“Esports is not a sport, but a credible activity in its own right,” the British Esports Association said Wednesday in a press release.
Yes, the debate is still ringing true overseas. Recent coverage from the BBC titled “The State of Sport week” that generated widespread conversation in the U.K. prompted the British Esports Association to respond.
“Esports is competitive video gaming: it is currently classified in the UK as a game (like chess and bridge) and not a sport,” according to the release.
“When done in moderation, esports can have positive cognitive, social and communicative benefits,” the release reads.
“It can help to increase perceptual skills, decision making, reaction times and multitasking, and help stimulate brain growth. Playing and watching esports is very engaging to younger audiences, and esports is also a beneficial alternative to watching passive media like television.”
To reach that younger audience, non-traditional esports streaming platforms like Facebook Live and Twitter have recently partnered with teams and tournaments organizers to stream “live” content in 2017.
Newzoo, an industry leader in esports research and market intelligence, recently released its annual report, saying that revenues tied to esports will reach nearly $700 million in 2017 and $1.5 billion by 2020.
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Even with the projected revenues, albeit still on a lesser scale than traditional stick and ball sports, the British Esports Association said it is not the right time to classify esports as a sport.
“I can see why there is a bit of confusion as millions of people play and watch esports; there are many professional teams, managers, coaches and tournaments. There is no international standard classification either as in some countries such as Poland, esports, chess and bridge are classified as sports,” British Esports Founder and Chief Executive Officer Chester King said in a statement.
“The ‘sport’ in esports may be misleading, but like traditional sports, competitive video gaming involves training, long-term dedication, determination, exceptional skills and reaction times, teamwork and coordination, and fun for all the spectators, casters, commentators and fans involved.”
The Association also commented that esports “should not rival or replace traditional sports.”
“It’s time to get away from the ‘esports isn’t a sport’ debate and start realising esports’ true benefits and potential,” King said.
“Whether or not esports is or is not a sport does not change the fact that the esports industry has enormous creative potential. We must educate audiences to realise its benefits, such as gaining cyber skills and the many career paths it offers, like becoming a professional player, commentator, journalist, manager, or coach.”