Online gaming has always had a knack for fostering a sense of community; for some people the majority of their social life takes place online while playing video games with other online gamers.  It makes sense, then, that an organization would come along to represent these folks and track gaming statistics in addition to offering tournaments and prizes.  The Global Gaming League brings gamers from all over the world together to compete and socialize in a virtual environment.

Much like Major League Baseball or the NBA, the Global Gaming League offers different divisions and groups, which players can join.  In another comparison to professional sports, the gamers aren’t referred to as players, but rather as athletes.  In a rational sense these folks aren’t athletes for their video game prowess, but the labeling perhaps adds to the fun of joining a league.  These video game athletes are also vying for corporate sponsorship, as some companies extend sponsorship to certain high-profile players who attract a lot of media attention.  A current trend is for corporate sponsorships to be offered to attractive female gamers, as these women obviously receive a lot of attention at gaming events.  So yes, it is possible to be a professional video game player using organizations like the Global Gaming League, and for some players it proves to be quite lucrative.

The Global Gaming League isn’t the first of its kind to surface, in fact there is quite a bit of competition between the GGL and another similar organization called Major League Gaming.  Apparently there are some gamers who are essentially “fans” of some of the more popular gamers, and a great camaraderie exists within each respective gaming league.  Members from one league post on the forums of the other league and vice versa, declaring superiority and challenging players to games.  This sort of competition undoubtedly adds to the excitement for many players.

The Global Gaming League also brings gamers together in an online community format that not only features game reviews and gamer profiles, but also keeps people abreast of the latest gaming news.  There is even an advice column written by female gamers to help hapless gamer men in dealing with the fairer sex.  The website is one one-stop shop for all the information an active video game player needs, and many gamers appreciate the easily accessible format.   

The Global Gaming League hosts many professional gaming tournaments in which players compete with each other for cash, prizes, and bragging rights.  Corporately sponsored gamers utilize these occasions to advertise the companies who pay them by wearing insignias and logos in addition to other marketing tactics.  Combine these factors with the aforementioned fans, and a talented video game player can feel like a rock star.  The tournaments aren’t restricted to adults either, as many younger players are getting involved in professional playing.  Some contestants may not even be able to drive a car yet, and may not have even graduated from high school, but they have managed to secure themselves a lucrative position doing what they love: playing video games.  It is organizations like the Global Gaming League, which has made this sort of dream a reality.

This gaming league is genuinely international, as players from all over the world actively participate.  A team in the league can consist of gamers from many different countries utilizing online technology and player versus player servers for communication and game play.  After all, online gaming is big business in many parts of the world.  Internet cafés are prevalent throughout many countries and online gaming is a popular pastime.  The Global Gaming League capitalizes upon this trend and gives gamers a place to call home, or rather a place to call a virtual home.  The community is all like-minded folks interested in the same sorts of ways to spend their free time.  For some gamers who feel stigmatized by non-gamers this sort of solidarity with other gamers can be joyous.

 Of course, not everyone is cut out to be a professional gamer, and The Global Gaming League is for amateurs and professionals alike.  Players not looking for paying contracts, yet seeking out an online community of gamers, will enjoy all the GGL has to offer.