For numerous years, sports fans, gamers, and Olympic authorities have debated the push of eSports in the Olympics. While some claim that eSports fits in the Olympics, others contend otherwise. They believe it goes against the conventional understanding of sports from the book. The same is against the ideals that the Olympics represent. But, eSports promise to offer something on the table for the Olympics. It has various benefits and drawbacks that can contribute to the future of the Olympics.
INTRODUCTION
eSports, known as electronic sports, is a type of competitive video gaming. It is where professional players participate in organised tournaments. eSports include games like Multiplayer Battle Arena Games or First-Person Shooter games. Players play against each other to win in a game.
Unlike traditional sports, eSports need only a computer and an internet connection to compete. Another significant aspect of eSports is its worldwide reach. So, players can battle in any part of the world.
Since it goes along with the internet, eSports competitions can be broadcast live. It is easy for millions of people all over the world to watch the stream. And professional gamers may now communicate with followers all around the world. With social media and live-streaming services, it helped make it simpler for players to gain popularity.
Yet, as eSports get popular it sparks debate whether it can be considered a sport in the Olympics. Many argue how eSports is a sport in the first place. Advocates in return tell that eSports are just like other sports in the arena. The discussion pulls different perspectives to the table with their arguments for or against eSports in the Olympics. Let’s check out where these sports enthusiasts are coming from.
THE ARGUMENTS FOR THE INCLUSION OF ESPORTS IN THE OLYMPICS
eSports enthusiasts are active with their rally for the inclusion of eSports in the Olympics. Their main premise is that traditional sports is not stagnant, it can absorb new arrangements in the arena. Even if the sports are traditional, eSports does not differ from other sports. The most important part for them is that eSports have a lot to offer for the sports.
eSports Is Going Mainstream
eSports, often known as electronic sports, is a popular type of competitive video gaming that has swept the globe. Fans are rampaging the mainstream and subscribing to their favourite players on League of Legends, Dota 2, and more. eSports’ development in the past few years in the 21st century is nothing short of astounding. With its momentum right now, it shows no signs of slowing down.
Internet and modern tech contributed a lot to how eSports gained popularity. Players from all around the world may participate in real-time. And various improved gaming equipment that makes gameplay more immersive! As a result, the online video gaming era is marked in history.
As the popularity of eSports grows, it is entering more into the mainstream. ESports competitions are now being streamed on major television networks. For instance, world eSports events are available on ESPN and TBS. And some institutions are even granting eSports scholarships. This has helped to establish eSports’ legitimacy that it did not have before. The fact that there is so much offer and interest in eSports tells us that it is not a fad.
Esports is a rapidly growing industry with a wide range of opportunities. Here are some of the pros and cons of a career in esports.
eSports Are Sports
There has long been controversy about whether eSports is a serious sport or not. Some believe eSports cannot be considered sports since players do not do physical activities. But considering other sports: sports are more than physical exercise.
First, eSports need physical aspects to be considered sports. But in reality, eSports need physical training. eSports players practise for hours on end, training for their strategy. At the same time, they follow a strict diet and training regimens to maintain top physical condition. Like conventional athletes, eSports players must sustain physical stamina in long tournaments.
Second, sports are more than physical. In truth, many sports need a high level of mental agility and strategic thinking. Chess, for example, is often regarded as a sport despite requiring little physical effort. Likewise, eSports demands tremendous concentration, rapid reflexes, and lightning-fast decision-making. These are all significant characteristics that characterise a sport. And eSports, like any other sport, demands tremendous discipline and devotion.
eSports Brings Diversity To The Olympics
The Olympics are the world’s largest athletic event. It embraces diversity and invites athletes from all around the world together. However, many classic Olympic sports are dominated by competitors from a few nations, making the games less varied. This is where eSports can play a role in bringing more inclusiveness to the Olympics.
In recent years, eSports has grown in popularity, boosted by young players. Incorporating eSports into the Olympics will reach the younger generations hooked up with eSports. Players from different nationalities may compete at the top levels in eSports! Incorporating eSports into the Olympics may make it even more diverse and inclusive. It will contribute to the Olympics’ long-term purpose in the sports arena. And it is a leap forward for both the event and society.
Including eSports in the Olympics can provide the games with much-needed variety and inclusivity. It can also stimulate young sports participation and healthy competitiveness. The Olympics may continue to adapt and stay relevant by embracing new and emerging sports such as eSports.
THE ARGUMENTS AGAINST THE INCLUSION OF ESPORTS IN THE OLYMPICS
The discussion about inclusion of eSports in the Olympics is a solid disagreement for the opposition. It is clear with their agenda that eSports are not sports on many levels. From the definition of sports and many implications behind the value of what eSports can bring. Here are the arguments of sports enthusiasts against eSports.
eSports Are Not Legitimate Sports
While many enthusiasts consider eSports as sports, many naysayers contradict their claim. According to critics, “real” sports should have been in the arena for a long time and need “skills.“
Many people argue that eSports don’t have the same level of skill required as traditional sports. They believe that video games need a different skill set than traditional sports. Compared to traditional sports, the skills needed to excel in eSports are not on par with any physical sports. For them, it is just a simple video game in front of a desktop without physical involvement.
Second, some critics argue that eSports lack the tradition and history of traditional sports. They argue that traditional sports have been in the book. For long centuries, players have been learning how it works. It has evolved to be a legitimate sport because of its long-standing history. In contrast, eSports is a relatively new game without long-standing traditions. The rally with eSports might take a century for them to build history.
eSports Contradicts The Cultural and Social Values Of The Olympics
One of the notions around esports is that Olympic principles and eSports practices are not complementary. The Olympics have sportsmanship, fair play, and physical strength. So, they claim that the world of competitive video gaming is lacking those things.
One of the things they insist is that eSports lacks the physical component. They always ask: if a sport does not have a physical part then how does it fit for the Olympic Games? eSports having no physical activity is their main issue with how they cannot be part of the Olympics.
More so, others believe that eSports culture disregards respect for opponents and sportsmanship. eSports have this side of the coin that players go neck-to-neck with their words online. It creates a bad picture of eSports. So, sports enthusiasts say that eSports may foster toxic behaviour of online abuse.
They feel that the Olympics should continue to emphasise traditional sports. For instance, sports that demand physical strength, speed, and agility. Games like track and field or gymnastics are what they demand. Their bottomline: eSports is a fundamentally different sort of activity.
Real Sports Prioritises Health
eSports’s popularity has climbed up in the past years on the internet. At the same time, the spotlight brought some criticism towards how players lack physical training. If players remain in front of their computer it can cause possible negative health issues. Sports enthusiasts against eSports at the Olympics argue that it might be harmful to players’ health. Because of its sedentary nature, video gaming might lead to physical health issues.
Unlike other Olympic sports, which involve physical exertion, eSports spend hours sitting in front of a screen. This lack of mobility can lead to a variety of health issues, especially if players do not take adequate rests and maintain right posture. So, they believe esports at the Olympics may not be the ideal fit for the world’s most prominent sporting event due to health concerns.
THE POTENTIAL IMPACT OF INCLUDING ESPORTS IN THE OLYMPICS
The introduction of esports in the Olympics has the potential to alter the Olympic experience. Such as attracting new audiences and reaching out to a newer generation of viewers. As esports expand in popularity, conventional sports may need to adapt to attract younger fans, and the Olympics may be the first to do so.
Furthermore, it may inspire to incorporate technology into sports. Resulting in even more engaging and immersive experiences for viewers. The future ahead of eSport in the Olympics is greater than it seems. Let’s delve into its potential impacts in the sports field.
Broader Olympic Games And Audience
Esports has rapidly grown into a multi-billion dollar industry. Its popularity among younger generations has surpassed traditional sports. By adding esports to the Olympic roster, the Games would likely see an influx of younger viewers and participants. So, it will boost interest and engagement to the Olympics. The inclusion of eSports in the Olympic Games would have a significant impact on both the Olympics and the audience. Here are some of the potential effects:
- Increased relevance. Including esports could help the Games stay relevant in the present generation. It can attract younger audiences who are more interested in digital sports.
- Broader appeal. Esports has a huge global following! Its inclusion could broaden the appeal of the Olympics beyond traditional sports fans.
- New opportunities. As esports competitions often take place online, it could make the Olympic Games accessible worldwide. Athletes and fans alike can participate in any part of the world.
The eSports Industry And Its Players Are Going Big
The inclusion of esports in the Olympics would have a profound impact on the industry and its players. It would get the recognition in the sports arena that it needs to get legitimacy as a sport. The support gained from the community by being included would help establish eSports as a real sport. Its inclusion would mean a lot of things for the industry and players like the following impacts:
- Increased mainstream exposure. Being included in the Olympics would introduce eSports to a wider audience. Players could attract more sponsors and investors to the industry.
- Legitimisation. Being recognised as an Olympic sport would give eSports greater legitimacy. It is their leeway to dispel the stigma that some people still associate with gaming.
- Higher profile. If eSports gets into the Olympics, it will elevate its name in the market. Potentially leading to more support! More fans and more opportunities for sponsorship and endorsement deals.
However, eSports needs to accept some drawbacks by being in the official roster of Olympic games. First, the regulation process. In order to be included in the Olympics, eSports would need to comply with strict regulations on issues such as doping and fair play. This could lead to better governance and more professional standards within the industry.
Second is the pressure in the global arena. Competing at the Olympics is the ultimate pressure test. So, eSports players would be subject to intense scrutiny and pressure to perform at their best. This could be both exhilarating and intimidating.
eSports Encourages New Technology Into Sports
The impact of esports on the Olympics could shape the future of both industries for years to come. To begin with, esports is a highly tech-driven industry. The inclusion of esports in the Olympics could spur technological advancements. It could encourage improvements in sports equipment, broadcasting technology, and gaming hardware. This could lead to more advanced sports technology that benefits all sports!
Should eSports be included in the Olympics? Discover the pros and cons of this ongoing debate, and learn about the potential formats and logistical challenges involved in making it happen.
CONCLUSION
The debate on the inclusion of eSports in the Olympics will stay for some time. While eSports has gained a significant following, criticism against it stands long too.
All in all, the only thing stopping eSport from joining eSports is its legit recognition as a sport. Critics say that the introduction of eSports may move the attention away from physical sports and toward virtual ones. A whole culture shock that the Olympics cannot take at this moment. Same as they raise, it may cause concerns about the validity of eSports as a sport and whether it should be accorded the same respect as conventional sports.
eSports indeed introduce an unconventional culture to the sports arena. However, the world is already transitioning to a more digital era. Based on its increasing trend, eSports will stay mainstream for a long time. Especially its popularity, since it gained momentum in the 21st century, shows the new generation’s solid interest in it.
But those in favor argue that eSports has evolved into a competitive and legitimate sport. Just like traditional sports, it should be given the same recognition as other sports. From their core, they believe that eSports is no less than other sports games.
