Sports video games, whether you love them or hate them, have undeniably been entrenched in youth culture for decades. Announcements of new FIFA games are met with months of anticipation, even if the new release is a near replica of the previous version. Professional athletes play as themselves in their sports games and livestream to millions of fans. The rise of the sports video game industry has been rapid and astronomically lucrative ever since the first late 1950’s. But why?

Part of the answer stems from the wide variety that sports video games have to offer. Some involve physical interaction and allow for exercise, while others are more laid back and oriented around relaxing through sports. Active games include popular classics such as Just Dance and Wii Sports, where you have to physically move to earn points and win. These games also allow you to play with friends in-person and compete, promoting exercise and overall health while also creating friendly competition between peers.

Tarquin Wood ’25 loves this aspect of sports video games and calls himself a devoted fan. He also knows the value of video games that promote physical health, especially during a time where many youth increasingly spend more time inside or at a chair.

“What makes Wii really successful is that it combines the good things about video games with the good things about sports,” said Wood. “It can help you exercise, burn calories, and stay fit, and that’s really good for kids who play the games. They’ll be taught that early and instill it into their lifestyles as they grow up.”

Wood also loves the social aspect of these types of video games, sharing personal stories about how the game impacted his connections with others.

“I remember I went to my friend’s house a lot, and he introduced me to Wii Tennis,” said Wood. “I grew closer to my friend because he taught me something that became really important to me later, so it really solidified my friendship with him.”

The other, more sedentary, type of sports video games include popular modern games such as MADDEN, FIFA, NBA2K, and MLB The Show. These games are licensed by professional sports leagues and teams, allowing players to have a realistic and fun experience by involving their favorite teams and players in real life. This is a more relaxing experience as there is no real physical activity involved.

For many, watching professional athletes play as themselves in the video games is a primary source for the genre’s boost in popularity. Many athletes grew up playing these video games, and when they become professional athletes, it only increases the game’s popularity. Certain game modes put the players in critical situations where they feel that they are in more control such, as a career as a player or coach.

Similarly to active games, these types of video games also allow players to have fun with peers and compete in person, but also online against other users of similar skill levels, testing the user’s skills against people from around the world. Overall, although this type of sports video game lacks exercise, it is still an enjoyable experience in its own unique ways.

Max Mazo ’25 has been playing FIFA for the past four years, and has found that it is a great way for him to wind down after a long day.

“I started playing FIFA in freshman year because my friends had it, and because I enjoyed playing soccer so it seemed like a fun thing to do,” said Mazo. “Additionally, if I have a friend that lives in another state, I can still play with them.”

For Mazo, the best part about playing games like FIFA is that the player can replicate the feeling of being in control of a team and compete with friends to see who can make the best teams.

“I play [FIFA] Pro Clubs with my friends. I used to play by myself but now I play with [my] friends on the soccer team. It’s fun because we all yell at each other, which relieves stress when you play together,” said Mazo. “You can play against the computer, such as in FIFA ultimate team, but you can also play single player.”

Both types of games have a strong impact on not only PHS students, but on the rest of the world. Although both have unrelenting fanbases who claim that their game style is better, they appeal to different audiences under different circumstances. As players browse the game shelves, it’s almost guaranteed they will find the perfect video game to immerse themselves in both the sport and the game itself.