Beyond big prizes, the harsh reality

'Nascent' e-sports are already a rage as contests produce millionaire world champs, but experts strike a note of caution

Years ago, at schools in China, teenaged video game players were seen as a bad influence on others. Both parents and teachers believed the games were addictive and dangerous that could potentially imperil the future of the next generation.

Li Peng's parents were part of such 'believers'. But, the other day, they became converts to the growing 'religion' of video-gaming, and stayed up all night to watch and cheer their 20-year-old son as he emerged into a world gaming champion - and a millionaire overnight.