The IOC signaled a new openness to esports in a statement released yesterday, suggesting competitive video gaming could be a viable addition to the Games under the right circumstances. Following the conclusion of the Olympic summit in Lausanne, the IOC said, “Competitive ‘eSports’ could be considered as a sporting activity, and the players involved prepare and train with an intensity which may be comparable to athletes in traditional sports.” Also, the IOC acknowledged that esports would provide a new way for the Olympics to engage with young people.
This statement is a considerably more positive assessment on esports than IOC President Thomas Bach gave in an interview in August, when he opined that most video games would not be a good fit for the Olympics.
However, the IOC repeated Bach’s concerns about realistic game depictions of violence and warfare, saying the “content of esports must not infringe on the Olympic values.” Also, the IOC noted, esports would still require a global governing organization that would enforce anti-doping, integrity and other rules of the Games. The body said it would direct further dialogue with the gaming industry and IOC stakeholders.
