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Olympic Esports Choices Under Fire from Gaming Industry
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) recently announced that it will be launching the Olympic Esports Series in 2024, a move that was met with excitement from the esports community. However, the game selection for the series has come under fire from the gaming industry, with many feeling that the games chosen do not represent the true spirit of esports.
IOC’s Game Selection: Traditional Sports Take Center Stage
The gaming industry has criticized and faced backlash over the International Olympic Committee’s game selection for the Olympic Esports Series. Rather than opting for popular esports titles such as Dota 2, CS:GO, PUBG, or League of Legends, the IOC chose games that depict traditional sports like Virtual Taekwondo, Just Dance, and Zwift, the virtual cycling game. The series’ complete list of titles for the competition comprises Tic Tac Toe, WBSC eBaseball: POWER PROS, Chess, Zwift, Just Dance, Gran Turismo, Virtual Regatta, and Virtual Taekwondo.
Although titles such as Just Dance and Chess have some connections to esports, and a few have had tournaments in the past, Gran Turismo and Zwift have developed their own circuits. However, the announcement has been met with criticism from the esports community, who have ridiculed the IOC for its outdated lineup and marketing approach. Many believe that the IOC’s reluctance to include violent games has restricted its options, and there are calls for a more comprehensive selection process that reflects the gaming community’s diversity.
Criticism from the Gaming Community: Lack of Popular Esports Titles
The esports community has been critical of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), citing its insufficient understanding of the gaming industry and its failure to include popular esports titles. A significant number of gamers have used social media to voice their discontent and anger, contending that the chosen games do not accurately reflect the core values of esports.
The lack of popular titles like League of Legends, Dota 2, and CS:GO has left many gamers feeling that the Olympic Esports Series is not a true representation of the esports industry. Some gamers have also pointed out that the IOC’s selection of games reflects the organization’s lack of understanding of the esports industry and its audience.
The decision made by the IOC has sparked inquiries about the standards employed to pick games for the Olympic Esports Series. Certain gamers have claimed that the selection procedure lacked transparency, and outside influences may have impacted the IOC’s decision-making. Moreover, others believe that the IOC’s preference for non-violent games has restricted the options, and they advocate for a more comprehensive selection process that represents the full spectrum of the gaming community.
The Olympic Esports Series is under fire.
The Olympic Esports Series is a significant milestone for the esports industry, but the selection of games for the series has come under fire from the gaming industry. The IOC’s decision to select games representing traditional sports has left many gamers feeling disappointed and outraged, and the organization has been criticized for its lack of understanding of the esports community. It remains to be seen how the IOC will respond to the criticism, but it is clear that the gaming industry is not happy with the current lineup of games for the Olympic Esports Series. In the end, the success of the series will depend on how well the IOC can work with the esports community to create a selection of games that truly represent the industry’s diversity and spirit.