International Olympic Committee Rules Out Adding eSports "Killer Games" to Olympics
“We cannot have a game which is promoting violence or discrimination.”
With skateboarding set to become part of the Olympics in 2020, the games’ governing body has ruled out adding eSports to the games. According to International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach, games that feature violence and killing are “contradictory to the Olympic values and cannot therefore be accepted.”
Bach went on to explain the view, adding that “we cannot have in the Olympic programme a game which is promoting violence or discrimination.” This argument has attracted criticism, particularly due to the inclusion of sports including boxing, fencing and shooting. Discussing this, Bach added that “of course every combat sport has its origins in a real fight among people. But sport is the civilised expression about this. If you have eGames where it’s about killing somebody, this cannot be brought into line with our Olympic vales.”
Bach was discussing the issue at the recent Asian Games. The games were the first time that eSports had featured at a tournament, although it was as a demonstration sport meaning medals are not added to the overall tally. eSports will be included amongst the medal events for the next Asian Games in 2022.
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