2018 Asian Games: Esports Preview

The Asian Games opening ceremonies begin tomorrow and will feature esports for the first time. The Asian Games are the second-largest multi-sport event after the Olympic Games. Currently there is a debate going on with the International Olympic Committee about making esports a medal sport for the Paris Olympics in 2024. Esports games that are considered “violent or gory” won't be considered, stated the IOC.

The Asian games will feature 18 countries competing in 6 different esports games: League of Legends, Hearthstone, Starcraft II, Pro Evolution Soccer 2018, Arena of Valor and Clash Royale. As seen by this selection of games, none of them are “violent or gory”. The IOC requirements, although very reasonable, doesn't bode well for First-Person-Shooter (FPS) games such as Call of Duty, Counter-Strike or even much less gory/violent Overwatch when it comes to being played on the worlds biggest stages.

The logo for the Asian Games esports can be seen below (it is quite embarrassing for all parties involved).

Source: https://www.cnet.com/news/the-asian-games-esports-logo-is-the-least-athletic-thing-weve-seen/