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eSports could soon be a medal event in the Olympics

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eSports could be a part of the Olympic programme by 2024, making competitive video gaming an official medal event.

This announcement came in a recent interview between the Associated Press and co-president of the Paris Bid Committee, Tony Estanguet.

Estanguet confirmed he will to speak to the International Olympic Committee and major eSports representatives about including competitive video gaming when the Games go to France in 2024. In the interview, he sounded positive about testing the potential impact eSports could have on getting a younger demographic to connect with the Olympics.

“The youth, yes they are interested in eSport and this kind of thing. Let’s look at it. Let’s meet them. Let’s try to see if we can find some bridges… I think it’s interesting to interact with the IOC, with them, the eSports family, to better understand what the process is and why it is such a success.”

This news comes after eSports was accepted as a medal event in the 2022 Asian Games. While not as big a stage as the Olympics, the Asian Games are billed as the ‘second largest multi-sport event’ and will be an important testing ground for a sport that’s still in its infancy. To make the transition from the Asian Games to Olympics would be huge, pushing eSports into an unprecedented mainstream audience.

Unfortunately, it won’t be until after 2020, when the Olympic programme begins to form, that a definitive answer will be given on the subject. Additionally, supporters of the inclusion would need to win over IOC president Thomas Bach, who was not convinced.

“We are not yet 100% clear whether eSports is really sport, with regard to physical activity and what it needs to be considered sport.”

He did however agree that eSports has a huge pull with ‘the youth’. We’re sure that the predicted global audience of 600 million that eSports could generate by 2020 wouldn’t hurt either.

With eSports growing as a spectator sport at an astonishing rate and online viewership skyrocketing, it’s clear that there is an audience within the wider gaming community. What isn’t clear is how that will translate to the mainstream and the 2022 Asian Games will surely be an important indicator of things to come.

 

 

UK based gaming writer, raised on a diet of Street Fighter and Isometric RPG's. I enjoy playing every game I can get my grubby little hands on.

Gaming

Battle Pass for Crash Team Rumble is not necessary to unlock new characters; the upcoming closed beta

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The competitive multiplayer spinoff of Crash Team Rumble, which will be available on both the PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4, will debut on June 20. A closed beta for the game will be held in the coming weeks, and the good news that character unlocks won’t be dependent on Battle Pass progress was just revealed.

Publisher Activision made its intentions very clear in a lengthy blog post, writing, “New heroes and powers will be unlocked through in-game challenges rather than being connected to the Battle Pass because we want every player to have a balanced experience while enjoying the N. Sane fun that Crash Team Rumble has to offer.” “For those who wish to get a WUMP on the season’s newest looks, Battle Passes will solely reward cosmetic goods; however, cosmetics will still be earnable through participation in seasonal events.”

Those who preorder the platformer/battle royale mix can take part in a limited beta between April 20 and 24. For those who want to jump right in, online matches against other players and practice matches versus AI bots will be offered.

How does Crash Team Rumble strike you? Will you participate in the closed beta test?

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Gaming

Indie Not on PlayStation Wins BAFTA Game of the Year, Beating PS5, PS4’s Greatest Hits

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God of War Ragnarok and Elden Ring were both beaten out for the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) award for Best Game by a tiny little independent title called Vampire Survivors, which isn’t even accessible on PlayStation systems. Do you really believe that?

Putting all lightheartedness aside, Vampire Survivors was something of a phenomenon in 2022, and you would have to be living under a rock (or live offline) to have missed it. It burst into prominence and eventually became a favorite among industry insiders. A fiendishly addictive fundamental gameplay loop hides beneath a deceptively simple exterior, earning developer Luca Galante, aka Poncle, this year’s BAFTA for Game Design as well as another honor.

There hasn’t been any news of the mega-hit coming to PlayStation as of yet, so there’s probably some sort of exclusivity agreement in place or anything else blocking it. Perhaps one day we will be granted access to it, but until then, console yourself with one of the numerous high-end games on our preferred platform, such as The Last of Us, which won Best Game back in 2014.

In slightly related news, Shuhei Yoshida, a PlayStation legend, received a BAFTA Fellowship, the highest honor bestowed by the organization.

What do you think about the Vampire Survivors’ victory—do you believe it was well-deserved or totally absurd?

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Gaming

On May 17, Crusader Kings 3: Royal Court Expansion will be available on consoles

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While we felt Crusader Kings 3: Console Edition was fantastic when it was launched on the PS5 last year, we were only able to play the base game. We are incredibly grateful that the great Royal Court extension will be coming to consoles. This is a regal proclamation that we could not be more delighted to make.

It’s pretty difficult to switch back after you’ve experienced the conveniences and enhancements that Royal Court offers to the well-stocked table, as anyone who has played Crusader Kings 3 on PC knows. It’s not just for show; players will be able to use trophies and priceless pieces of art to adorn their throne room, which adds a minor RPG system to an already magnificently complex adventure.

If you haven’t already and like the basic Crusader King’s experience, we highly encourage you to give Royal Court a try. This expansion is the ideal reason to jump back in for another round of backroom maneuvering. Are you going to create your own royal court?

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