Gaming is quickly picking its pace in Japan. It’s not that gaming never existing in the country. In fact, quite the opposite is true. Video games are a huge part of Japanese culture. Just think about Pokémon and Final Fantasy, two outstanding options. However, Japanese gamers never had the opportunity to play competitively and demonstrate their abilities in a more serious format. Because of this, the country had to pass something known as an “esports license,” which made it possible for many gamers to take their gaming more seriously. It’s not just gamers that have been paying an eye. Japanese hardware stores Dospara has welcomed the news of having a more competitive gaming industry in the country, and specifically insofar as esports goes. As a result, the company has launched its dedicated PC known as GALLERIA and the computer has already been used at a tournament, positioning hardware developers in Japan as some of the biggest sponsors of competitive video gaming. Other factors for developing the industry include:
- Esports teams that come from Japan
- More salaried events within the country
- Participation in the most visible games
Still a Burgeoning Industry
The fact that Dospara has been keen enough to build a reliable esports computer is definitely a huge plus for the country’s overall esports industry. It also highlights the interconnection between esports and hardware and how the two can benefit each other. Granted, hardware sponsorships of the gaming world in Japan are definitely not new, but for the first time ever, hardware stores have an opportunity to invest in a highly visible segment that is connected to video gaming. The truth is, esports has created many monetization channels in Japan, and not least, it has given rise to the burgeoning esports betting industry. Monetization channels are constantly being explored as Japan attempts to identify all possible ways to drive a higher level of engagement with its esports. The country has long opposed competitive events that came with a prize purse, and that has stifled some of enormous potential Japan has as a gaming nation. However, gaming prospered even though not competitive with Sony and Nintendo establishing hegemony not only at home but globally and building some of the most successful gaming products of all time.
What Turn Is Japan’s Esports Going to Take Next?
Of course, now that interest in esports is big enough, Japan is also looking to explore what options stay ahead of it. The country may begin hosting many regional competitions that will give it a status as a powerhouse in Asia when it comes to esports. Most of this will probably be initiated by private companies than on a government level. For example, the government of Malaysia is actively looking to promote esports and there is even a governmental position that is focused on developing an esports infrastructure as a conduit of innovation and a path towards technical education.
The arrival of a dedicated gaming PC by Dospara is definitely an interesting step forward. We know Japan for its excellence in the creation of various platforms such as Nintendo and PlayStation, but the country is now making a shift towards hardware.
More PC Events Coming to Japan
The arrival of more PC esports events in Japan will be directly tied to the level of interest shown by the locals. South Korea has its PC bangs which are effectively Internet cafes where people get together to play video games, and Japan is now launching the so-called eSports gyms where players can enjoy their favorite PC titles and compete in those. However, eSports gyms in Japan are only getting started, and they will serve as a test as to how fertile the industry is in the country and how far it can go from there. Most people who want to participate in esports competitions are new and they are only testing the ground for the first time. Japan is also a very promising country when it comes to esports because people there are gamers although a little private. However, the quest for glory would still drive those younglings who want to put a dedicated effort in staying ahead of the competition and making the most of their participation.
Esports are still a burgeoning industry in Japan and they are bound to pick up quickly. To do so, though, they would need to be adopted more seriously. Gamers are now flocking to competitive gaming opportunities in Japan and that is a great start. However, the country would need to put together a world-class team to see its name recognized at some of the biggest tournaments out there.