The billion-dollar eSports industry has encountered a significant setback in its pursuit to be recognised as a medal event at the prestigious Olympic Games.
Despite eSports being included as a medal event at the 2022 Asian Games and having been showcased as a demonstration sport this year, recent developments indicate obstacles remain for its inclusion in the Olympics. Last year, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) recognised eSports as a sports activity. However, following an Olympic Summit in Lausanne, it was highlighted that certain challenges hinder the full acceptance of eSports as an Olympic sport. “Some eGames are not compatible with the Olympic values and therefore cooperation with them is excluded,” stated the committee.
eSports, also known as competitive video gaming, stands as a rapidly growing industry valued at approximately a billion dollars annually. Popular games within this realm include first-person shooters like Counter-Strike, Call of Duty, and Fortnite. The IOC emphasised the commercial orientation of the eSports industry, contrasting it with the values-based sports movement. This fragmented nature has led the committee to deem discussions about the inclusion of eSports as premature at this stage.
Interestingly, simulation games such as FIFA and the official Formula One game have been receiving greater acceptance and are now being broadcast on mainstream television. The IOC appears more open to exploring these types of games. The committee remarked, “Accelerated cooperation with regard to these kinds of eSports is encouraged by the Summit.” It has therefore urged international federations to investigate the potential benefits and applications of electronic and virtual versions of their sports.
While the eSports industry continues to thrive and gain mainstream recognition, its ambition to become an Olympic medal event remains fraught with challenges. The distinction between commercially driven games and those aligning with Olympic values will be pivotal in shaping the future of eSports within the Olympic framework.