Give video games a sporting chance

[Nipuna]

YOU probably haven't heard of Lim Yo-Hwan - but his name might soon be everywhere. Known as the Michael Jordan of video games, he is one of a growing number of e-sports stars from South Korea. Professional gaming has been big business there for years. Now it's going global (see "Video games take off as a spectator sport").

To traditional sports fans, watching video games might seem pointless. They should give it a chance. Players are often extraordinarily skilful and tournaments can be as gripping as any major sporting event.

It is worth remembering that today's spectator sports evolved from pastimes that people also happened to enjoy watching. Sports are just combinations of made-up rules, often absurd, designed for one purpose: to produce a compelling contest. Why can't video games grab a slice of that action?