Most of us tend to assume that online games, especially MOBA games – which require skills and quick reflexes – are only suitable for the young. As for the elderly, it’s hard to imagine anyone being capable of playing a MOBA game, let alone competing in tournaments when their reflexes and eyesight have declined. However, while competing against the youth may be difficult, it’s entirely feasible for seniors to compete against their peers, an idea that hasn’t been seen anywhere until recently. Images of seniors in their 80s eagerly sitting in front of screens at a League of Legends tournament have stirred excitement in the online community.
Recently, a welfare fund for the elderly named Hongdao surprised many by announcing that it would organize an eSports tournament specifically for seniors on November 28. This immediately created a buzz in the online community. And while it might be thought of as merely a fun entertainment event, don’t underestimate the seriousness of the participants in this tournament.
Specifically, the seniors have undergone a training process, with a League of Legends training course that lasted from August to November. Each week, they dedicate two hours to learn new knowledge and practice. Some even arrive an hour early to get extra practice time. Moreover, many have been diligent enough to take notes on new champions, current strategies, and continuously ask questions to their coach. Not to mention, when they return home, they urge their grandchildren to help them out, while regularly asking each other: “What time are we online today” to form a team for competition.
The focused expressions and efforts of these seniors have moved the younger generation. It truly shows that a passion for gaming knows no age or skill limits.