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Casting

In the world of esports, “casting” refers to the live commentary and analysis that takes place during a competitive gaming match or tournament. The term ‘Casting’ is a shortened version of ‘Shoutcasting’.  Similar to traditional sports, where commentators narrate the action on the field, casters in esports provide a play-by-play account of what is happening in the game, explain the strategies at play, and offer insights into the decisions being made by the players or teams.

The role of the caster is to enhance the viewer’s experience, making the match more engaging, understandable, and exciting.[1]

The Casting Duo

Casting is typically carried out by a duo of commentators, each with a specific focus. One is the play-by-play caster, whose job is to keep up with the fast-paced action, narrating every move and key event as it unfolds. For instance, in a high-stakes match of League of Legends, a play-by-play caster might describe a chaotic team fight, calling out each player’s actions and the abilities they use, creating a sense of urgency and excitement for the audience.

The other half of the casting duo is the colour caster, who provides deeper analysis and context. The colour caster explains the “why” behind the “what” of the action, breaking down the strategies, discussing the implications of certain plays, and giving the audience a more profound understanding of the game. For example, in a Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO)match, a colour caster might delve into why a team decided to rush a specific bombsite, taking into account factors such as the team’s economy, previous round outcomes, or the tendencies of the opposing players.

Together, these casters bring the game to life for the viewers. They not only narrate the action but also help the audience understand the subtleties and complexities of the game, making even the most intricate strategies accessible to both hardcore fans and casual viewers alike. This combination of real-time excitement and in-depth analysis is what makes casting such a vital part of the esports viewing experience.

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For instance, Toby “TobiWan” Dawson, a well-known caster in the Dota 2 community, has become famous for his energetic and dramatic calls during some of the game’s most memorable moments. His ability to convey the tension and stakes of a match has made him a beloved figure among fans.

Similarly, in the Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO)scene, the casting duo of Henry “HenryG” Greer and Matthew “Sadokist” Trivett is celebrated for their seamless blend of excitement and expert analysis, which has helped make the game more enjoyable and accessible to millions of viewers worldwide.

In essence, casting is the art of storytelling in esports, transforming what happens on the screen into a compelling narrative that captures the imagination and attention of the audience, making each match not just a game, but an experience.


[1] For more information on this role please see Z Andrejkovics, A newborn Business: Esports (Independent Publishing Platform 2021); P Chaloner,  This is Esports (and how to spell it)) (Bloomsbury Publishing, London 2020); J Chambers, Careers in Focus: Computer and Video Game Design (3rd edn, Infobase Publishing.2022); Global Esports: Transformation of Cultural Perceptions of Competitive Gaming (Bloomsbury Publishing 2021); Handbook of Research on Pathways and Opportunities Into the Business of Esports (Business Science Reference 2021);  R Rogers, Understanding esports : an introduction to the global phenomenon (Lanham: Lexington Books 2019); T Saunders, Win the esports career game – 7 Paths into the industry’ (2021)’ H E Schwartz, Esports Careers (Lerner Publishing Group 2023); D Hedlund, G Fried and R Smith (eds), Esports Business Management (Human Kinetics, Incorporated 2021).

Author

  • Casting

    Nik Turner is the owner of Ntesports, a consultancy agency specialising in Esports and Education. Ntesports owns the largest global online shop for Esports teaching resources and Nik is the Chair of the Esports Trade Association’s Education Committee. Nik is also a Quality Assurance expert for educational programmes for esports and works with major clients to verify standards and to design and produce esports qualifications. View all posts

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