The next generation of eSports: Which titles could become official olympic events?

The world of eSports has rapidly evolved from a niche pastime to a global phenomenon, attracting millions of players, fans, and sponsors. With tournaments boasting multi-million-dollar prize pools and massive global viewership, eSports has caught the attention of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). In recent years, e-sports has been featured on online game review sites such as Project575, and with the increase in e-sports review sites and live streaming, attention is increasing daily. As the IOC explores the potential of eSports as an Olympic discipline, this article examines the opportunities, challenges, and key criteria for its inclusion, and evaluates which eSports titles could be suited for the global Olympic stage.

What is eSports?

eSports, or electronic sports, refers to competitive video gaming where players or teams compete in organised tournaments. In recent years, eSports has also become a popular category. This field has grown into a global phenomenon, attracting millions of fans, professional gamers, and significant sponsorships.

Popular eSports titles span various genres, including strategy games, first-person shooters, and sports simulations. Examples include League of Legends, Counterstrike, and FIFA. Competitions are often live-streamed, drawing large audiences both online and in stadiums. As technology advances and viewership increases, eSports continues to gain recognition as a legitimate sport, blending skill, strategy, and entertainment to create a unique cultural and competitive experience.

List of sites where you can enjoy on eSports

Here is a list of sites where you can enjoy esports, which has been gaining popularity year by year.

• Twitch
• YouTube Gaming
• ESPN eSports
• Stake Casino eSports

Key criteria for eSports to become an olympic event

To join the ranks of Olympic disciplines, eSports must meet several key criteria. First, the chosen titles need to demonstrate global popularity and accessibility. Games like FIFA and League of Legends already have massive international followings, making them strong contenders. The Olympic Games are a global event, and eSports titles must reflect this by appealing to diverse audiences across regions.

Second, alignment with the Olympic spirit is essential. Fairness, integrity, and respect are core values of the Olympics, and any eSport included must embody these principles. Developers and organisers would need to implement comprehensive anti-cheating measures, standardised rules, and a governance structure that ensures a level playing field.

Third, the IOC is likely to prioritise non-violent games, as many of the most popular eSports titles feature combat or war-related themes that could be at odds with Olympic values. Finally, resolving intellectual property issues is critical. Since eSports titles are owned by private publishers, collaboration between the IOC and these companies would be necessary to address governance and usage rights.

Potential esports titles for Olympic consideration

Certain eSports titles stand out as strong candidates for Olympic inclusion.

Certain eSports titles stand out as strong candidates for Olympic inclusion:

Sports simulation games like FIFA and NBA 2K

• Replicate traditional Olympic sports.
• Emphasise strategy, teamwork, and skill.
• Align with the Olympic ethos, providing a digital extension of existing disciplines.

Racing games like Gran Turismo

• Simulate motorsports with high realism.
• Require precision and strategic thinking.
• Non-violent and appeal to a broad audience, making them suitable for the Olympics.
• Growing popularity of virtual racing competitions strengthens their case.

Strategy and multiplayer games like League of Legends

• Demonstrate global appeal with team-based gameplay.
• Require mental acuity and collaboration.
• Face challenges due to complex themes and potential for player misconduct.
• With proper governance and safeguards, they could showcase new dimensions of competitive skill.

Popular eSports games in Japan

Japan’s eSports scene is thriving, with several titles resonating strongly in the domestic market:

• Street Fighter: A classic fighting game known for its emphasis on strategy.
• Splatoon: A colorful team-based shooter focusing on creativity and collaboration.
  Culturally significant in Japan with family-friendly, accessible gameplay aligning with Olympic values.
• Puyo Puyo: A competitive puzzle game elevating traditional gaming genres into strategic competitions.
• International titles like Valorant and League of Legends: Enjoy dedicated followings, further integrating Japan into the global eSports ecosystem.

As Japan’s eSports industry grows, these games could play a key role in shaping the narrative of eSports in future Olympic discussions.

Challenges facing eSports as an olympic discipline

Despite its potential, eSports faces several hurdles in becoming an Olympic event. One major challenge is intellectual property ownership. Unlike traditional sports, which are not tied to specific entities, eSports titles are owned by private publishers. This creates governance complexities, as the IOC would need to work with these companies to establish universal rules and ensure fair play.

Another issue is the lack of standardized regulations and anti-cheating measures. Variations in rules across regions can lead to inconsistencies, making it essential to create a unified framework for Olympic-level competition. Ensuring robust anti-cheating systems is equally critical to maintaining the integrity of the sport.

Balancing the commercial interests of eSports with the non-commercial nature of the Olympics poses another challenge. Sponsorships, branding, and broadcasting rights are integral to the eSports industry, but these elements may conflict with Olympic principles. Lastly, the IOC’s concerns about violent content in many popular games will require careful consideration, potentially limiting the pool of eligible titles.

Regional perspectives and trends

Different regions have varied perceptions of eSports as a legitimate sport. Countries like South Korea and China are at the forefront of the eSports movement, with government support and infrastructure to nurture talent. South Korea is a global eSports powerhouse, hosting major tournaments and producing top-tier players.

Emerging markets such as Southeast Asia and Africa are also contributing to the growth of eSports, driven by improved internet access and a young, tech-savvy population. However, in traditional sports powerhouses like the United States and parts of Europe, eSports is often seen as entertainment rather than a sport. Overcoming these cultural differences will be vital for eSports to gain broader acceptance on the Olympic stage.

The future of eSports in the Olympics

The inclusion of eSports as a demonstration event in future Olympics could provide valuable insights into its viability as a full discipline. This would allow the IOC to engage with younger audiences while testing the competitive and organisational aspects of eSports. Collaborative efforts between the IOC, game publishers, and stakeholders will be essential to create a framework that adheres to Olympic values.

If successful, eSports could offer immense benefits to both the Olympics and the gaming community. The Games would gain a new generation of fans, while eSports would achieve unprecedented legitimacy and visibility, paving the way for its future as an integral part of the Olympic experience.

The editorial unit