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Can eSports Threaten Poker’s Reign as King of the Online Mind Games?
For years, poker had been the chosen game for friends and acquaintances who would meet up and enjoy a quick hand or two over a conversation. No Wild West movie would be complete without its grizzled cowboy, Wild Bill Hickok vibe. Even modern-day legends of the game like Doyle Brunson recalls his early days of hustling with the late Amarillo Slim in the crime-filled casinos of early Las Vegas before he made money turning pro years later. In time, the game would evolve into what we know it as today, a thinker’s game driven by strategic choices, rebranded thanks to new audiences accessing it online. Then, with the help of the internet, came the boom.
In 2003, Chris Moneymaker won an online satellite that allowed him to play in the Main Event of that year’s World Series of Poker (WSOP) at the Binion’s Gambling Hall in Las Vegas, bypassing the buy-in of $10,000. From there, he not only made the final table and the money but won the whole event, scooping $2,500,000 and inspiring others to attempt the same, believing their fortune was just around the corner, too.
Online poker had an advantage over live poker because players could launch their careers cheaply by making the most of freerolls, micro stakes and like Moneymaker, satellites. Subsequently, the online poker boom had started. For years, the business grew steadily, then after that period of growth came the fall.
On April 15, 2011, the U.S. Department of Justice together with the FBI issued an unexpected 52-pages long indictment that accused various online poker rooms of embezzling illegal gambling funds¸ bank fraud and other gambling offenses. This forced the accused rooms to leave the U.S. market while thousands of American poker players were frozen out of their games and away from their money. Despite this, online poker recovered, especially outside of the U.S., but now, once again, it’s finding itself under threat.
Poker vs. Esports
888Poker WPT500 (Source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/worldpokertour/27310969498/in/dateposted)
Esports, the professional competing of primarily strategic video games, such as Dota 2, League of Legends, Hearthstone and StarCraft II, are now taking the battle to online poker in a significant way. In fact, esports is now a multimillion-dollar industry with an army of fans across the globe. Thanks to the growth of online streaming services, such as Twitch and YouTube, both esports and poker fans can watch the action live from their desktop and mobile devices, meaning they are both capable of reaching the masses the world over with relative ease.
Incredibly, somewhere between 2.2 and 2.6 billion people now watch video games online, according to the Amazon-owned Twitch, with esports revenues alone predicted to double to roughly $1.5 billion by 2020. Competitive esports tournaments have exploded in popularity too, with prize pools, while still not equal to poker, increasing more than 70 times over and showing no signs of slowing.
Bridging the gap between prize pools. (Source: 888Poker)
As this infographic proves, the gap between prize pools is closing. A look at the prize pool for the 2016 WSOP shows it was worth a total a little over $221 million. Esports main event, International, on the other hand, is worth slightly less. We should note too that poker players are able to stretch their celebrity beyond poker, in contrast to esports’ top names who are famous only in their circles. Of course, this may change as the world’s thirst for video gaming continues to grow, but of the two, poker is still the game with the top names and huge purses.
It will remain significant in popular culture too, either as a plot device for any number of TV shows or as the central subject of a movie, and not just cowboy ones. Only recently, the film Molly’s Game, which details the high-stakes Hollywood poker games hosted by Poker Princess Molly Bloom, was released to critical acclaim and Oscar nominations while talk of a sequel to the 1998 Matt Damon movie Rounders never quite quells to silence. In the esports versus poker battle, poker, fittingly, has another ace up its sleeve, too: Amateur poker players can test themselves and maybe even beat the professionals on their day. This is not a benefit afforded to amateur esports players whose chances of beating a pro are minimal at best.
However, shifting generations may be one area where poker would be wise to stay vigilant. It might show concern that among the average age of the 2017 WSOP participants, less than 5 percent were between 21 and 25. Is this disappointing stat telling us that poker’s popularity is dwindling with younger players, and does this leave room for esports to take advantage and steal a win? Well, no, not especially. As outlined briefly above, since poker’s boom, we have seen a rush among those just old enough to gamble, trying their luck at making a living from playing online poker. Then, after Black Friday, online poker, indeed gambling, became inaccessible to most Americans. And there’s the rub for esports players; betting online in the U.S. is still mostly forbidden, although recently, some new hope for U.S. online gambling was provided.
Esports are quickly catching up fast though. Only last month, the first dedicated esports venue opened on the Las Vegas Strip. The Luxor Resort & Casino is now home to the Esports Arena Las Vegas, a 30,000-sq. ft. space complete with gaming pods, a video wall and a fully decked out stage for the competitions. Online bookmakers and betting operators routinely offer books on esports with traditional sports outlets broadcasting, covering, streaming and wagering on every click of the mouse.
Even the World Poker Tour (WPT) teamed up with ELC Gaming, the European division of Allied Esports, in 2017, to merge the two in the first combined poker and esports event at the Holland Casino in Valkenburg, Netherlands.
Different Audiences
The ever-evolving nature of devices, from the smartphone to the tablet, has opened both formats to new and expansive audiences. Even with poker’s appeal diminishing among the youth, it’s worth remembering that this is still a game rooted in tradition that might date as far back as the 1300s. The point is that poker has been around forever, standing the test of time and is still enjoying a flourish online today with around 80 percent of new players signing up through their mobiles.
Does the age and gender of the players — the gaming console generation — mean that change is inevitable? By their nature, video games have a sell-by date, a time when they need new life breathed into their accumulated franchises. They are a product for the youth, yet there is room for both poker and esports to coexist peacefully in the marketplace. After all, they have more in common than they do differences.
Take the online poker room 888Poker, who, in 2016, announced a partnership deal with Flow Esports that will allow streamers to wear 888 patches and live stream online poker to their respective audiences. We are also continuously witnessing poker players flirt with esports, moving in and out of the game, which is not surprising given that most poker players are drawn to other thinking, strategic games, testing their skill, timing, logic and luck. Arguments are consistently being made that poker is esports and given that many Twitch users are millennials who are experienced in making fast decisions from video games, have time on their hands and can play anywhere they choose, the rise of the new medium was inevitable.
In the long run, however, the trend is unlikely to be a problem for poker. The nature of video games, the source material for esports, means that they are always evolving and changing, launching sequels and so on. While their popularity is expected to grow and poker, in turn, becomes more of a game, it is unchanging and traditional at its core, which is the key to its success. Even though poker does need to find a younger audience, in formats like Snap and Blast, it has shown itself to be flexible to new ideas. And who’s to say esports gamers won’t come full circle and rededicate themselves to poker years from now? The point is that these two don’t need to be direct rivals, instead, work together to draw in the players of tomorrow.
Are you tired of playing video games all day long? Why not take a break and watch some video game-based movies on Hulu in NZ? With its vast collection of movies and TV shows, Hulu is the perfect platform to satisfy your gaming cravings.
From action-packed thrillers to heartwarming dramas, we would recommend you to get Hulu in NZ, because Hulu has it all. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the top 7 video game-based movies that you must watch on Hulu in NZ.
Assassin’s Creed (2016)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Director: Justin Kurzel
Major Cast: Michael Fassbender, Marion Cotillard, Jeremy Irons
Runtime: 1 hour 55 minutes
The first on our list is the movie adaptation of the popular video game franchise “Assassin’s Creed.” Starring Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard, this movie follows the story of Callum Lynch, who discovers he is a descendant of a secret society of assassins. With stunning visuals and breathtaking action scenes, this movie is a must-watch for any Assassin’s Creed fan.
Rampage (2018)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi
Director: Brad Peyton
Major Cast: Dwayne Johnson, Naomie Harris, Malin Akerman
Runtime: 1 hour 47 minutes
If you’re a fan of monster movies and video games, “Rampage” is the perfect movie for you. Starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, this movie is based on the classic arcade game of the same name. The movie follows a primatologist who teams up with a genetically modified gorilla to stop two other genetically modified animals from destroying the city. With its over-the-top action and humor, “Rampage” is a fun-filled ride from start to finish.
Sonic the Hedgehog (2020)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy
Director: Jeff Fowler
Major Cast: James Marsden, Jim Carrey, Ben Schwartz
Runtime: 1 hour 39 minutes
For all the Sonic fans out there, “Sonic the Hedgehog” is a must-watch movie. Starring Jim Carrey as Dr. Robotnik and Ben Schwartz as the voice of Sonic, this movie follows Sonic as he teams up with a human cop to stop Dr. Robotnik from taking over the world. With its fast-paced action and lovable characters, “Sonic the Hedgehog” is a movie that both kids and adults can enjoy.
Mortal Kombat (2021)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Director: Simon McQuoid
Major Cast: Lewis Tan, Jessica McNamee, Josh Lawson
Runtime: 1 hour 50 minutes
If you’re a fan of the Mortal Kombat video game franchise, you won’t want to miss the 2021 movie adaptation. With its gory fight scenes and iconic characters, this movie is a love letter to the fans of the game. The movie follows a group of fighters who are recruited to participate in a tournament to determine the fate of the world. With stunning visuals and non-stop action, “Mortal Kombat” is a movie that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
Warcraft (2016)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Director: Duncan Jones
Major Cast: Travis Fimmel, Paula Patton, Ben Foster
Runtime: 2 hours 3 minutes
Based on the popular MMORPG game, “Warcraft” tells the story of the battle between humans and orcs. Starring Travis Fimmel and Paula Patton, this movie follows a group of human heroes as they try to stop the orc invasion. With its epic battles and stunning visuals, “Warcraft” is a movie that will transport you to a world of magic and adventure.
Tomb Raider (2018)
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy
Director: Roar Uthaug
Major Cast: Alicia Vikander, Dominic West, Walton Goggins
Runtime: 1 hour 58 minutes
Based on the popular video game franchise of the same name, “Tomb Raider” stars Alicia Vikander as the iconic Lara Croft. The movie follows Lara as she sets out on a dangerous journey to solve the mystery of her father’s disappearance. With its intense action scenes and captivating storyline, “Tomb Raider” is a movie that will keep you hooked from beginning to end.
Resident Evil (2002)
Genre: Action, Horror, Sci-Fi
Director: Paul W.S. Anderson
Major Cast: Milla Jovovich, Michelle Rodriguez, Eric Mabius
Runtime: 1 hour 40 minutes
Last but not least, we have the classic zombie horror movie “Resident Evil.” Starring Milla Jovovich as Alice, this movie is based on the popular video game franchise of the same name. The movie follows Alice and a group of survivors as they try to escape from an underground research facility infested with zombies. With its tense atmosphere and pulse pounding action, “Resident Evil” is a must-watch for any horror or action movie fan.
Conclusion
So there you have it, the top 7 video game-based movies that you must watch on Hulu in NZ. From the high-flying action of “Assassin’s Creed” to the terrifying zombie outbreak in “Resident Evil,” each movie offers its unique take on the beloved video games that inspired them.
Whether you are a die-hard gamer or a movie enthusiast, these movies are sure to satisfy your craving for pulse-pounding action and adventure.
Hulu in NZ offers a fantastic selection of movies and TV shows that cater to a wide range of tastes and preferences. With these top 7 video game-based movies, you can immerse yourself in the world of your favorite games and enjoy them on the big screen.
Fighting games have been a major sub-genre of the industry since the dawn of gaming. While the original fist-fighting game came out in 1976, the genre arguably peaked in the 1980s. Dozens of franchises came smashing down arcades, from Mortal Kombat to Tekken.
But gamers do not need to visit the local gaming center anymore to get in on the action, as platform fighters and hand-to-hand combat have long gone mobile. So, are you up for a brawl? Whether you’re into brutal MMA fights or formidable superhero battles, let’s round up some of the best fighting games to play on Android.
Marvel Contest of Champions
While movies and comic books are still at the core of its extended universe, Marvel has also expanded to the gaming medium. Much to mobile gamers’ dismay, though, exhilarating brawler games like Marvel’s Avengers and massive crossovers like Marvel vs. Capcom never made it to smartphones. But Marvel Contest of Champions is more than epic enough to make up for it.
Developed by Kabam, this versus-fighting action game features a pretty strong line-up comprising virtually every Marvel character in the book. Beloved heroes like Wolverine, Spider-Man, and Hulk are all set for battle throughout iconic Marvel locations, such as Asgard, Stark Tower, and Wakanda. Yet players may as well pick supervillains to pit against the good guys. So, assemble the strongest super-heroic team and combine each champion’s unique set of devastating attacks and special abilities. Better yet, this mobile Marvel game allows for competitive multiplayer fighting.
Skullgirls: Fighting RPG
Skullgirls is a solid contender for best mobile fighting game out there. This fighting RPG by Autumn Games has got some incredibly responsive battle animations going for it, and just enough grind to keep players engaged for hours on end. Fun special moves and combos take fast-paced combat to the next level, serviced by colorful background visuals and a jazzy soundtrack that may feel out of place but gives the game that much more flavor.
And all kicking and pummeling aside, Skullgirls has much in the way of the story, too. In an original twist on the genre, this 2D RPG features an all-female cast of quirky yet fierce hand-animated characters. Players may even customize their fighter while searching for the elusive Skullgirl and stopping her from destroying the city of New Meridian.
Mortal Kombat
Alongside Capcom’s Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat is probably the best-known fighting franchise in the world. The series stemmed from the idea of making a video game starring action movie superstar Jean-Claude Van Damme. Funnily enough, JCVD would eventually play center stage in the live-action adaptation of Street Fighter. Still, Mortal Kombat spawned countless installations, TV series, and feature films.
And gamers can now experience the visceral fighting and trademark Fatalities that made the franchise so infamous straight on mobile. Mortal Kombat shows off a whopping roster of over 130 warriors, who level up through challenges of increasing difficulty. Teaming up fighters with matching synergies, mobile players can tackle ferocious enemies in online competitive mode or all on their own. This mobile version of the legendary game also includes a card collection feature.
EA Sports UFC
The intensity of the Octagon translates superbly to the gaming medium. Released by Electronic Arts on multiple platforms, EA Sports UFC quickly became the go-to title for gamers with a knack for mixed martial arts. And the mobile version doesn’t disappoint, pitting up to 97 UFC fighters against one another in heated fashion – and even martial arts legend Bruce Lee as an unlockable bonus. EA Sports UFC may thus be the perfect mobile game to dive into while waiting for the next big superstar comeback.
Meanwhile, prominent fighters like Valentina Shevchenko and Nikita Krylov will keep fans on the edge of their seats in upcoming UFC events. And MMA enthusiasts can even spruce up the experience with a gamble. Reviewers like SBO have laid down the most profitable online bookies for punters to explore. The best sportsbooks offer a range of betting options on MMA, ranging from method of victory to total rounds. Lofty bonuses and welcome packages also await newcomers. And online punters can make bank out of even more sports, from the ultra-popular to the niche.
Fighting games are as old as time. But with improved gameplay and ever-so-striking aesthetics, they’ve remained fresh throughout the decades. And players can now get their fists to do the talking on mobile, from retro titles to inventive entries.
The 21st century has been a great time for gaming and online casinos. We’ve seen explosive growth in both sectors, with new technologies and platforms emerging constantly. The following 10 years promise to be even more exciting, as we’ll see even more innovation and growth in the gaming industry, as well as the online gambling industry.
In this blog post, we’ll look at some of the trends that we think will shape the next decade of gaming and online casino development. So whether you’re a casual player or a hardcore gambler, read on to find out what the next 10 years have in store for you!
The increasing popularity of online casinos and gaming
With many people stuck at home, they turned to digital platforms for entertainment, including gaming and slots sites. As a result, these sectors have seen explosive growth over the past few years. With the increasing popularity of technology, games have moved from physical pieces to digital pixelated ones, allowing for even more immersive and engaging gaming experiences.
With the online world ever-growing, it was only a matter of time before gambling followed suit. Nowadays, casinos are looking for ways to pull in more business through rewarding online slots promotions, as opposed to the regular operations in brick-and-mortar casinos. In addition, advancements in technology have allowed for the development of online slots, poker rooms, and other casino games that are not only secure and safe to play but also offer a level of quality that is comparable to land-based casinos.
Although we have made a lot of progress, especially with online casinos and online slots games, there is still more to come. Here are some of the changes we predict for this billion-dollar online casino industry in the next ten years:
The increasing legalization of online casinos globally
As online gaming becomes more and more popular, we are seeing an increased push for the legalization of online gambling in countries all around the world. With more people playing on digital platforms and experiencing the benefits of online casinos, governments are recognizing this trend and moving towards changing laws to allow for wider access to these online gambling sites.
For example, in the United States, more states are beginning to implement legal gambling solutions due to the US federal government softening its regulations. And this trend will likely continue in the coming years, as more countries begin to recognize the benefits of legalizing online casinos which include increased tax revenues and a better way to regulate gambling in the digital age.
Virtual reality gaming
With the rise of virtual reality technology, we can expect to see casinos offer more immersive gaming experiences. Players will be able to experience realistic casino environments and games through VR headsets, allowing for an even more realistic gaming experience. Game developers are constantly releasing new concept games to online casinos, and we can expect these same sorts of fun, attractive experiences to be available in the next few years.
Blockchain Technology for Transparent and Fair Gambling Systems
Another major trend that we will see in online casinos and gaming over the next decade is the use of blockchain technology. With this technology, players can rest assured that they are getting a fair chance to win while enjoying secure transactions and transparent gambling systems. Blockchain technology allows for all casino transactions to be recorded on an open ledger, making it difficult for casinos to manipulate the outcomes of games. As a result, players can enjoy more trust, transparency, and fairness in their online gaming activities.
Game development
When visiting an online casino, it is essential to find an operator that provides a good variety of games. For instance, slots games are very popular in the digital environment, finding a provider with a good variety of slots games will chance your experience. You could find different slots themes and choose the slot game you like the most. In the next ten years, we could be expecting new games integration with better graphics, creative and fun. Game developers will have a higher demand and they will be providing cool slots themes and other casino games.
Top of the line Live Dealer Games
Finally, we will also see more sophisticated live dealer games in online casinos and gaming over the next decade. With the rise of 4K and 5K resolution cameras, online casino providers have been able to offer gamers a much more realistic viewing experience.
These live dealer games can be streamed from various locations, allowing more people to join and play different types of online games. With a more advanced streaming quality, players can now interact with real dealers in real time and enjoy a variety of table games such as roulette, slots, blackjack, and baccarat. With so many exciting changes coming our way, we can look forward to even more engaging gaming experiences in the years ahead!
In Summary
Overall, it’s clear that the gaming and online casino industries are undergoing major changes as we look toward the future. Whether you’re an avid gamer or just a casual player, there are exciting developments on the horizon that will shape how we interact with these platforms – and how they affect our daily lives. So if you’re looking for the best possible experiences from the gambling and casino industry, in particular, be sure to keep an eye out for these exciting online casino trends as well as online slots promotions that suit your playing style.
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