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Maldives may be a small country with a small population, but we can be fiercely passionate about the things we enjoy. This is especially true when it comes to two of our favorite pastimes – football and playing video games. 

While football as a sport has been a big part of our society for decades, it’s only recently that gaming has started to emerge as an easy-to-access recreational pastime. It was only in the past decade or so that the internet became widely used throughout our country, and with it came easy and cheap access to an array of online platforms. With the advent of better technology and better internet, the price of entry for video games is lower than ever now, leading to more people progressively diving into this leisure activity.

It’s easy for anyone with a computer, console or smartphone to just download their favorite games and start playing. Many of us – especially younger teens and kids – do exactly that. It’s an easy way to spend a few hours doing something you like, and it’s also a great way to not just meet new people online but to spend time with your friends who enjoy playing the same games you do. It’s very common nowadays to see small communities and groups form over their love of a particular game so they can continue playing together. It may be strange to hear for someone who didn’t grow up with the internet, but playing video games together like this with a particular group of people can lead to very close-knit connections within the group in a way that’s hard to emulate otherwise.

The meteoric rise in the popularity of gaming isn’t all good news, however. Gaming can be addictive. Unless you’re careful in how you spend your time and money, it can be easy to get lost in the colorful and often competitive world of video games. Certain “free” games are designed in a way to get players wanting to spend increasing amounts of time and money on small in-game items to progress, and people playing these games should be aware of these predatory practices. While gaming itself isn’t harmful, it’s still the parent’s responsibility to keep an eye on what their child is doing when they’re spending too much time on their computers or handheld devices. It’s also the player’s responsibility to know when it’s a good time to close up if this simple hobby starts interfering with their daily life. 

MvGL takes our responsibility to the community seriously in this regard. We host our tournaments on weekends and at times we know that the participants will be free and we have breaks for prayer times as well. We love gaming – we know many of you do – but we don’t want our passion to interfere with other important parts of our lives. 

With all that said, the gaming industry isn’t the same as it was years ago. Video games have evolved from being just a pastime to an international sport with players being labelled as athletes and recognized even by major sporting leagues across the globe. It's a way to earn a living and make content from the comfort of your home in this digital day and age. One of the top content creators on Twitch and YouTube - Tyler “Ninja” Blevins – made upwards of $10 million annually for the past several years. This figure doesn’t include the various deals he has with big brands like Microsoft, Red Bull and Adidas (it’s estimated he made $30 million dollars from his deal with Microsoft to stream on Mixer). The professional esports athletes of today make as much money as traditional professional sports athletes. 

While it might not be for everyone, gaming can be a solid way to earn money. Even though it’s still a new concept in our country, it’s possible to base a career in not just game development but by playing video games too. It’s also a great way for introverts to spend time with others online and to make new friends. And just like with a good book or movie, spending a couple of hours with a good game can be a relaxing experience.

But like with all things, it’s best to spend your time gaming in moderation. Unless it’s the weekend. Then go for it.

About the author: Maldivian Gaming League is a team of e-sports organizers and competition promoters based in the Maldives. For more information, check them out on Facebook or Instagram.