Quote:
Originally Posted by Zer0
So you mean because they're playing video games for money it becomes a legit sport? Professionalism is not what makes a sport, in fact you could even argue that professionalism ruins sport, a legitimate sport is a physical activity that is at best enjoyed by amateurs. Would you consider a guy sitting in front of his TV at home playing Gears Of War an amateur sportsman?
|
No, I was simply pointing out arguments as to the widespread acceptance of a professional scene that seems to a lot of people to be a way of legitimising the concept of a sport.
As for Gears, no, I wouldn't consider them an amateur sportsman any more than I would consider friends playing football in the park amateur sportsmen. Their activity involves no inherent competition or reward, no necessary physical conditioning or training, and there is no reward for victory. According to the definition of athletics I posted before, and its latin root, one or all of those things must be necessary to be a sport.
They're a hobbyist. I would consider them an amateur sportsman if they began to look for a local team or something of the kind however, because then the element of competition comes in and they may be playing for a local league rather than simply for their own amusement. Obviously with Gears, thats not possible because there is no wider competitive angle. With an FPS or RTS however, where online play is integral and therefore competition with others is also integral, then sure, I could consider an amateur status there.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dr. Rez
Exactly this, they are games.
Sports: all forms of competitive physical activity
THATS ALL THERE IS TO IT!
|
Physical activity would include dexterity, yes?
Even then, I point again to the fact the olympic committee does classify many sports with low physical but high dexterity requirements as legitimate sports.
Including Chess.