We're still talking about esports being included in the Olympics, because while discussions have been taking place and steps made, it's still a big decision to include video games in the Olympics, and now the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has released a Communique of the 7th Olympics Summit, in which esports was discussed.
In positive news, the meeting agreed that the IOC and those involved should continue to engage with the esports community, but there were key things to take away. Once again we were reminded that some games aren't compatible with the Olympics values (including ones with shooting like CS:GO and Rainbow Six: Siege), and that "the industry is evolving rapidly, with the changing popularity of specific games and the rapid development towards augmented reality and virtual reality".
What's more is that "the industry is fragmented in nature, with tough competition between commercial operators" and "the industry is commercially driven, while on the other hand the sports movement is values-based."
The above reasons are enough of a basis for the IOC to conclude that the idea to include esports as a medal event in the Olympic programme is "premature," and that major sports events organisers within the Olympic Movement should respect this too.
That's not all though, as the IOC adds that there can be "accelerated cooperation" with esports simulation games, i.e. those simulating a sport. This cooperation is "encouraged" by the Summit, who asks members to explore "the potential benefits and applications of the electronic and virtual versions of their sports."
At the same time though they need to retain control over the electronic versions of the sports, while "restricting their engagement to activation in the e-versions and virtual forms of their traditional sports."
We had an esports summit this year to discuss esports in the Olympic Games, but the IOC says they'll invite stakeholders in the games and esports industry to a liaison group to explore more projects.
Do you agree with the IOC's conclusions?