Mail and Guardian journalist Faranaaz Parker will host an online game discussion session for South African gamers at 15:30 (SAST) today (January 16).
The live hangout is aimed at South African gamers for questions to be asked and answered, and for the sharing of opinions about electronic games as a recognised sport.
This follows an article written last week by Parker on the growing acknowledgement of games as a school sport as well as the possibilities it offers for professional gaming careers.
“Once considered the preserve of socially-awkward teenage boys, players at the top of their electronic game are increasingly getting official recognition for a specialised skill set that, for the very best, can bring fame and money,” she wrote in her article, titled “Screen Stars: Playing Games is a Serious Sport Now”, published last week, January 11, on the South African online edition of Mail & Guardian.
According to Parker’s research, the e-sports governing body Mind Sports South Africa, affiliated with the South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee, has been awarding provincial colours for gaming and national colours since 2005.
Interested participants should tweet @mailandguardian with the hashtag #SAgaming to contribute to the discussion or sign up to attend via video on the hangout site.
