We have recently entered the so-called Phase 2, and we are still forced to maintain some safety measures which, in addition to prohibiting aggregation moments, have forced the suspension of major national and international sporting events. Unlike real sport, eSports are lucky enough to be played online, involving the public thanks to the broadcast on digital channels. A limitation compared to the explosive public events of which this sector is capable but at the same time an opportunity that has allowed, in this difficult period, to shorten the distances that have arisen and to make this known to an even wider audience " discipline".
The Samsung Morning Stars teams also found themselves in this new situation and, 3 years after their birth, they had to abandon the eSports Palace in Bergamo, for many a real home as well as a training place. A place for meeting and dialogue on eSports, an environment in which to breathe an air of competition but also of fun. A project born from the desire to make even more concrete what for the Morning Stars, in addition to being a passion, is a profession. Training, commitment and perseverance are the basis of the pro players' day, to reach the level of skill necessary to compete in tournaments even at an international level.
While waiting to be able to return to Bergamo, the return to their homes has not in fact stopped gamers who, like many, found themselves playing and training in "smart working" mode. The hours devoted to play and training have not changed since they are already a predominant activity and have allowed them, despite the distances, to always stay in touch and create aggregation. A way to stay united, to consolidate the value and the team , as explained in the video that, each from their own home, helped to create. A message that speaks of the team spirit of SMS boys and girls, of their commitment to face all challenges, from virtual to real, small or large.
The Samsung Morning Stars have therefore continued to work and to be a team even from afar, to prepare for the next European competitions on the calendar. For the world cup it will take longer, as the game servers themselves are not able to avoid the delays and freezes that connections from all over the world would cause, thus compromising the phases of the game and the competitions.
At the same time, in these months of health emergency, the average video player - between 16 and 23 years old - not being able to go to school or university has devoted more time to this passion by expanding the audience of digital channels such as Twitch. o Youtube through which challenges and championships are broadcast. Digital channels that, if until now have been considered by many as an "alternative" mode, today have a fundamental role and are able to involve famous people and athletes who challenge videogames champions, also through virtual tournaments between fans and their idols, live shows and events on TV or in streaming. With all the awareness of the gravity of the situation, this too was and is a way to face the lockdown and this phase of slow recovery; the desire to play and fantasize remains alive, finding a small space to "get away" from reality a little.
Esports embrace many of the values of traditional sport: the strength of a team, adherence to rules and discipline, acceptance of defeat, education for victory and respect even for the opponent. Added to this is the important opportunity to educate young people in the conscious use of video games, which is based on sharing without physical or cultural barriers, without sex, age or economic possibilities: everyone can play.
