The inclusion of esports in the Olympics has been a topic of discussion for many years. Finally, in 2022, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) recognized esports as a sport, and it is expected to make its debut at the Paris 2024 Olympics as a demonstration event.
A few hours ago, the IOC listed 9 virtual games that will be played in the coming olympics at Paris, and these games include casual game staples like chess, Just dance, Tennis and archery amongst others. The choice of games veered away from what one would call traditional competitive esports titles and this raised a few eyebrows. However, these concerns are not the focus of this article and will be visited on another day. In this article, I hope to explore what range of benefits Esports as an industry stands to gain from its inclusion into the olympics.
Firstly, the inclusion of esports in the Olympics will provide an enormous boost to the industry’s profile. The Olympics is one of the most significant sporting events globally, with billions of viewers tuning in to watch the games. This exposure will help esports gain more mainstream acceptance and recognition, particularly among older audiences who may not have been previously exposed to it.
Secondly, the Olympics can provide a platform for esports athletes to showcase their skills and talents on a global stage. The Olympics have a long history of celebrating sporting excellence, and esports athletes can now be recognized alongside traditional athletes for their dedication and accomplishments. This recognition can lead to increased sponsorship and endorsement deals, higher salaries, and better working conditions for esports athletes.
Thirdly, the Olympics can provide a framework for esports to improve its governance and regulation. The IOC has a stringent set of rules and regulations for sports to be included in the Olympics, which can help esports organizations to develop standards for player safety, anti-doping measures, and other key areas. This can lead to a more professional and regulated esports industry, which can benefit both players and fans.
Fourthly, the inclusion of esports in the Olympics can help to bridge the gap between different generations. The older generation may view video games as a waste of time or even harmful, but the younger generation sees it as a legitimate form of entertainment and competition. The Olympics can provide a platform for these two generations to come together and appreciate the value of esports.
Finally, the inclusion of esports in the Olympics can lead to increased investment in the industry. The Olympics will attract a significant amount of investment from sponsors, broadcasters, and governments. The same can be expected for esports, with sponsors and investors recognizing the potential of esports as a profitable industry.
In conclusion, the inclusion of esports in the Olympics is a significant development for the industry. It provides a platform for esports to gain more mainstream acceptance and recognition, improve its governance and regulation, bridge the gap between different generations, and attract more investment. With the esports industry growing rapidly, the Olympics can provide a boost to its growth and development, ensuring its continued success in the future.
Are there any other ways you believe the Olympics will help the Esports industry, join the ongoing conversation on the gamr app or discord channel.