International News

Video game play as spectator sport center-stage at E3

LOS ANGELES, June 14, (APP/AFP) – Long fiercely
guarded video game industry terrain, the Electronic Entertainment Expo kicked off Tuesday with YouTube, Twitch and Facebook turning gamers into online stars.
A hot trend of video game play streamed as spectator sport and
“YouTubers” becoming famous for skills or pithy commentary pervaded the annual gathering, from unveilings of titles to major ‘eSports’ matches staged for the first time on the show floor.
“There is a reality now that the influencers of the gaming industry
are no longer the games, but the YouTube creators,” YouTube head of gaming Ryan Wyatt told AFP.
“It is smart to bring creators into the fold so the feedback is
constructive, and not scathing reviews.”
Players who have risen to stardom by streaming play online took part
in theatrical press conferences held by game and console makers in the days ahead of the formal opening of E3.