How Will AI Change the World of Esports?

If you’ve glanced at a news website over the past 12 months, you’ve probably read a few horror stories about the impending threat of AI. While there are some worrying ramifications to consider, AI is set to revolutionize many industries. It can be put to use to automate tasks, eliminating the need for manual input and making human error a thing of the past. Tired of second-rate customer service? AI will make for powerful digital assistants. There’s even talk of AI providing solutions for the energy crisis. However, if you’re a video game enthusiast, you’re probably more concerned with how AI is going to change the way you play and enjoy esports.

The Impact of AI on Everyday Gaming

No matter what platform you’re playing on, AI looks set to improve your experience. For mobile gamers, AI algorithms can be used to analyze playing patterns, delivering more customized experiences. It can also be used to provide personalized game recommendations and offer tailored rewards. More excitingly, AI has the potential to adapt game mechanics to individual playing styles. If you’ve ever spent hours tinkering around with controller layouts and keyboard configurations, this is one innovation you’ll be glad to welcome.

With augmented reality and virtual reality technology becoming more affordable for the everyday consumer, hardware like the Meta Quest 2 is no longer seen as an unattainable luxury. Up until recently, game offerings for this kind of tech have been rather slim. Putting out a great VR-ready game takes time and isn’t cheap. With AI algorithms, developers will be able to create more immersive and interactive environments, with increased speed to market.

There’s also a growing appetite for AI-powered NPCs. Non-playable characters are a point of contention with gamers. While some titles, such as Red Dead Redemption 2, have excelled in creating living and breathing worlds, others have populated their virtual landscapes with NPCs that can barely walk in a straight line, let alone entire conversations. With AI now a staple in the toolset of every developer, realistic NPCs are going to become more commonplace.

How Esports Teams Can Embrace AI

While the everyday gamer has a lot to look forward to, the professional esports athlete can also leverage AI to their advantage. While it’s unlikely to have a significant impact on the barebones of esports tournaments, AI-driven data analytics are going to become more commonplace. Teams will be able to chart their performance using an incredibly broad set of data metrics. This is going to take a lot of the strain off coaches. In theory, it’s going to make for better teams and more fierce competition.

It will also overhaul the way we watch and interact with esports tournaments. At live events, commentators will be able to draw on these analytics to provide attendees with unbeatable insights. Even those watching at home will be able to access this detailed analysis. This could have serious ramifications for the booming esports betting market, which was already worth more than $671 million in 2022. With viewers able to access in-depth performance trackers, they’ll be able to make far more informed choices when it comes to wagering.

What Problems Does AI Present?

While there’s no denying the potential of AI, it might create some issues on the professional circuit. If developers of major titles like League of Legends and Dota 2 decide to incorporate AI technology into their games, the issue of overpowered NPCs becomes a problem.

What’s more, while real-time analytics might be irrefutable, don’t expect them to be accepted as gospel by every player. If anything, they’ll only throw fuel on the fire and lead to more gamer rage moments.

Eager to embrace the action before AI takes over? Check out the latest tournament fixtures at www.1337pro.com/en/dota2/tournament-schedule.