in person. The esports industry is also worth billions of dollars, with revenue generated from sponsorships, advertising, and ticket sales.

Video games, on the other hand, are a popular form of entertainment for people of all ages and backgrounds. Video games can be played solo or with friends, and they offer a wide variety of experiences, from challenging puzzles to immersive role-playing adventures.

While esports and video games are distinct, they are both important parts of the global gaming industry. Esports has helped to elevate video games to a new level of legitimacy and popularity, and it has also created new opportunities for professional gamers and game developers.