Despite some people’s aversion to Esports, it has continued to grow in popularity. As professional video game competitions become more mainstream, we’re left wondering what’s next for this industry. A little bit of digging reveals some exciting developments on the horizon:
The Olympics
Gamers have been questioning whether the Olympics will ever consider adding Esports as an event. Turns out the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has already done this (sort of). We’ll explain below:
Virtual Sporting Events
Currently, the Olympics is hosting a virtual sports series. The five events have different forms and concepts. For the cycling event, competitors pair their bikes and trainers with the Zwift platform by phone, tablet, or computer. Motorsports take place within Gran Turismo Sport.
The series also includes baseball, sailing, and rowing. None of the typical Esport video games are present because the IOC wants to remain sports-focused, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the Olympics won’t have Esports in the future. Virtual sports could be medal events by 2028.
IOC Supporting Esports
The IOC has stated that they want to support Esports by adapting resources to help with areas like gender equality. While he hesitates to add non-sport-related titles, the organization’s president did admit the Olympics needs a way to connect with young gamers.
Including Esports as an event could create this connection. The IOC wouldn’t be the first to implement this change. Korea has already recognized Esports in the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).
Esports at the Asian Games
OCA recently put Esports in the “mind sports” category with games like chess and bridge. It will incorporate six titles at the upcoming Asian Games. Competitive gaming is prevalent in Korea, and fans are ecstatic to see this change.
However, this decision could have more significant implications in an unexpected area. The Korean Ministry of National Defense exempts gold medalists from required military services. This potential exception is a massive win for professional gamers.
Legalization of Betting
People who follow competitive gaming want to bet on their favorite team just like other sports fans. As the demand for Esports bets grows, some places have started the legalization process. Most recently in the USA, New Jersey approved the EEG’s license.
EEG will likely be offering Esports betting later this year. Right now, New Jersey only allows this type of gambling on a case-by-case basis. However, the state’s lawmakers are working on passing legislation to sanction it on a permanent basis.
Fewer people are playing table games these days, and competitive gaming is a fantastic way to gain new customers to the gambling industry. If you’re looking to wager on Esports, New Jersey isn’t your only option. Several other states have legalized it, and more are sure to follow.
Conclusion
We see some thrilling changes in store for the Esports industry. You’ll see competitive gaming at the Olympics! The IOC currently only has virtual sports, but they could follow in the footsteps of the Asian Games, including mainstream video game titles.
Additionally, Esports betting will be legalized in more places. New Jersey already plans to extend the law to a permanent authorization rather than case-by-case evaluations. With these developments, we don’t see the industry dying out any time soon.
Esports is here to stay, so try your hand at competitive video games today!
