Gamers are unlikely to eschew their established culture in pursuit of an Olympic medal.GETTY IMAGES
The drive to bring esports into the Olympic fold "may only be possible by creating a parallel universe to what already exists," according to Nazvi Careem of the SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST. To become an Olympic sport, esports players and organizations "need to align themselves with a National Olympic Committee" within their own country or territory and "play by Olympic rules." IOC President Thomas Bach said recently that violent games "would never be allowed." It is unlikely that gamers and publishers who have already established a successful and profitable esports culture are "likely to acquiesce for the sake of an Olympic medal." AirAsia Esports Team Manager Allan Phang said, "I personally believe there will be two parallels. One business side to it where companies and organizations do their own thing. The esports federations will need to be recognized by the International Olympic Committee in order to further streamline it." Asian Electronic Sports Federation President Kenneth Fok Kai-kong said that there also "needs to be strong governance in the industry." He added, "With the inclusion of esports in the Asian Games as a demonstration event, I think we are in a good position to develop the sport" (SCMP, 10/4).
