UC Esports says 'Game on!' of historic Olympic decision
Olympic Esports Games set for 2025
Gamers worldwide can rejoice as esports finally become a regular feature in the Olympic Games.
Esports within the Olympics has been a topic of controversy for years. Still, last week, in a historic decision, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced the creation of the Olympic Esports Games, set to debut in 2025 in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Patty Moser, director of UC Esports Innovation Lab, expressed enthusiasm over the unanimous vote.
“This is an exciting time for collegiate students involved in Esports clubs and majors," she said. "The IOC is not just adding a new category of competition; it is embracing the world of competitive video gaming as a global sport.”
UC is home to one of the oldest scholastic esports communities in the country having launched the nation’s first esports program, the UC Esports Club, in the spring of 2012. Located within the 1819 Innovation Hub, the 5,500-square-foot Esports Lab has a broadcast studio and 45 gaming stations that attract students, researchers and industry professionals to collaborate in an environment that attracts STEM talent.
A UC student plays a game inside the Esports Innovation Lab. Photo/Greg Glevicky.
Recently, UC Esports announced an exclusive multiyear partnership with Esports Ohio. The collaboration sets a new standard in supporting and elevating the state's esports ecosystem.
UC academic programs, certificates and classes offer a comprehensive esports ecosystem with nine competitive programs. These include a degree program in game development through the College of Arts and Sciences and a game animation program through the College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP). The university boasts 18 professional pathways for degrees spanning engineering, marketing, sports and more, providing students with a seamless transition from player to professional.
“During UC Welcome Week, the Esports Innovation Lab will host over 20 events the first two weeks of school, welcoming the UC Esports Teams, UC Esports Club and all Bearcats to come and open play. We show students how they can turn their passion for esports into a professional career,” Moser said.
The IOC has yet to announce which games will be featured in the competition. However, the following steps include selecting a city and venue, determining the event's timing and establishing the player qualification process.
We show students how they can turn their passion for esports into a professional career.
Patty Moser Director of UC Esports Innovation Lab
Patty Moser. Photo/Greg Glevicky
With over 3 billion gamers and a global esports market set to reach $2.39 billion by the end of 2024, esports has emerged as a cultural phenomenon. It attracts audiences that rival and sometimes surpass those of conventional sports. Including esports in the Olympic fold acknowledges this trend and aims to bridge the gap between the digital and physical sporting communities.
“The decision to include esports in the Olympics will undoubtedly open the doors to new sponsors and attract a younger demographic, allowing careers to flourish around it. I can’t think of a more deserving platform for showcasing the skills and talents of esports athletes on a global stage,” Moser said.
Featured image at top: UC's Esports Innovation Lab. Photo/Greg Glevicky
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