Violent gameplay could harm Esports’ bid for Olympic inclusion
August 30, 2017
Esports must conform to ‘Olympic values’ in order to be included in the Games, according to IOC President Thomas Bach.
The Paris 2024 bid team is keen to discuss the possibility of adding Esports, which generated £400m in revenue in 2016, to the Olympic movement in seven years’ time.
Bach has confirmed talks on the matter will take place but also suggested popular titles with violent gameplay may fall foul of what is expected from an Olympic sport.
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“We want to promote non-discrimination, non-violence, and peace among people,” he told the South China Morning Post.
“This doesn’t match with video games, which are about violence, explosions and killing. And there we have to draw a clear line.
Bach added: “So if ever somebody is competing at playing football virtually or playing other sports virtually, this is of high interest.
“We hope that, then, these players are really delivering sports performance. If [fans] at the end would even play the sports in the real world, we would even be more happy.”
A final decision on Esports’ possible inclusion will be made by the IOC.
