Electronic sports, or eSports, are professionally organized forms of competitive video gaming. The main aspect of it is teams fighting against one another in tournaments for monetary awards. It functions similarly to conventional sports.
Many people believe that the growing popularity of digital sporting activities justifies their inclusion in the Olympic Games. eSports refers to the idea of professional players playing in video game competitions for monetary rewards, however, it somehow lacks “physical” activity compared to traditional sports. Because of this, sports fans and athletes have been arguing about whether eSports ought to be acknowledged as an official Olympic sport.
So, will this kind of gambling be permitted at the Olympic Games? There are several benefits and drawbacks to consider if eSports can be a part of the Olympic Program. We’ll cover most of them in this blog. Let’s start.
PROS OF INCLUDING ESPORTS IN THE OLYMPICS
A. Increased popularity and exposure of eSports:
Increased visibility for eSports would be one of the main benefits of incorporating them in the Olympics. If eSports were included, it would be made known to a larger public, perhaps even individuals who had never heard of the sport before. This may contribute to eSports’ rising popularity and draw more viewers and participants.
B. Inclusion of a younger demographic in the Olympics:
Another advantage of including eSports in the Olympics is that it would attract a younger demographic to the Games. While traditional Olympic sports tend to attract older audiences, eSports are popular among younger generations. By including eSports in the Olympics, the Games would become more inclusive of a wider range of athletes and fans.
C. Financial benefits for the Olympics and the gaming industry:
The Olympics and the gaming industry might both profit financially from the inclusion of eSports in the competition. The gaming industry is growing swiftly and has billions of dollars in current market worth. By generating new options for sponsorships, product sales, and broadcasting rights, the inclusion of eSports would be advantageous to both the Olympics and the gaming industry.
D. Promoting diversity in sports:
Another advantage of eSports inclusion in the Olympics is the encouragement of diversity in sports. Esports are more accessible to individuals who wouldn’t be able to engage in regular sports or those with impairments since they don’t demand the same degree of physical skill or agility as traditional sports.
Overall, including eSports in the Olympics would bring numerous advantages. However, before deciding whether or not to incorporate eSports in the Olympics, as we will examine in the following part, it is crucial to thoroughly weigh the possible downsides and difficulties as well.
Esports is a competitive sport that requires skill, dedication, and teamwork. Esports athletes deserve to be recognized for their achievements, and including esports in the Olympics would be a great way to do that.
Discover more about the case for including esports athletes in the Olympics
CONS OF INCLUDING ESPORTS IN THE OLYMPICS
A. Questionable physical demands of eSports:
The fact that eSports do not demand the same degree of physical ability and fitness as traditional sports is one of the key grounds against integrating them into the Olympics. This can make some people wonder if eSports really qualify as a sport. While eSports can involve strategic and cerebral skills, they may not always call for physical fitness, which could go against Olympic ideals.
B. Difficulty in standardizing rules and equipment across games:
Another challenge in including eSports in the Olympics is the difficulty in standardizing rules and equipment across different games. Every eSports game has a unique set of rules and equipment, it can be difficult to manage tournaments fairly and consistently. Unlike traditional sports, which have clear and established rules and equipment standards, eSports is a more fluid and constantly changing landscape.
C. Potential for cheating and unfair advantages:
In eSports tournaments, there is also a chance for cheating and unfair advantages. This is particularly true for online competitions, where it might be difficult to monitor participants for the use of hackers or performance-enhancing medications. This may make it harder to guarantee fair play during Olympic contests.
D. Potential cultural clash between traditional sports and eSports:
Finally, there is a chance that eSports and conventional sports will collide culturally. Since eSports are a relatively young and rising activity, some would argue that adding them to the Olympics would diminish its reputation, as the Olympics are entrenched in tradition and history.
Overall, the potential cons of including eSports in the Olympics include the questionable physical demands of the sport, difficulties in standardizing rules and equipment, the potential for cheating, and potential cultural clashes. Before considering whether or not to incorporate eSports in the Olympics, these difficulties must be properly taken into account.
THE DEBATE OVER WHETHER ESPORTS IS A REAL SPORT
The debate over whether or not eSports are real sports centers on what makes a sport. eSports does not necessitate the same amount of physical exertion as traditional sports, which call for physical athleticism and ability in games like football, basketball, and soccer. As a result, opinions on whether eSports count as legitimate sports vary.
Arguments for considering eSports a sport:
Supporters of eSports argue that the mental and strategic abilities required to play competitive video games make it a legitimate sport. They point to the intense concentration, quick reflexes, and hand-eye coordination required to be successful in eSports competitions. Additionally, eSports players often train for hours a day and follow strict diets and exercise regimens to maintain their focus and performance, similar to traditional athletes.
Related: IOC Launches Groundbreaking Esports Commission to Elevate Gaming on the Olympic Stage
Arguments against considering eSports a sport:
Esports critics contend that they lack the physicality and athleticism necessary for a sport. They argue that a sport must entail some kind of physical activity, like what we see in basketball, boxing, etc. They also note that eSports players frequently spend lengthy periods of time sitting in seats, which might result in health issues and physical inactivity.
WHICH ESPORTS GAMES SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN THE OLYMPICS?
New video games are released every year, which has contributed to the spectacular rise of eSports. Here are some of the popular eSports titles in the world today:
- League of Legends
- Dota 2
- CS: Global Offensive
- Overwatch
- Call of Duty
- Fortnite
- FIFA
- StarCraft II
When selecting eSports games to include in the Olympics, there are several criteria that must be considered. These include:
- Popularity: The game must be popular and have a large following around the world.
- Fairness: The game must be fair and just, with no one player or team having an unfair advantage over others.
- Accessibility: The game must be accessible to players from different countries and cultures, with no language or cultural barriers.
- Spectator appeal: The game must be entertaining to watch for spectators both in-person and on television.
The Olympic committee can consider these games based on the criteria above:
- League of Legends: League of Legends is a game that has an enormous global fan base, balanced gameplay, and strong spectator appeal.
- Dota 2: Similar to League of Legends, Dota 2 has a large and dedicated fanbase, balanced gameplay, and strong audience appeal.
- Overwatch: As a team-based shooter with accessible gameplay and a large following, Overwatch could be a good fit for the Olympics.
- FIFA: As a popular sports simulation game, FIFA could appeal to a broader audience and bring in new fans to the Olympics.
- StarCraft II: With a strong history in the world of eSports and a dedicated fanbase, StarCraft II could be a good choice for an Olympic game.
Overall, eSports might aid in attracting a new audience to the Olympic Games with the appropriate choice of games.
HOW WOULD ESPORTS IN THE OLYMPICS WORK?
There are a number of possible Olympic eSports formats that can make this work, each with its own benefits and difficulties. Possible formats include:
- Team-based competitions: Similar to traditional team sports in the Olympics, team-based eSports competitions could be organized with national teams representing their countries.
- Individual competitions: Some eSports games, such as fighting games or racing games, are based on individual performances, and could be organized as individual competitions.
- Exhibition matches: Exhibition matches featuring popular eSports games could be organized outside of the official competition schedule, as a way to showcase the games to a wider audience.
While eSports in the Olympics could bring many benefits, there are also several logistical challenges and considerations that need to be addressed.
- Venue and equipment: eSports competitions require specialized equipment and venues, such as high-performance computers and gaming chairs. These would need to be provided by the Olympic organizers, or rented from third-party suppliers.
- Technical challenges: eSports competitions rely heavily on internet connectivity and server stability. Any technical difficulties or interruptions could negatively impact the competition and the viewing experience for spectators.
- Standardization of rules: Different eSports games have different rules and gameplay mechanics. Standardizing the rules and equipment across all games would be a major challenge.
- Eligibility criteria: To guarantee that only eligible athletes and teams are allowed to compete in the Olympics, eligibility standards must be established. Age restrictions, residence requirements, and skill level limitations may all be part of this.
- Cultural differences: Cultural differences between countries and regions could present challenges in selecting games, setting rules, and organizing competitions.
Generally speaking, with careful planning and execution, eSports could bring new excitement and a younger audience to the Olympic Games.
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CONCLUSION
In the end, it is important for all parties to carefully examine whether to integrate eSports into the Games. Both arguments in favor of and against its inclusion exist. Therefore, the only way is to carefully weigh the possible benefits and drawbacks so the Olympic committee can come to a decision that benefits everyone in the long run.
How about you? Do you think that the Olympics should include eSports in its program? Sound off in the comments below.
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