Tristan Naidoo is a third year BEd FET UP student who has been gaming for ten years. He does not consider gaming to be an expensive sport to play as it only requires a good computer and a stable internet connection when playing competitively. However, costs can be incurred in the purchasing of games which Naidoo says can be as much as R1100 per game in stores. “Purchasing games online normally works out a lot cheaper,” he said.
To become a professional gamer, a lot of practice is required just like in any other traditional sport. It requires time, pat ience and dedication. Gaming clubs offer gamers community and accountability in their sport. TuksMindSport gives Pretoria and Gauteng gamers the platform to compete against each other. TuksMindSport offers League of Legends, Dota 2, Call of Duty: Ghost, StarCraft 2, and Counter Strike: Global Offensive. One can simply join the club by filling out a membership form and paying R500 membership fee. The club also offers 20% to 40% discount for LANs they host.
Video games are fast paced, and complex which means they require quick thinking and concentration. Gamers are often thought of as anti-social but Naidoo describes that as the “biggest misconception to gaming” as they get to engage with people from all over the world in the virtual world. “I’ve made a lot of close friends through meeting them online,” Naidoo says. They also get the opportunity to boost their fame, by increasing their views which could eventually lead to numerous sponsors. Furthermore, competitive gaming tournaments often have prizes up for grabs. “I compete in an eLeague which has a very big prize pool,” Naidoo said.
Gamers spend a lot of time practicing and perfecting their skills. This means they have to sit in the same position for a long period of time, and this could lead to a lot of health issues for example eye, back problems and obesity. Due to having kept his wrist in the same position while gaming, Naidoo said he has developed Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. “But that’s being treated,” he said, and other than that he hasn’t experienced any other.
Image: Sally Hartzenberg
