One of the issues that has dogged the emergence of esports is the very word sports in its name. The uninitiated want to bracket this new phenomenon as a virtual version of more traditional competition when entertainment is a better bracket. However, for now, it still tends to be shown on sports channels and reported in sports sections.

Then there is the question of best practice, development and governance. Although game publishers hold the power, there is a crucial role for national bodies. That is why Chester King set-up the British Esports Association in 2016.

In this podcast, we look at the myths surrounding the industry, the important social and psychological benefits of esports, why key institutions have recognised its usefulness and how UK business has not. 

TOPICS

Definitions of esports and gaming

The rule of the British Esports Association - "We're a national body not a governing body"

The medal event at the Rio Olympics, helped by the UK Government 

Why the IOC wants every sport to have a "gaming strategy"

The role of the game FIFA in the spread of football in the US

Passive media v active and social media

The RAF scheme to combat loneliness

The potential benefits of esports in fighting dementia

The digital disconnect and importance of treating players as athletes

Opening up career pathways in esports. The size of the industry

The diversity issues in esports and how to solve them

The possibility of women-only tournaments

The development of veterans' tournament  

The effect of lockdown on esports and why it was not all upside 

Is investment growing on the back of lockdown? "The UK is the black hole of esports investment"  

The cost of running an esports side

The importance of getting brands involved, especially in the UK

The problem of toxicity in esports and the ways to combat it

Chester's current to-do list 

The problem of planning ahead in esports

LINKS

Chester King LinkedIN

British Esports Association Website | Twitch | Twitter