How is the Olympic Community Embracing Esports?
Esports is a form of competitive video gaming, where professional gamers compete in tournaments and leagues for prize money. Esports has grown immensely in recent years, with the industry estimated to be worth over $1 billion. As such, it has become an increasingly popular form of entertainment, with hundreds of millions of fans worldwide watching live streams and competitions online or on television. As its popularity has grown, so too have the opportunities for esports players to make a living from their skills and passion.
The Olympic community has taken notice of this rapid growth and is now exploring ways to embrace esports as part of its future. In 2017, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced its commitment to exploring “the potential engagement between the Olympic Movement and esports.” The goal is to explore how esports can “provide a platform for engagement with the Olympic Movement.”
The IOC has made it clear that for esports to be included in the Olympics, it must meet certain criteria and adhere to certain standards—most notably, no games involving violence (which would include popular titles such as Call of Duty or Fortnite). Other issues raised by the IOC have been regarding doping, age limits, game classification, athlete representation, and fair play rules.
In 2019, the IOC formed an Esports Liaison Group with representatives from sports organizations and gaming companies in order to further examine potential pathways toward an Olympic-sanctioned event. This group is responsible for organizing discussions on topics such as the potential scope of an Olympic esports event and the impact it could have on existing sports.
The Olympic community is taking a measured approach to its exploration of esports, but there are signs that it may eventually become part of the Olympics in some form. This would be a major milestone for esports, further legitimizing it as a true form of competitive entertainment and providing opportunities for more gamers to pursue their dreams. Only time will tell what the future holds, but it's clear that the Olympic movement is open to embracing this exciting new frontier.
IOC President Thomas Bach has previously noted: “We want to promote non-discrimination, non-violence, and peace among people…this doesn’t match with video games which are about violence, explosions, and killing. And there we have to draw a clear line.” As such, it is likely that any Olympic esports events will focus on titles that do not involve violence or other negative themes.
It remains to be seen how the Olympic community will ultimately embrace esports, but one thing is for sure: the future of this dynamic industry looks very bright indeed!
What are the Effects of Esports on Society?
Esports has been a rapidly growing industry for years, and its effects on society are becoming increasingly apparent.
1. Offers Opportunity
On one hand, it offers gamers the opportunity to make a living off their skills and passion, while providing entertainment to millions of people around the world. At the same time, however, there is also concern about potential health risks associated with gaming for extended periods of time, as well as issues such as addiction, violence in some games, and unethical behavior from players or teams.
2. Positive Impact
Despite these potential risks, esports has had a largely positive impact on society. It has helped to break down barriers between cultures and generations while providing an effective platform for social interaction and connection with others across the world. Additionally, it’s become a great way to promote physical activity, creativity, and problem-solving skills in children and young adults who are interested in gaming.
3. Education
Esports has also created educational opportunities for gamers by introducing them to the concept of professional competition. This can help encourage players to improve their skills and work hard to reach their goals—skills that can be applied outside of esports as well. Furthermore, many universities now offer scholarships specifically for competitive gamers, which can open up new paths for those who are passionate about gaming.
Conclusion
Esports has grown tremendously in recent years, and with the Olympic movement showing an increased interest in this dynamic industry, it’s clear that esports is here to stay. While there are certainly concerns about potential health risks associated with prolonged gaming sessions, overall esports has had a largely positive effect on society by providing an effective platform for social interaction and connection with others, while introducing gamers to the concept of professional competition. With proper regulation and education in place, we can only expect esports’ popularity to continue growing in the years to come.
The future of esports looks very promising with its rapid growth and increasing acceptance from traditional sports organizations like the Olympics. With this newfound recognition comes great responsibility for those involved in the industry to ensure that it remains a positive force for society and does not succumb to potentially harmful elements such as violence or addiction. By continuing to promote healthier gaming habits, provide opportunities for learning and development, and create an enjoyable environment for players, viewers, and spectators alike - esports has exciting potential ahead of it!
