St. Clair College

• Is playing competitive video games a serious business?
• The Worlds 2023 event, which is still largely unknown to the general public, provides an opportunity for video game law specialists such as ourselves to explain just why competitive video games should be taken more seriously.

Esports: a global social, cultural and economic phenomenon

• And yet, there is a whole world of professional competitions in the video game universe.
• Like traditional sports, the competitive video games world has its own leagues, well-established international competitions, its share of famous athletes and hordes of fans.
• These action-strategy games are something like supercharged chess games in which the aim is to destroy the opposing base.

A booming sector

• So it’s worth asking if esports will come to be recognized alongside traditional sports, or even have organized events as part of the Olympic Games?
• Regarding the inclusion of esports in the Olympics, video games were included as part of the Olympic Esports Series in 2023.
• This committee, which explores ways to rejuvenate the image of the Olympic Games and attract new audiences, has also initiated discussions about the creation of an esports Olympic Games.

Career opportunities, but little support infrastructure

• As with any competitive event, professional management and support teams are essential for achieving a high performance level.
• However, despite the popularity and immense potential of electronic sports, Canada lacks infrastructure and programs.
• Ideally, infrastructure suitable for esports should include high-performance computers, a dedicated esports room, a support team, intercollegiate competitions and, above all, an atmosphere that promotes the inclusion and participation of all in esports.

Players’ health

• In recent years, more and more players have opened up about their mental health struggles.
• Research and support related to athletes’ working conditions will be necessary to ensure that they do not endanger their health and that they are not exploited by professional teams and leagues.

Prevention and treatment of addiction phenomena

• These phenomena are encouraged and exacerbated by the presence of mechanisms or strategies called “Dark Patterns,” widely used in certain video games.
• Dark Patterns can be temporal, encouraging players to invest an extended period of time in playing the game.

Esports are growing

• Esports is nevertheless in a position to offer major events which can easily rival the biggest traditional sporting events in popularity.
• It would be a mistake to underestimate esports, as it attracts both large crowds and talent.

The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.