HANGZHOU, China: The 2023 Asian Games mark a historic moment in the world of online gaming as esports officially takes its place as an official event, offering gold medals across a diverse array of seven top titles. This inclusion underscores the evolving landscape of sports and entertainment, where digital competition and virtual realms have earned their rightful place alongside traditional athletic pursuits.
For years, the Asian Games have showcased other cerebral contests like bridge and chess, and the introduction of esports comes as no surprise given their immense popularity and lucrative potential. Teams hailing from more than 30 countries have eagerly embraced this opportunity, and all eyes are on South Korea and host nation China, expected to dominate and turn the esports competitions into one of the most-watched events during the two-week spectacle.
The esports competition at the Asian Games spans an exciting spectrum, encompassing five PC games and two mobile games, featuring both multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) and single-player genres. The illustrious lineup includes titles such as League of Legends, Arena of Valor Asian Games Version (also known as Honor of Kings), Peace Elite Asian Games Version (also known as PUBG Mobile), Dota 2, Dream Three Kingdoms 2, Street Fighter V: Champion Edition, and EA Sports FC (also known as FIFA Online 4). Each game brings its unique gameplay dynamics, strategies, and, most importantly, the prospect of securing a coveted gold medal.
While the competitive formats may vary according to the game genre, one constant remains: the allure of a gold medal. This prestigious recognition is not only a testament to the prowess of the players but also carries significant implications, particularly for South Korean competitors like Lee “Faker” Sanghyeok. Known by many as the League of Legends G.O.A.T. (Greatest Of All Time), winning a gold medal at the Asian Games grants exemption from the otherwise compulsory military service for men in South Korea. The stakes are indeed high, and the players are prepared to showcase their skills on the global stage.
Esports made its debut at the previous Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia, albeit as a demonstration sport, and the reception was nothing short of spectacular. Its popularity soared, underscoring the immense global appetite for competitive gaming. According to Newzoo, a leading research company specializing in tracking the global games market, the number of players worldwide is projected to reach a staggering 3.38 billion in 2023, representing a 6.3 percent year-on-year increase. The growth is largely fueled by mobile gaming, with an estimated 3.79 billion players anticipated by the end of 2026.
In financial terms, annual revenues from the gaming industry are set to grow by 2.6 percent, reaching a staggering $187.7 billion. The Asia-Pacific region is poised to contribute 46 percent of these revenues, followed by North America at 27 percent and Europe at 18 percent. Remarkably, the most robust growth is witnessed in the Middle East and Africa, marking the industry’s global expansion.
Esports’ influence extends beyond competitions like the Asian Games. The phenomenon is intertwined with the broader entertainment landscape, evident in the success of movies and shows derived from video games, such as the upcoming Super Mario Bros. Movie and HBO’s The Last of Us series. Gaming is now firmly entrenched in the mainstream, transcending generational boundaries, and its engagement continues to surge as more players join the ranks.
Despite its newfound status as a competition event at the Asian Games, the prospect of esports making its way to the Olympics remains an intriguing question. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has been exploring the potential of video gaming and virtual sports as a means to connect with and engage younger audiences. Skateboarding and surfing debuted at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, with breakdancing set to join the Olympic roster in the 2024 Paris Games, showcasing the IOC’s willingness to adapt to evolving interests.
However, the IOC remains cautious about certain elements of video gaming culture, emphasizing the need for ethical boundaries. IOC President Thomas Bach has stated unequivocally that violent or discriminatory content in e-games is a “red line” that must not be crossed. To navigate these waters, the IOC has established a formal esports commission, focusing primarily on virtual sports experiences, such as cycling on stationary bikes that replicate the challenges of a mountain stage at the Tour de France.
In conclusion, the inclusion of esports at the 2023 Asian Games represents a landmark moment in the world of sports and entertainment. It underscores the growing significance of competitive gaming and its seamless integration into the mainstream. As the esports industry continues its meteoric rise, the tantalizing prospect of its potential inclusion in the Olympic Games remains on the horizon, subject to ethical considerations and evolving perspectives on sports in the digital age.