By Duncan Ritchie
02-August-2024 on eSports
23 minute readOver the last two decades, esports has grown from a handful of enthusiasts on home computers to a multi-million dollar industry with serious competitions and prize funds to match.
At the same time, esports athletes are no longer seen as “nerds” and “geeks”. Instead, they are respected sportsmen and women who can favourably be compared to their real-world sports counterparts.
This respectability has come as a result of thorough training regimes, performance reviews, high salaries and personal appearances.
In short, improving performance is just as important in esports as it is in any other sport. And finding the right tools to monitor performance is key.
In this article, we’ll look at what video analysis is and how it can be used to monitor and improve esports performance in various different areas.
So, let’s get started by answering the most obvious question…
Simply put, video analysis is the process of systematically reviewing and interpreting video footage in order to extract useful information and insights, allowing the analyst to make more accurate data driven decisions.
Video analysis is used across many different fields such as healthcare, security, education, and, of course, professional sport, where it has become almost ubiquitous over the last few decades.
And now it is becoming ever more prevalent in esports.
By breaking down gameplay footage, teams and players can gain valuable insights into team strategies, team dynamics, individual skills and the opposition. It allows teams and individuals to prepare for competitions in a manner which is 100% objective. Based on video evidence, they can review performance, identify weaknesses and change strategy as needed.
And, quick plug, Nacsport is one of the world’s leading sports video analysis tools.
So, let’s look at some of the benefits of using video analysis in esports.
For this purpose of this article, we’ll stick to the most popular genres in esports - MOBAs, First Person Shooters and Sports Games.
Examples of games in each of these genre include:
| Multiplayer Online Battle Arenas (MOBAs) | League of Legends / DoTA 2 / Smite / etc. |
| First-Person Shooters (FPS) | Valorant / CS:GO / Fortnite / CoD / etc. |
| Sports Games | EA Sports FC / Rocket League / NBA / etc. |
So, what are the advantages of using video analysis in each of these genres? Let’s take a closer look…
Video analysis with Nacsport is extremely adaptable to any game or situation.
The first stage in the analysis is to create a tagging window that contains parameters for all your strategic plays. Once this is done, you simply wach the game, either live and direct or post-match and click the parameters that you see play out in front of you.
This creates a short video clip which can then be reviewed at your leisure. With games lasting anywhere between 30 minutes and an hour and multiple games per session, this is a huge time saver.
So, what are the benefits of reviewing strategy with Nacsport? Read on for a look at each genre.
| MOBAs |
Pattern Identification
When it comes to MOBAs, video analysis can help teams identify patterns in map movement and objective control.
In League of Legends, for example, analysts study how frequently top-tier teams rotate between lanes and objectives such as Dragon and Baron Nashor.
This helps teams develop more effective strategies for map control and resource allocation. |
| FPS |
Developing Strategy
Video analysis in shooters like CS:GO is critical for understanding and replicating successful strategies.
Reviewing footage allows teams to dissect complex strategies such as bomb site rushes and defensive holds.
Overall, video analysis enhances a team’s tactical playbook. |
| Sports |
Gameplay Tactics
Video analysis of sports games is important for reviewing formations, passing accuracy, and goal-scoring opportunities.
By examining top-tier gameplay and comparing it with their own, players can adopt advanced tactics and improve in-game decision making. |
Because Nacsport is so flexible, you can have several different tagging windows which analyse different aspects of the game, including team or individual performance.
Alternatively, create one tagging window which encompasses both elements at the same time.
| MOBAs |
Skill Assessment
Video analysis can pinpoint areas for improvement in individual players, such as last-hitting minions, positioning during team fights, and effective use of abilities.
For example, analysing a player's laning phase in DoTA 2 can reveal inefficiencies in farming or poor positioning that lead to unnecessary deaths. |
| FPS |
Analysing Mistakes
In shooters such as Valorant, the review of video footage helps players understand critical mistakes, such as missed shots, poor crosshair placement and bad positioning.
This analysis helps players to refine the mechanics of their game and improve clutch up more often. |
| Sports |
Sports: Performance Review
Analysing individual performances in sports games such as NBA helps players identify weaknesses in their gameplay, such as defensive lapses or poor shot selection.
This targeted review process is essential for honing skills and achieving consistent performance. |
As well as post-game analysis, Nacsport can be used to analyse live games. This means that coaches can have the most up-to-date data possible and pass this to players, allowing them to make an immediate impact on the game.
Communication is important in esports, so here are the benefits of improving it.
| MOBAs |
Communication
Every player knows that effective communication is crucial in MOBAs.
Video analysis sessions can highlight times when there were lapses in communication at critical moments, such as team fights or objective contests.
Without a doubt, identifying these learning moments helps teams to develop better in-game communication strategies. |
| FPS |
Synergy
Team synergy is vital for executing advanced strategies. Analysing how well players coordinate during executes or retakes in games like CS:GO can reveal areas for improvement in team dynamics and strategy execution. |
| Sports |
Team Dynamics
In team-based games such as Rocket League, video analysis can give a team insights into their defensive and offensive coordination.
Understanding how certain players move and interact on the field can lead to improved team chemistry and better overall performance. |
One of the advantages of using Nacsport for opposition analysis is that you can analyse several games or matches at the same time in the timeline.
This means that you can get a very quick overview of specific tactics or areas of the game by using the comprehensive filtering tools in the software.
| MOBAs |
The Study of Opponents
Analysing an opponents' gameplay in MOBAs such as Smite can help a team anticipate enemy strategies.
For example, identifying a rival team's tendency to prioritise certain objectives can encourage seamless counter-strategies. |
| FPS |
Predicting Moves
In team-based shooters, teams can review an opponent’s previous matches and try to predict their tactics.
For instance, understanding an opponent's preferred spike site in Valorant can help when devising counter-strategies and neutralise their usual tactics. |
| Sports |
Understanding the Tactics of an Opponent Tactics
In EA Sports FC, studying an opponent's playstyle, formation, and key players can help to formulate an effective game plan.
A detailed analysis is essential when preparing for a high-stakes game. |
Nacsport has a wealth of tools for data visualisation such as the graphic descriptor tool and the dashboard, both of which can be adapted and personalised to your own specific needs and tastes.
This is perfect for displaying performance metrics in a visual, easy-to-understand manner.
| MOBAs |
Quantitative Analysis
Advanced video analysis tools such as Nacsport can help you track performance metrics such as kill / death ratios, gold per minute and ward placement efficiency.
These objective metrics provide a quantitative basis for assessing player and team performance and can form the basis of training plans. |
| FPS |
Heatmaps and Visual Data
Tools like Nacsport’s graphic descriptor can reveal areas of high activity, common routes, and positioning. The graphic descriptor converts simple clicks into heatmaps and movement maps for effective zoning.
This data-driven approach is invaluable for refining strategies and improving map control. |
| Sports |
Statistical Insights
Video analysis in sports games can track metrics such as pass completion rate, shot accuracy and player stamina.
These insights help players and teams focus on specific areas where improvements can be made. |
Analysis with Nacsport is perfect for identifying weaknesses in gameplay and areas where players can improve their performance.
But not only that, Nacsport can also be used to analyse training sessions to ensure that training plans are being implemented successfully.
Here are some more benefits.
| MOBAs |
Feedback Loop
Regular video analysis sessions will allow teams to set up a continuous feedback loop, wherein players and coaches can set goals and track their progress.
An example of this might be in improving ward coverage or enhancing team fight execution. |
| FPS |
Simulation of Scenarios
Teams can use video analysis to recreate and practise specific in-game scenarios, such as retake strategies in CS:GO or spike plant defensive moves in Valorant.
This type of simulation is extremely important when it comes to enhancing readiness for tournament play. |
| Sports |
Practice Drills
Just as in real-world sports, practise drills are extremely important in the virtual realm.
These drills and simulations will be based on previously identified weaknesses and may include things such as improving defensive positioning or refining the execution of set pieces. |
Once the game has been broken down into its component parts, Nacsport makes it very easy to compile clips into highlight reels.
In fact, this can be done automatically during the tagging phase by adding a “Highlight” button to your tagging window and filtering these tagged clips in the timeline.
From here, it’s simply a matter of exporting a video of all the clips.
In addition, in the presentation environment of Nacsport, you can add transitions, inserts and drawings with the included KlipDraw tool.
There are many reasons for creating highlight reels. Here are a few…
| MOBAs |
Highlight Success
Creating highlight reels of successful plays in games like DoTA 2 can boost team morale and serve as a motivational tool. |
| FPS |
Publicity and Analysis
As well as being used for motivational purposes, highlight reels from tourneys can be shared on social media to engage fans and attract sponsors.
Without a doubt, video analysis can help you open these additional income streams quickly and easily. |
| Sports |
Engage Your Fans
Highlight reels of esports competitions not only motivate players but also engage the fan base, showcasing the best moments and promoting the team. |
As we said above, it’s very easy to compile your tagged clips into comprehensive video presentations which can be shared with your team.
A post-match video debriefing is important for players. It allows them to see what they did well and, of course, what they need to improve on for the next game.
What’s more, video presentations can be conducted directly from the Nacsport software, meaning that you have full control over what you show to players and when.
| MOBAs |
Team Meetings
Post-match review sessions in MOBAs focus on discussing what went well and identifying areas for improvement. This promotes a culture of continuous learning and adaptation. |
| FPS |
Strategic Adjustments
In shooters, reviewing matches helps teams make strategic adjustments, refine their tactics, and improve overall performance. |
| Sports |
In-Depth Analysis
Regular review sessions in FC help teams analyse their performance, set new goals, and develop strategies for upcoming matches. |
By integrating video analysis into their training regimen, esports teams can gain a competitive edge, continually refine their strategies, and improve individual and team performance. Whether it's MOBAs, shooters, or sports games like FC, video analysis is a game-changer, providing the insights needed to elevate gameplay to the next level.
The development of esports over the last decade has been rapid and huge. As the sport becomes ever more professional, the need for pro-level coaching tools will become ever greater.
To this end, we offer a range of video analysis solutions suitable for any level, from bedroom gamers to those competing in world championships.
If you would like to see the benefits of using Nacsport for yourself, we offer a completely free, no-obligation trial for 30-days.
Our team of experts will also talk through your needs and help you get up and running with the software in seconds.
To get started, click here and download the software.
If you have any questions about Nacsport or video analysis, please don’t hesitate to get in contact with our team. We’d love to hear from you.
Until then…
Thanks for reading.
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Once a month, we'll send a compendium of our best articles, interview and advice, straight to your inbox. Enjoy!
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Once a month, we'll send a compendium of our best articles, interview and advice, straight to your inbox. Enjoy!
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