Should eSports be considered a real sport? And its competitors athletes? It’s been debated plenty, however those that think esports are a sport have just gained a little more ammunition for their side of the argument. Announced at the London Games Festival, eSports are getting their own version of the Olympics.
Dubbed the eGames, and supported by the UK government, the tournament is to be held in Rio alongside the 2016 Olympic Games, and will take place every Olympic year (both summer and winter) in each host country thereafter. So far the UK, US, Brazil and Canada have signed up, and like the Olympics themselves, competitors will be awarded medals, not prize money, for coming out on top.
Details are scarce at the moment, and it remains to be seen if any more countries will sign up and what games will be on offer. According to the competitions official website, more announcements are expected throughout April and May.
Although it looks to be starting out small, its association with the Olympics could lead eGames to becoming a high-profile event for both gamers and non-gamers alike. However, due to the lack of prize money on offer, leaving players competing for medals and national pride, it’s hard to say if it will gain the kind of traction that other, more established eSports competitions have with gamers.
What are your thoughts? Are you excited by the announcement? Or do you feel it won’t prove a big enough draw for competitors and viewers? Let us know in the comments below.
