Originally Posted April 28, 2018 by Tiffany Christner

Olympic organizers revealed that they are currently in talks with the International esports Federation (IeSF) to make a demonstration at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

While it is clear the esports have made a big impact all over the world, the Olympic committee is still hesitant to add esports to their line-up. International Olympic Committee (IOC) chief Thomas Bach said last Thursday, “…The red line would be eGames which are killer games, where you have the promotion of violence or any kind of discrimination as a content.

“They can never be recognized as a part of the Olympic movement because they would be contrary to our values and principles.”

However, despite this, esports fans tend to be millennials of all different races and genders, many of whom are unplugging from traditional network sports. With dropping viewership numbers, the IOC is looking to entice young audiences back into the Olympics. While esports might face the problem of being associated with violence (especially in games like CS:GO), it might be a way to gain new interest or at least positive press amongst younger viewers. Perhaps games that are not so violent (such as Overwatch or League of Legends) can be in the running for additions to the Olympic games. 

For right now, the Paris Olympic Committee is in negotiation about letting esports have a demonstration at the games. Esports will be a medal event in the upcoming 2022 Asia Games, first making an appearance at this year’s even in Jakarta, Indonesia and then finally debuting as an official event in Hangzhou, China.

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