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Virtual Insanity: Inside Life Of Pro-Gamers

Hafitz Maulana

2019 - 2020

Jakarta Raya, Indonesia

For the last five years, e-Sport or virtual sport has rapidly grown in Indonesia. Digital revolution has diverted the citizen lifestyle, especially Generation Z. An independent research by tirto.id in 2018 reported that for Generation Z to become a professional gamer as the dream job has reached second rank (14.3%) after doctor (15.1%)

The number of gamers from Generation Z is increasing, affected by internet access, the fast-growing e-Sport management companies, and the development of mobile games in gadgets, which enable gamers to play unrestricted by console-based game types.

The virtual sport requires pro gamers to play all-out in order to win the tournament. When the management for these pro gamers coaching is bad, it can lead to mental state problem and missing the sense of orientation and space.

The digital revolution can switch a generation’s orientation of dreams. Technology is in vast moving breaking through virtual walls that are now become a living source. However, human in substantial is creature in-play (homo ludens) to create living space.

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  • Meet Monica Carolina (28) a.k.a Nixia a successful pro-gamer in the Indonesian e-sports industry.

  • A used laptop cover stuck to the wall behind the door above the electric fuse of Nixia's private gaming studio. As a successful pro-gamer, she is often the brand ambassador for technology products especially those related to gaming.

  • A sophisticated computer with a curved screen to practice in her private game studio. She is ex-founder of the women's e-sports club NXA-Ladies. Now she chose a career as a game streamer.

  • Nixia laying around while keeping gaming with a smartphone when she is in a break. She is also an expert using various type of game console.

  • The city view of Jakarta from the window of Nixia’s private game studio in her apartment. Big city providing internet access is the battlefield of virtual sports lovers.

  • Meet Hartanto (26), an e-sport athlete that represented Indonesia to won Silver medal in-game category MOBA Arena of Valor in 2019 SEA Games.

  • Hartanto's family portraits are hung on the wall next to the treadmill sports tool.

  • While at the Bootcamp, Hartanto and his fellow e-sports athletes shared a bedroom in a house rented out by their club.

  • Plastic wraps are scattered on the computer table where Hartanto practices his gaming skills.

  • The cast character in Arena of Valor, the game category played by Hartanto.

  • Adi Maulana, a photojournalist that gaming while his break in front of a mini-market. The growing smartphone features supported by internet network make it easier for anyone to gaming anywhere.

  • An office employee steals time between working hours for gaming.

  • Multiple exposures of pro-gamers that showcase their skill on the big screen at the event while meeting their fans.

  • Stiffy fingers while gaming with smartphone.

  • An ultimate concentration is needed when a pro gamer competes in a tournament, therefore it is important to work out to stay fit in body and mind.

  • The enthusiasm of the e-sport club supporters during e-sports competitions.

  • An independent tournament that matches Indonesian esports clubs.

  • A pro gamer competing in Indonesia interclub e-Sport tournament, held in a ballroom in South Jakarta, in mid-December 2019.

Virtual Insanity: Inside Life Of Pro-Gamers

Hafitz Maulana

2019 - 2020

Jakarta Raya, Indonesia

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