Professional Gaming, The New Poker?

The first time I'd heard of a "Professional Gamer" was in 2004 while playing Rainbow Six: Raven Shield for the Xbox. These kids were going on about being sponsor by a company for playing in tournaments and some other crap. The reason I stated Professional Gaming to be the new Poker is because Poker was stupid enough to be put on T.V and everyone thought "If they put Poker on T.V then what is next?" Well, I believe Professional Gaming is that next step up the plateau. They possibly already tried this on that lame network called g4 but immediately cancel nearly every show except for Aots. Now there are new networks and televise events of this crap. You might think that I'm against gaming but this is turning gaming into a joke.

On September 8th Directv will be showing "Championship Gaming Invitational". What qualifiers these gamers as Championing, I don't know. Anyway here is a quote I find interesting

"We believe that professional video gaming is the next big thing in sports entertainment and we are dedicated to creating and televising the best gaming experience available anywhere," said David Hill, president of DIRECTV Entertainment. "This invitational will prove that commitment as we gather together some of the most talented players, the hottest production team and innovative set designers to create a truly unique video gaming environment and a one-of-a-kind television event."

"The video gaming world has never seen anything like this," added Dale Strang, executive vice president and general manager of IGN Entertainment, a unit of Fox Interactive Media. "This two-day invitational will take pro gaming to the next level by treating it like a sport and its players as athletes. It is unprecedented."

Are you kidding me... It's freaking video games, not a sports competition. Sports require you to do physical activities, not sit on your ass and remember combo moves to own your opponent. Yes, there is a level of competitiveness while playing against another person but not something to be glorify as if they achieve a non-attainable feet. Say if this supposed champion wins, are they going to carry him off the floor with graffiti coming out of the roof?? Whatever happen to normal conventions that people come to play against each other. It's a post to be a matter of fun, not a televise event with announcers as if your years of gaming got you where you are.

There is also a series coming out called "Inside the Gamer". Here is a exert from the press release sent out. "Ever seen one of those gamers that just dominate every game they play? Ever wonder just how they do it? Then this show is the one you have been looking for. Inside the Gamer takes an in depth look into what makes a professional gamer just that. From interviews to top match breakdowns, Inside the Gamer makes bringing you the best tips from the best gamers its number one goal." This is [censor] ridiculous but what can you do. My guess is there going to be other shows to come out like this but after a month it is going to be cancel like every other show after it. Nobody cares about these type of shows because they are already playing it or some other game.

At this moment I'm trying to think about any actual “Gaming” shows that were actually good and came up with two. One is Icons which was rename to Game Makers on g4 which took an in-depth looks at the visionaries who design games. I always use to watch it with my brother until I believe they cancel it. Another was g4tv.com which was a a group of three people discussing video games which reminds me of today podcasts. I really wish there were more shows like these two instead of the crap other networks put on now.