TOKYO: Esports is attracting attention at a time when real-life sports matches have been suspended amid the new coronavirus outbreak.

Esports became a hot topic after Rui Hachimura, a Japanese professional basketball player of the Washington Wizards, a team in the U.S. National Basketball Association, joined an online game competition themed on the NBA in April.

Players of teams belonging to the Japan Professional Football League, or J.League, and Japanese professional baseball players have participated in similar events.

The size of the Japanese esports market expanded 27 percent year on year to some 6.1 billion yen in 2019, according to Kadokawa Game Linkage Inc., which is engaged in esports business.

People's interest in esports is growing further recently amid a stay-at-home trend due to the virus outbreak.

"Esports is increasingly becoming known," Hirokazu Hamamura, deputy head of the Japan esports Union, said, noting that many people are now experiencing it.

But some competitions have been canceled this year due to the virus crisis as esports events are normally held by players gathering in the same venues.

Holding esports events online also involves problems, including unfair practices such as manipulation of programs.

It is unfortunate for players being unable to interact at competition venues, said Tetsuro Akasaka, a renowned player of major card game Hearthstone.

Just like real-life athletes, esports players get acquainted at competition venues, practice together and learn from each other.

Competitions would become more exciting if players get together at the same place, Hamamura said, showing his regret at the cancellations of recent esports events.

Still, Hamamura underscored his desire to spread esports further. "Capitalizing on the increased popularity, I want to take steps to increase fans of esports."

JIJI Press