Just Dance is an Olympic sport now all the good games have been taken
Going for gold
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The International Olympic Committee has announced theEsportsSeries for 2023. This competition will cover a wide range of online games and will have live finals in Singapore from June 22 to 25.
Some games set to feature in the Series include dancing gameJust Dance, online motorsport racing titleGran Turismo 7, and the virtual cycling gameZwift. These are the group’s big hitters, but games are more traditional to the Olympic spirit, like virtual Taekwondo and Tennis are also present.
“The Olympic Esports Series 2023 marks another step in supporting the development of virtual sports”, the IOC said in ablog post. “The collaboration with gaming and esports communities will create new opportunities for players and fans alike”.
Is this really esports?
The addition of esports tothe Olympic gamesis an exciting and encouraging step forward for competitive gaming. However, I can’t help but think that this roster of games misses the mark.
It’s equivalent to a singing competition where contestants can read the lines in front of them
When I think of esports, my mind immediately goes to competitive FPS titles likeOverwatch 2andCSGOor fighting games like Tekken andSuper Smash Bros. Ultimate. I can’t say that the online archery and tic tac toe mobile game ofTic Tac Bowis my first thought when it comes to riveting esports gameplay.
EvenJust Dancein all its glory doesn’t scream competitive esports to me. These competitors will be doing physically exhausting activities, with the only difference between this and regular competitive dancing being that a screen is involved. To me, it’s equivalent to a singing competition where contestants can read the lines in front of them.
Of all the options available,Gran Turismo 7is the only title I feel is justifiably cut from the esports cloth. This fast pace racing game brings its own identity to the Olympic games, as motorsport isn’t already an event, while showcasing the skillset and intensity needed for online gaming.
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Out of options
It would be nice to see more generic esports titles arrive at the Olympics, not only to better represent what the sport is like but also to help the IOC modernize their competition.
However, I think that ship has sailed. Most online competitive titles now have an Olympic games equivalent. Whether this is the Overwatch World Cup or theLeague of LegendsWorld Championships, there are already lucrative and notorious competitions for fans and players to sink their teeth into.
It really does seem like the IOC is stuck with the runt of the litter that doesn’t massively fit the bill. Nevertheless, I’m sure that they’ll make the best of the situation. After all, who doesn’t want Titanium performed on the big stage for everyone to see?
Elie is a Features Writer for TechRadar Gaming, here to write about anything new or slightly weird. Before writing for TRG, Elie studied for a Masters at Cardiff University JOMEC in International Journalism and Documentaries – spending their free time filming short docs or editing the gaming section for their student publications.
Elie’s first step into gaming was through Pokémon but they’ve taken the natural next step in the horror genre. Any and every game that would keep you up at night is on their list to play - despite the fact that one of Elie’s biggest fears is being chased.
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