Controversy Surrounds IOC's Olympic Esports Games: Game Selection and Location Criticized

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has made a significant decision to create the first-ever Olympic Esports Games, but the announcement has sparked controversy due to the selection of games and the event's location.

Background and Controversy

Esports has been steadily gaining recognition, yet its journey to being acknowledged as a legitimate sport by the Olympics has been slow. The IOC first introduced esports to the Olympic stage with the Olympic Esports Series, held in Singapore in June 2023. However, the event was met with criticism for its choice of games, which included a modified version of Fortnite focused on target shooting, Just Dance, and lesser-known titles like Tic Tac Bow and Zwift.

The Olympic Esports Games

The IOC has now approved the creation of the Olympic Esports Games, marking a new chapter in esports history. However, the chosen games remain unexpected and controversial. The esports community has engaged with the initiative, but the games involved do not reflect the competitive spirit or the popularity of the esports that fans typically follow.

Game Selection

The IOC has made it clear that popular first-person shooters (FPS) like Counter-Strike, Call of Duty, and Rainbow Six Siege will never be part of the Olympic Esports lineup due to their "visible violence" involving weapons. It remains unclear whether this exclusion extends to fighting games like Street Fighter 6, which was featured in a separate exhibition during the 2023 Olympic Esports Week but was omitted from the main lineup.

Critics argue that the games featured in last year’s event lack a significant competitive community and are obscure to the broader audience. This choice has been compared to replacing traditional Olympic sports with less serious events, such as Tiddlywinks or an egg-and-spoon race.

Concerns Over Location

In addition to the debate over game selection, the decision to host the event in Saudi Arabia has raised concerns. The country’s human rights record, particularly regarding freedom of speech and LGBTQ+ rights, has led to backlash, similar to the criticism faced by the ongoing Esports World Cup.

Future Implications

The IOC's approach to Olympic esports, including the selection of games and the choice of host countries, will likely continue to be a contentious topic as the event draws nearer. The esports community will be closely watching to see how the Olympic Esports Games evolve and whether they will eventually include the games that truly resonate with the competitive gaming world.