Esports have been experiencing phenomenal growth recently as hundreds of games are launched yearly. This industry has experienced different genre of gaming, and it is getting global attention like never before. The industry is worth $2.4 billion as of 2024 and is projected to surpass 10 billion dollars in the next decade.
While some games are dominating the global esports markets, some are, however, not so popular. Video games like APex Legends and StarCraft are going gloabl. These games are getting massive play because they offer a truly rewarding experience for their loyal customers.
Esports is also gaining popularity in sports betting. Recent research on sports betting in Austria shows a substantial rise in eSports betting. Fans that the video games excite are betting on the outcomes of significant tournaments in games like Counter-Strike and LOL.
This article curates and reviews the top multiplayer games in 2024, highlights their game mechanics, and the unique space each game occupies in the esports ecosystem. The amount of reward they awarded for the tournament is also in consideration. Read on to learn which games are worth your gaming time.
The Review of the best eSports games of 2024
Apex Legends
The game was launched in 2019 by Respawn Entertainment. It is a free-to-play shooter set in the Titanfall universe. The game gained traction due to its blend of games, innovations, characters, and gameplay. It is being played by gamers forming their teams of three and selecting a cast called Legends with unique abilities.
It is a multiplayer game that relies on characters with fascinating abilities. For example, gamers can travel between dimensions as wraiths or cloak themselves and create holograms as Mirage. Also, the exceptional communication tools keep the team composed. Once you get the hand of the hero character, it gets easy to fly around the map and snatch wins. The game championship tournament in 2024 was set at $2,000,000. Royale giant has generated over $3.4 billion in revenue.
Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0
The Warzone 2.0 builds on its predecessor but with new maps, enhanced mechanics, and more interactive modes. It is deemed competitive because of its highly customizable load-outs and skill-based matchmaking. The esports provides gamers with engaging multiplayer games and allows them to flex their gaming skills. It is a full-on sequel that launches alongside Modern Warfare II. It has a new map (building 21) and DMZ type. This version 2 of Call of Duty is for pro who aim to test their ability in top tournaments.
Dota 2
The Dota 2 from Valve is an iconic game that blesses the industry. The game is highly strategic and complex. It requires intense coordination among players—every minutes counts in playing Dota. The game is being played by selecting one out of over 100 Heroes.
The Hero will be taken to the battlefield, and its unique character abilities, play style, and other attributes will be used to gain victory. Dota 2 is a legendary game that features millions of dollars in prize pool and allows gamers to showcase their ultimate skills. Its tournament is one of the most valuable sports tournaments globally and has been around for over 10 years. The esports game is an arena to be bested not just by the video game itself but by some of the best teams globally.
Minecraft
Minecraft was launched in 2011. It is famous for its creative space, though it may not appear on the top game of esports lists. But its modes like "Bed Wars" and "PvP Survival are still favorites to gamers who understand intelligent gaming. Its competitive multiplayer matches are for regular gamers who aim to play another hungry competitor and outplay them in custom maps and arenas. You can also hop in as a new gamer if you aim to flex your gaming skills.
Fortnite
Fortnite by Epic Games is a popular online game that was released in 2017. Its most popular mode is a battle royale game with a fantastic free-to-play model. It is unique for its colorful art style, and millions of gamers across the world are glued to the game. It has explicitly three different game modes.
There is “Save the World” that involves up to some zombies. In Battle Royale mode, players do have meanest game face and off against each other. Up to 100 players will fight; the last man or team standing wins. The winning gamer or team is crowned “Victory Royale.” There is also a sandbox mode where the players can creatively control the game as they please.
Valorant
Valorant was developed by Riot Games and released in 2020. The game combines shooter and hero-based mechanics. This makes multiplayer gameplay more competitive than ever before.
The elements of classic shooters like counter-strike and character abilities of games like Overwatch are what gamers will experience in valorant. The game requires players to have precise aim and think quickly before they can win over the enemy team. Riot Games has the Valorant Champions Tour (VCT) as its flagship tournament series.
League of Legends
The League of Legends is a recognized multiplayer online battle Arena (MOBA) game. Riot Games also developed it and has been around since 2009. Over the years, it has grown to be in the top spot of esports games and thrives in the competitive scene. The game exudes the power of teamwork to destroy the opposing team.
Its strategic depth, fast gameplay, and constant updates have made it relevant despite being a game one and a half decades ago. The LOL championship attracts millions of viewers every year.
Mortal Kombat 1
The Mortal Kombat is a revitalization of the iconic fighting series. The games bring back classic characters with improved mechanics and graphics. MK1 is notorious for its brutal and complex combos.
The face-kicking fighters battle title pits players against each other in a one-on-one fight. The game is as fun as its terrifying watch. The game has a single-play type that allows players to practice well before combatting the enemy.
Overwatch 2
Overwatch 2 was released in 2016. The game is built upon the success of Overwatch but with new characters, maps, and gameplay mechanics. It is the first-person shooter game from Blizzard Entertainment.
The game is played in a team of six, and each gamer has to play their specific role diligently to ensure the team's strategy suffices. The game has hosted several competitive scenes with esports. The Overwatch World Cup and Overwatch League are the most popular of them. The game is standard, mainly in Asia.
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS) from Valve and Hidden Path Entertainment remains one of the oldest and most respected competitive games in online gaming. It was released in 2012. CS is a first-person shooter game, and the Global Offensive is the fourth of the Counter-strike series.
The game is played with a face-off between two teams of terrorists and counter-terrorists. The counter-terrorists have the job of saving hostages from the terrorists and defusing the bomb. It demands a high level of reflexes, tactics, and knowledge of the maps to defeat the opposing team.
How We Picked Our Favorite eSports Games
- Have good choice of graphics and gained global popularity score
- Player skill requirements
- Community involvement
- Strategic depth required
- Longevity in the competitive scene
- Enable players that are record breaker to have a rewarding experience.
- Games that get periodic updates without altering their intensity
Conclusion
From the words of the famous skilled player, Ryan Janes, he says: "eSports is not just a game; it's a global phenomenon that combines competition, entertainment, and community.”
Esports has gained traction and has greatly enjoyed the global community's support. Media platforms like Twitch, YouTube, and Kick have also aided its growth. Titles like Apex Legends, Fortnite, and CS are the current best competitive multiplayer games that are ahead of their time. Each of them offers something unique to the online multiplayer community.
They offer highly strategic team-based titles and face-to-face fighting games worth the time. The curated lists above are for you aim to explore the world of esports or if you are a casual who enjoys seeing your favorite victory dance. Video games can be truly rewarding if you pick on the best ones out there.
