Summary
For a while now, debates have raged over whether esports should be considered legitimate and recognized alongside more traditional sports. It’s still a big topic of debate, but we’ve come a long way over the years, with more and more countries adopting the stance that esports players should be considered athletes and that the medium is deserving of attention, but it’s safe to say that the International Olympics Committee (IOC) making esports an official Olympic event is as much validation as you can get.
Earlier today, the IOC held its 142nd session to discuss making esports an Olympic event, following discussions that were held during the 141st session in October 2023 about research into the medium. Those in attendance held a vote to form the Olympic Esports Games, and it was a landslide in favor, with not a single vote against the proposal or abstainment.
Speaking after the vote had concluded, IOC president Thomas Bach claimed that this is “a new era” for the IOC, and that this now proves the committee is “keeping up with the pace of the digital revolution.” Details about the tournament, including where it will be hosted and when, were not made public at this time, but we can likely assume it will be held in Saudi Arabia due to country’s involvement and the IOC’s new 12-year partnership with the National Olympic Committee of Saudi Arabia.
“This is further proof of the attractivity of the Olympic brand and the values it stands for among young people.”
Which Games Will Be Included In The Olympic Esports Games?
Now that we know an official Olympic esports event is a thing, the question is which games will be included? We can most likely rule out anything that is rated 18 or higher, considering the IOC would likely want to keep things family-friendly. That means most shooters, including the likes ofCall of DutyandCounter-Strike, are probably off the table, thoughFortnitemay get a pass as it’s aimed at kids first and foremost.
Sports games like EA FC andRocket Leaguefeel like a good fit, as do fighting games includingStreet FighterandTekken(no Mortal Kombat for obvious reasons), as much as the FCG community isn’t a fan of being referred to as a category of esports. This is all just speculation though, and we’ll have to wait and see which games make the first inaugural Olympic Esports Games.
