The 142nd International Olympic Committee (IOC) session unanimously voted today to establish the Olympic Esports Games, with the inaugural event scheduled to take place next year in Saudi Arabia.
The Evolution of Esports on the Global Stage
As fans around the world prepare to tune in for the 2024 Olympic Games, featuring traditional events like swimming, beach volleyball, and gymnastics, the future is now set for video games to join the world stage. This decision marks a significant step forward in the recognition of esports as a legitimate and competitive sport.
Implications for the Esports Industry
While some esports fans may seem indifferent to the news, the future implications could be significant for the industry. According to Arnold Hur, CEO of Gen.G, the impact on government and educational support for esports could be profound:
“This may not matter much to the average esports fan, but this has huge implications for government and educational support for esports at all levels,” Hur stated. “Whether it’s renting a venue for a match in Seoul or receiving course credit for an esports/gaming industry course, this is big.”
Exclusion of Shooter Games
The Olympics, however, won’t include shooter games such as popular esports titles like Counter-Strike 2 or Call of Duty. Instead, the likely list includes titles like League of Legends (LoL), Rocket League, Street Fighter, Tekken, iRacing, NBA 2K, FIFA, and various mobile games, as per esports insider Rod “Slasher” Breslau.
Official Statements from the IOC
“This is truly a new era for the IOC,” said IOC President Thomas Bach. “With the confirmation by the IOC Session of the creation of the Olympic Esports Games, we are keeping up with the pace of the digital revolution. The esports community, represented in our Esports Commission, has enthusiastically engaged with this initiative. This is further proof of the attractivity of the Olympic brand and the values it stands for among young people.”
The Olympic Esports Series: A Precedent
Last year, the Olympic Games hosted the Olympic Esports Series for the first time, featuring esports tailored toward real-life counterparts. For example, gamers played Fortnite for shooting, Tennis Clash for tennis, and Just Dance for dance.
Key Points from the Announcement:
- Unanimous Vote by IOC: The IOC’s unanimous decision underscores the growing recognition and importance of esports globally.
- First Event in Saudi Arabia: The inaugural Olympic Esports Games will be held in Saudi Arabia, setting a historic precedent.
- Exclusion of Shooter Games: Popular shooter games will not be part of the Olympic Esports Games, focusing instead on non-violent competitive titles.
- Potential Impact: Significant implications for government and educational support in esports, potentially leading to increased resources and opportunities at all levels.
- Esports Community Involvement: Active engagement from the esports community in the IOC’s decision-making process highlights the collaborative effort to bring esports to the Olympics.
Conclusion
The establishment of the Olympic Esports Games is a monumental step for the esports industry. It not only legitimizes competitive gaming on a global scale but also opens up new avenues for support and recognition from governments and educational institutions.
As the industry continues to evolve, the inclusion of esports in the Olympics could drive further growth and innovation, solidifying its place in the world of competitive sports.