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Aug 17, 2008 at 12:04 AM CDT

View Comments: 28

Professional Gaming's Next Arena, London in 2012?

Posted by: toast


Kansas City, MO

Name:
Jon Corley

Position:
Writer

About The Author
Jon Corley is a long tenured Team 3D writer who currently heads 3D.NY's Website Staff

If winning 8 Gold Medals makes you the greatest athlete of all time, then sign me up! Alright, now that i've got that out of my system it is time to move onto the topic of this article. Gaming has come leaps and bounds since it was introduced to the world a little over a decade ago and its potential for growth is practically unlimited. Although we've heard rumors about a potential gaming competition at the Olympics in the past, I thought we should examine the pros and cons of a potential gaming tournament and the skepticism it would undoubtedly bring to the sport.

Firstly, there is the age-old argument that gaming isn't even a sport. This topic has been visited on numerous occasions by nearly ever E-Sports journalist and every detail has been beaten to death. For the sake of argument and time, I am going to bypass this argument and just declare professional gaming to be a sport. If Nascar is considered a sport, gaming sure as hell better be.

The Olympics are all about the spirit of competition and this is best exemplified by their creed, "The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph, but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered, but to have fought well."

Although I doubt that the North and South Korea dispute will be settled by a game of Starcraft or we'll see the next Tommie Smith & John Carlos raising their clenched hands holding a mouse, that doesn't make it gaming any less meaningful than any other sport. To be brutally honest, I think that the worst thing that could happen to gaming would be for it to be added to the Olympics, at least for now. Gaming is still very much in its infancy and it is far too early to be thinking about Olympic glory.

If gaming were to be added to the 2012 games, I think it would almost do irreparable damage to the sport as a whole and reverse everything that leagues such as the CGS have worked so hard for. Firstly there is the execution of an event. Who would be brought in to recommend which games were to be played and with what rule set. Unlike most conventional sports, gaming lacks a definitive structure and this is one of its biggest weaknesses. Gaming has a problem which is uniquely its own. Unlike every other sport, the "playing field" constantly changes. Tennis courts have evolved over the years but the measurements and dimensions remain the same. In gaming, nearly every year a new game is released and the same players try to adapt to the next "playing field." For gaming to be taken seriously it must make some hard decisions.

There must first be a governing body such as the G7 to select a game and a set of well-defined rules. This constant shuffling of games every couple of years would have to be eliminated in order to have fair competition. Athletes train for years in hopes of making their childhood dreams come true as they battle for a spot atop the podium. That would mean that a decision would have to be made at least four years in advance, which in technology terms equates to about a millennium. This is only one of countless issues that would have to be considered prior to adding gaming to the Olympic rotation.

Although professional gaming is a legitimate sport with resolved fans, it is just too early to even consider a leap of this magnitude. The Olympics carry a reputation of greatness and to win a gold medal is rewards for a lifetime of work. Beyond the logistical nightmare, it is just too much too soon for such a new sport. There are still countless obstacles that would ultimately need to be resolved and a divided community which would need to unite. However, as Sam Witwicky would say, No Sacrifice, No Victory! If this dream is to ever to be realized it will take someone with a steadfast resolution and some deep pockets.


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#1

August 17, 2008 at 12:25 AM CDT

moto
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Team GM Team GM

I'd love to see gaming in the olympics, but I see your point..

#2

August 17, 2008 at 12:58 AM CDT

theultimategamer
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If badmitton, yes, FRICKEN BADMITTON (or how ever the hell you spell it) can be considered an Olympic sport, why cant gaming? If people even consider "Competitive Eating" a sport (which i dont see why the F they would anyway. either they are retarded or just closed minded biggot headed morons) How can gaming not be considered a sport? These questions can not be answered by one man. BUT the road CGS is paving im pretty sure soon enough, gaming will hold its place sports history.

first official, newoptimeranomplexina fan.
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#3

August 17, 2008 at 01:31 AM CDT

-Viper
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but 2012 wont last long! if u know what i mean..

<@[3D]-Torbull> 2009 is the year of 1.6

#4

August 17, 2008 at 01:38 AM CDT

lectR
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#3 Hehe, but weirdly enough, why would you be posting on a gaming team's forum with your remaining years if you believed that...

Nevertheless, I've always thought of the Olympics as athletic, and I imagine their board also agrees. I personally would not want to see Poker, for instance, in the Olympics, even though I do like playing and watching the game, I've just always appreciated the athletic element of the Olympics

North America: http://www.esportsea.com | Europe: http://www.esportsea.eu

#5

August 17, 2008 at 01:54 AM CDT

blazNboi
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na gaming shouldnt be part of the olympics

#6

August 17, 2008 at 03:59 AM CDT

Sabre0001
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As you say, gaming needs to become a stable environment. It also shouldn't feature in the Olympics after this occurs - it belongs in its own arena. When people hear eSport, they think of traditional sports and that gamers are drawing a comparison - not necessarily true, it's an E-Sport. Also, seen side by side with people at a physical and mental peak, they may scoff...

On the subject of gaming as a sport....Should we care? I haven't heard golfers or poker players (or Nascar drivers as the example you use) being harassed or losing sleep over their sports actually being sports (using these as they are the most cited in debates). This constant analysis cannot be good because it means that gamers are turning on their own sport / hobby / job / competitive arena. Also, within that debate I dislike how many writers and journalists resort to the whole "if x is a sport then surely gaming is" - unfortunately you did this too. I think it is more important to build an argument as to why it should be called a sport or just accepted as a competitive activity rather than trying to bash other sports.
{The "0001" is silent} {http://www.eSports.ie - New Launch!}

#7

August 17, 2008 at 04:10 AM CDT

christ0mania
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#2 just out of curiosity why don't you consider badminton an Olympic sport.

#8

August 17, 2008 at 05:04 AM CDT

nicKn0iT
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Pro Gamer Pro Gamer

can't wait for 2012!!

#9

August 17, 2008 at 05:28 AM CDT

theultimategamer
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Referenced post #7 by christ0mania
#2 just out of curiosity why don't you consider badminton an Olympic sport.
#7

to me, its just a pointless sport that for some unknown reason is in the olympics. just like table tennis being in the olympics, POINTLESS! if they added competitive eating, i think the olympics would just be saying "point and laugh at us, for we put in a sport where people from around the globe come to see who can shove the most sh- in their face"

first official, newoptimeranomplexina fan.
Insider Esports ftw!!
First ever CGS live caller!!

#10

August 17, 2008 at 07:32 AM CDT

BigLighthouse
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good article, dont think anyone should EVER consider gaming for the olympics lol.

BUT badminton! comon dude that is soooo olympic worthy. Did u not see some of the mixed doubles tournament?? those guys are total machines!

#11

August 17, 2008 at 12:44 PM CDT

kidgonesmall
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that would be interesting

#12

August 17, 2008 at 01:28 PM CDT

avengerrr
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#2 actually i think badminton is quite a qualified sport

good read

:0

#13

August 17, 2008 at 01:57 PM CDT

toast
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Staff Member Staff Member

i'm watching Olympic badminton right now and this is most definitely a sport!

#14

August 17, 2008 at 02:52 PM CDT

ComeBackDan
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Badminton is definitely a sport. These players are insane!

Gaming in the Olympics will take longer than 2012. I could see them being in the 2020 Olympics with SC2 or SC3 if it is out. :-0

3D 4tw!

Add me on myspace!
http://www.myspace.com/3dComebackDan

#15

August 17, 2008 at 03:31 PM CDT

theultimategamer
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*facepalm* COME ON! I just have to wonder wtf made these people want to be PRO in badminton of all sports.

*bangs head off keyboard*

first official, newoptimeranomplexina fan.
Insider Esports ftw!!
First ever CGS live caller!!

#16

August 17, 2008 at 05:09 PM CDT

Carl
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I play in a very competitive badminton league at my college, it is most definitely a sport. Badminton isn't a game you play in your grandmothers backyard at family reunions, it requires a lot of skill and is a blast to play and to watch.

Also, Olympics is for athletes, hence no NASCAR in Olympics, etc.

#17

August 17, 2008 at 05:22 PM CDT

Col168
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#15

I've seen your other posts before, and they were all pretty stupid. If every other one of your 1906 posts were as ignorant as the ones you made in this - and other threads - I'm baffled as to how you became a CGS forum admin. It says a lot about the organization.

As to why people want to be pro in badminton, you have to ask yourself what makes people want to become a professional in GAMING. Going professional in badminton is probably a smarter choice, and a more tangible one at that. They probably make more from sponsorships alone than a pro gamer. Not to mention, if they like the sport, what's wrong with going pro especially if you get paid, AND you're in the olympics - an event that is watched by almost everyone in the world. Don't knock badminton especially if you don't know anything about it. Just like how people shouldn't knock games until they know about it.

And no, as much as I like watching CS, it shouldn't be in the olympics. Ask anyone on the street if they want gaming to be in the olympics, 9 out of 10 people would say it's stupid, and the other 10% would just laugh and not even answer.

Gaming should absolutely not be in the olympics, and if it is, it shows how the world is going to hell. I appreciate gaming for what it is, and I like watching matches, but for gaming to be there? No, just no.

#18

August 17, 2008 at 05:56 PM CDT

Bazza
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Referenced post #7 by christ0mania
#2 just out of curiosity why don't you consider badminton an Olympic sport.
#7

Yeh I was thinking that as well, and he's hating on the table tennis also!

#19

August 17, 2008 at 05:56 PM CDT

PoM_
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It COULD happen considering Gaming is the National Sport in two different countries...dont quote me on it, Japan and Sweden.

#17 I totally agree with what you say, its really cool what CGS has done but gaming should never be in the Olympics, but think about it, it would be cool having a team win a Gold Medal =]

Last modified on 8/17/2008 at 5:56 pm EST

#20

August 17, 2008 at 08:46 PM CDT

theultimategamer
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Referenced post #17 by Col168
#15

I've seen your other posts before, and they were all pretty stupid. If every other one of your 1906 posts were as ignorant as the ones you made in this - and other threads - I'm baffled as to how you became a CGS forum admin. It says a lot about the organization.

As to why people want to be pro in badminton, you have to ask yourself what makes people want to become a professional in GAMING. Going professional in badminton is probably a smarter choice, and a more tangible ...one at that. They probably make more from sponsorships alone than a pro gamer. Not to mention, if they like the sport, what's wrong with going pro especially if you get paid, AND you're in the olympics - an event that is watched by almost everyone in the world. Don't knock badminton especially if you don't know anything about it. Just like how people shouldn't knock games until they know about it.

And no, as much as I like watching CS, it shouldn't be in the olympics. Ask anyone on the street if they want gaming to be in the olympics, 9 out of 10 people would say it's stupid, and the other 10% would just laugh and not even answer.

Gaming should absolutely not be in the olympics, and if it is, it shows how the world is going to hell. I appreciate gaming for what it is, and I like watching matches, but for gaming to be there? No, just no.
#17

well nub, if you would have been on the site sooner, read the some of the posts ive made, and not pass judgement on me so soon like an ignorant nub such as yourself would, you would learn that with the other posts ive made, that ive helped alot of the other new people . ive come to know how this organization works inside and out. when people come on and ask "How does the scoring system work?" or "Why do you have to be 18 to participate?" or just other random questions that alot of new people have, ive answered them fluently and sucessfully and if i havent other members of the site correct my mistakes (no one is perfect ya know). Dont knock on cgs for making me an forum admin cause ive worked my ass off helping other new people out when they have basic questions. Regular staff cant keep an eye on every posting that every person makes so they put people like myself on to make sure no one is posting bad things (porn, language, etc.), to keep cgs a clean site. If your gonna bash cgs as an organization for highering someone who knows his ***** and helps others when they have a simple question, Gotfrag is the place for you. We here at the cgs carry ourselves professionally and nubs like you have no right to question decisions made by the company. I take pride in being a forum admin for such a great company as this and for someone like YOU to question it is TRULY unprofessional and immature.

as for my post, ITS JUST AN OPINION! I cant tell you how many people on other sites have posted that esports will NEVER be takin as a REAL sport. I just dont see how people can say that Badminton, Table tennis, and Competitive eating are REAL sports and not put gaming with the stats, records, rivalrys and hardcore player and fan dedication we have on the same level. But, the same thing can be said about the X games and snowboarding when they were in their baby stages. Things like this will take time. As for this being in the olympics, i think that it would really tarnish what weve aleady got. and besides, we already have our olympics, its called the WORLD FINALS!

first official, newoptimeranomplexina fan.
Insider Esports ftw!!
First ever CGS live caller!!

#21

August 18, 2008 at 01:39 AM CDT

Col168
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#20

LOL!

I can't find a comeback to that, you're too good for me. You win. The World Finals in the CGS really is the Olympics, I mean, every other "region" participating in the CGS is seriously the best in their country at their respective games. The Stockholm CSS team is better than fnatic and Belle is one of the best DoA4 females in the U.S. Oh yeah, the CGS also has other countries trying to best each other before culminating in a "world final." NOT. The only region close to coming to what the CGS wants is the U.S.

If you really want to compare the Olympics to an actual event, compare it to the WCG please, or hell, even ESWC. I can accept the CGS as a TV show, but not a gaming league or an event. Why do you think that it's only given a certain time slot, and this time slot cannot be relaxed like the NFL, NBA, or MLB?

Anyway, I pray that gaming will never be in the olympics. And if Belle really does talk to the IOC about bringing gaming to the olympics.. christ it's a shame that Americans would bring it up. As if the stereotype about us sitting on our butts and eating and getting fat all day was not enough.

edit: #19, watch Michael Phelps if you want to see the Americans racking in gold medals. :}

Last modified on 8/18/2008 at 1:40 am EST

#22

August 18, 2008 at 01:54 AM CDT

Carl
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#19

You talk about holding yourself to these high professional standards but call colt a nub at least 5 times. I lol'ed.

Also, Badminton and table tennis requires you to be an athlete. They are both very different from other "sports" like NASCAR, competitive eating, and gaming. The reason you have so many people after you is because you're voicing your opinion despite having no idea what you're talking about. Placing a sport that is incredibly popular in eastern Europe and Asia in the same category as competitive eating and gaming is going to make people upset.

#23

August 18, 2008 at 03:44 AM CDT

theultimategamer
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Referenced post #22 by Carl
#19

You talk about holding yourself to these high professional standards but call colt a nub at least 5 times. I lol'ed.

Also, Badminton and table tennis requires you to be an athlete. They are both very different from other "sports" like NASCAR, competitive eating, and gaming. The reason you have so many people after you is because you're voicing your opinion despite having no idea what you're talking about. Placing a sport that is incredibly popular in easter...n Europe and Asia in the same category as competitive eating and gaming is going to make people upset.
#22

what i lol at is the fact you seem to not have the right # of the person your trying to put a message too. I also understand the fact that these sports are popular in other parts of the world, football and the NFL for instance. Dont adjust your computer screens, you see the proper terms in front of you. Football in the uk is a HIGHLY popular sport and really doesnt catch on to some viewers over in here in america. When people hear football over hear in the states, they think of 250 pound lbs crushing qbs. But you tell them Soccer, its a different story. This also goes with out saying that people rag on Guitar Hero for needing to "Go out and Play a real Guitar"

Shockingly, some folks over here in the states do consider Competitive Eating to be a sport. It baffles me to no end because i see that these people use the argument "If i wanna watch someone play video games, ill blah blah blah" and "Video Games will never be a sport because it cant do this or that" and yet they sit back and watch to see who can whoof down the most hot dogs over Tobaiashi. (considerably so i think Phelps could do it since he eats about 12,000 calories a day now anyway!)
I see these guys probably take alot of time and effort to be the best at what they do and thats great. I truly dont want to see gaming in the olympics. I think we would be asking for it then.

World Cyber Games is also another great event for gamers across the world to come, hang and play the game of their choice,

first official, newoptimeranomplexina fan.
Insider Esports ftw!!
First ever CGS live caller!!

#24

August 18, 2008 at 09:35 PM CDT

The-Prodigy
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I'm really interested in this...

#25

August 20, 2008 at 10:47 PM CDT

Sharkboysxe
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Referenced post #2 by theultimategamer
If badmitton, yes, FRICKEN BADMITTON (or how ever the hell you spell it) can be considered an Olympic sport, why cant gaming? If people even consider "Competitive Eating" a sport (which i dont see why the F they would anyway. either they are retarded or just closed minded biggot headed morons) How can gaming not be considered a sport? These questions can not be answered by one man. BUT the road CGS is paving im pretty sure soon enough, gaming will hold its place sports history.
#2
Dude badminton is hardcore.
You don't ***** with badminton players.
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