Using Appropriate Technological Methods to Improve the Overall Experience
Since we used to play Super Mario Bros. with our friends in our living rooms, video games have changed a lot. Professional esports events now draw tens of thousands of fans to arenas and are streamed to huge audiences worldwide. By 2023, the esports market will be worth more than $1.5 billion. 1 The ESL Pro Tour's StarCraft II, the League of Legends world championships, the FIFA eWorld Cup, and Dota 2's The International championship are all high-profile circuits and events with prizes worth millions of dollars.
Aside from the big-money professional tournaments, more minor leagues and competitions with professional, amateur, college, and high school teams fighting it out are also popular with fans. Some colleges now give scholarships to esports athletes, and both colleges and high schools are putting in purpose-built esports facilities to improve their esports programs.
All of the action in esports takes place on virtual playing fields, so it's essential to have high-quality digital displays. Players like clear and sharp monitors have fast response times and very low input lags, so they can keep up with how fast the games move. Venues that host esports events use a wide range of large-screen digital displays, such as dvLED video walls, LED displays, and projectors, to ensure fans don't miss any of the action. Let's take a closer look at how these three displays can improve an esports event or installation for spectators.
Attract attention all throughout the venue
At esports events, people watch the games on big screens. Usually, host facilities use either large-format LCDs (liquid-crystal displays) or dvLED (direct-view light-emitting diode) video walls, depending on the size of the room. LCD screens can be as big as 98 inches, and doled video walls can be put together to make almost any size and shape.
eSports use digital screens. Some places also have projectors for people to use. They can also be used for projection mapping when not showing the game action. Multiple projectors are synced together in a projection mapping setup to show entertaining or mood-setting content on flat or non-flat surfaces, even outside at night. Projection mapping is a common sight at NBA games. It makes the crowd more excited when there are breaks in the action.
Larger esports events need digital screens for more than just the competition area. The athletes can watch what's going on while they wait for their turn to compete because the green rooms have screens. LCD screens throughout the venue can display the live feed, promos, and other content. Commentators in the broadcast booth use LCD screens with touch overlays to talk about what's happening.
Outside the venue, digital displays are also essential to significant esports events. As fans come to an event, they can be used to show promotional content to get them excited. Outdoor screens can also show live feeds of the competition to people who can't get in or are just passing by.
Considerations
Make sure the right technologies are in place so spectators can have the most fun. Several essential things must be considered when choosing the best displays for an esports event or a home built just for esports.
Viewing Distance
The large, bright images displayed on digital billboards are sure to pique the interest of passers-by. Knowing how far away your audience will be from the screens is crucial if you're trying to decide between an LCD, dvLED, or projection solution. You can use that information to find the best resolution for your setup.
High-resolution displays with more pixels are necessary when viewers are close to a screen. Pixel pitch is used to determine the distance between the centers of two adjacent pixels, such as in dvLED panels. If you're looking for high resolution, look for a discussion with a small pixel pitch (in millimeters). That's significant because a closer spacing between pixels means that even close-up viewers won't be distracted by the display's pixels.
If people are sitting further back from a screen, you can get away with a lower-resolution display that still looks good. Despite having fewer pixels, these screens will still deliver a satisfying viewing experience at average viewing distances. In general, look for a digital signage provider with displays with a wide range of viewing distances (or resolutions), so you can find the ones that fit your needs.
Viewing angle
The term "viewing angle" describes the range of positions from which an image on a digital screen can be seen clearly. It is measured in degrees, both horizontally and vertically, from the center of the screen. For instance, a display with a 160° horizontal and 120° vertical viewing angle can be viewed from a wide variety of angles. With wider viewing angles, fewer screens are required to give spectators at an esports event a good look at the action.
Ambient light
The ambient lighting conditions affect which display technology is best for a given environment. Because of their brilliant colors and sharp images, LCD screens and dvLED video walls are ideal for use in bright indoor and outdoor settings. A perfect environment for a projector is one with low levels of ambient light, making them ideal for indoor and outdoor use, particularly at night.
Service and support
Find a solution provider who will be there for you every step to get the best digital esports signage at the lowest total cost and highest reliability. A reputable service will spend time with you to determine what signage will work best in your area. To ensure that your objectives are met, its team will conduct a site survey to measure and determine the project's requirements. Professional technicians will install the entire solution and show you how to use it. Make sure the warranties cover everything you need for your peace of mind.
Budget
Even at million-dollar esports tournaments, finances are a significant concern. Arenas and event organizers can give fans a high-quality viewing experience without breaking the bank by carefully selecting their display solutions.
Projectors may be the most cost-effective solution for new builds and retrofitting existing spaces into an esports venue, especially for events and platforms on a tight budget, such as college and high school esports facilities. Projectors are another common and reliable piece of technology in schools.
Completing a search for a reliable collaborator
Arena owners, promoters, signage integrators, building developers, and others involved in the esports industry will increasingly look for the best digital displays to entice spectators and participants. Choose the best solutions with the help of a reliable technology partner who simplifies signage for your business.
Sources:
1. Business Insider, Esports Ecosystem Report 2021,
www.businessinsider.com/esports-ecosystem-market-report
2. Campus Technology, 6 Colleges Launch or Expand Esports Programs,
campustechnology.com/articles/2019/09/24/6-colleges-launch-or-expand-esports-programs.aspx
3. High School Esports League, Compete for Esports Glory at Your School,
www.highschoolesportsleague.com/