I Want To See ESports In The Olympics, Here’s How I’d Do It

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I Want To See ESports In The Olympics, Here's How I'd Do It

As someone who has spent countless hours huddled around a screen, controller in hand, I wholeheartedly support the idea of eSports becoming an integral part of the Olympics. The world of gaming is not just a pastime for the socially awkward; it’s a realm where athletes display extraordinary skill, strategy, and mental fortitude.

With the conclusion of yet another Summer Olympics, I find myself reflecting once more on the absence of eSports from the grandest global platform.

This is extremely upsetting to me, since I really do think that eSports should be included in the Olympics. Yes, the International Olympics Committee (the IOC for short) does have its own Olympics for eSports in Singapore, signifying just how big eSports are around the world. But, I really want to see eSports in the next Olympics proper, right alongside sports like swimming, track and field, figure skating, and luge. 

Currently, I’ve discussed various sports I aspire to see included in the Olympics, and today, let me delve into the topic of eSports and the ways we could potentially bring them into both the Summer and Winter Games.

I Want To See ESports In The Olympics, Here's How I'd Do It

Create 4 Broad Genres Of Sports, Those Being Fighting Games, RTS, Battle Royale, And Sports Games 

As a gamer, I’ve been following the discussions around eSports and the Olympics. It seems that one hurdle we haven’t crossed yet is the International Olympic Committee’s apprehension towards “violent games.” In simpler terms, they’re cool with sports-themed video games, such as virtual Taekwondo or racing games like Gran Turismo (just like in that awesome movie we watched), but don’t expect to see high-intensity deathmatches from games like Doom Eternal anytime soon.

Instead, it’s clear that there is an audience for less risky eSports competitions. Yet, a significantly larger viewership (some of whom might find the ordinary Olympics unappealing) could be attracted if conventional eSports genres were incorporated into the standard Olympic Games.

Growing up, I was always drawn to action-packed sports like boxing, Taekwondo, and rugby. As a kid, I loved the thrill of competition, the adrenaline rush that came with it, and the sense of camaraderie I shared with my teammates. But as I’ve gotten older, I can’t help but question the International Olympic Committee’s decision to ban “violent” video games while allowing these contact sports in the Olympics.

As a lifelong gamer with a passion for competitive gaming, I find that there are four genres that consistently draw me in and keep me engaged: Fighting Games, Real-Time Strategy (RTS), Battle Royale, and Sports titles. I’ve been hooked on these genres since my childhood, starting with the original Street Fighter games and progressing to the latest iterations like Street Fighter 6. The strategic depth and fast-paced action of Fighting Games never cease to thrill me, while RTS games allow me to flex my tactical muscles in a way that few other genres can. Battle Royale games offer an exhilarating blend of survival and combat, and Sports titles like Rocket League bring the excitement of real-world sports into a digital realm. These genres have been a constant source of entertainment and challenge throughout my life, and I eagerly anticipate what new experiences they’ll bring in the future.

To put it simply, I believe that incorporating such forms of eSports would significantly boost the youth audience for the Olympics, and moreover, inspire numerous young individuals to aspire to become future Olympic champions in these games.

I Want To See ESports In The Olympics, Here's How I'd Do It

Select The Top Games From Said Genres  

If the International Olympic Committee chooses to incorporate eSports into the traditional Olympics, it’s logical that they would select the most widely played games in each category. At present, those games could be Street Fighter 6 (in the Fighting genre), Dota 2 (RTS), Fortnite or PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (Battle Royale), and Rocket League (Sports).

As a long-time gamer myself, I can attest to the fact that brand recognition and popularity play a significant role in the gaming world. For instance, my own children have been avid Fortnite players for years now, and I’ve seen firsthand how they become fully immersed in its vibrant community. If the best Fortnite players were to compete against each other in the Olympics, I have no doubt that many of my kids, as well as countless others, would tune in to watch the action unfold. The allure of witnessing their heroes go head-to-head for the gold medal would be too great to resist!

Hey there! You know what’s fascinating? I bet many folks from different age groups would tune in for competitive gaming, especially when it’s their beloved game. For me, I’d pull an all-nighter just to catch competitive matches of Street Fighter III: Third Strike. Fancy a late-night viewing too?

I Want To See ESports In The Olympics, Here's How I'd Do It

Split It So There Are 2 Sports For Summer, And 2 Sports For Winter 

As someone who has been a lifelong fan of both traditional sports and eSports, I believe it would be challenging to captivate a broad audience by including four different eSport games in a single Olympics event. In my experience, people tend to have specific interests when it comes to eSports, just as they do with traditional sports.

As a lifelong gamer, I can confidently say that eSports has revolutionized the world of competitive gaming. Unlike traditional sports, eSports doesn’t require perfect weather conditions or costly setups like fake snow or cooling systems to prevent players from overheating. Instead, all you need is an indoor stadium, the gaming console or computer of choice, and plenty of seating for the large crowds that gather to watch these incredible competitions.

If I were to pick which genres should be for which Olympics, I’d pick Fighting games and Sports titles for Summer, and RTS and Battle Royale for Winter. The latter two just seem to be a better fit in a nice toasty environment. 

I Want To See ESports In The Olympics, Here's How I'd Do It

Select The Top Players From Yearly Competitions, And Put Them On Teams Together To Represent Their Country 

Throughout every season, various eSports tournaments take place worldwide. Competitors from different gaming communities face off against each other, with the top performers being recognized as global champions. Additionally, there are contests held on platforms such as Steam, where rankings are established based on individual skill levels.

Surely, it’s logical for the IOC to keep track of these rankings, then contact the top performers and inquire whether they would like to form a team together, isn’t it?

For team-based games, it would make sense to put the best players in respective countries on one team, but for something like Fighting Games, the best players of EVO could represent their country, and win a medal all by themselves. Come on, you know you want to see Justin Wong or Punk Dagod take home the gold one day (and make a lot of money in the process). 

I Want To See ESports In The Olympics, Here's How I'd Do It

Have Big Names From Those Respective Genres Doing The Play-By-Play Commentary 

Color commentary is a huge part of any sport, and fans love to hear knowledgeable people discuss their favorite sports, ad nauseam.

I think adding eSports to the Olympics would be the same thing. If the IOC were to add eSports, they should get the biggest voices in the field. 

Because I’m not particularly fond of Real-Time Strategy games, Battle Royale, or Sports titles, I’m not that familiar with their prominent figures. However, when it comes to the Fighting Game Community (FGC), I’m quite knowledgeable, and it would be incredibly exciting for me to listen to commentators like Yipes, Justin Wong, Maximilian Dood, or Long Island Joe providing analysis.

1) Additionally, involving individuals deeply rooted in the community would lend a sense of authenticity to the events that might not be present with someone less connected. Consequently, if I were to bring this idea to life, I’d definitely consider reaching out to prominent figures within the field.

I Want To See ESports In The Olympics, Here's How I'd Do It

Go All In And Refer To Competitive Gaming As A Sport  

In conclusion, let’s consider electronic sports (eSports) as genuine sports without any qualifications. You might encounter resistance from some, but stand firm in your belief. Playing video games for extended durations requires agility, endurance, and exceptional talent, much like traditional sports.

As a gamer, I’d say, consider sports like archery or shooting at the Olympics, unlike gymnastics on the balance beam or pommel horse. The athletes there don’t necessarily have the same physiques as those in more physically demanding sports. But let me tell you, it doesn’t diminish their athletic prowess one bit! They are absolute masters of their craft, even if it doesn’t require the same level of physical fitness as other events.

Video games share many similarities to traditional sports, contrary to what some might think. While they do involve sitting down for extended periods, they also demand intense focus, remarkable skill levels, and competitive spirit. Therefore, it’s time for the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to fully embrace eSports as a legitimate sporting activity. Is there any objection to this proposition?

What’s your opinion on it? I hope eSports eventually become part of the Olympics, but for now, spend some quality time with your family at home.

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2024-08-14 12:37