Fortnite

• 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.

• Beyond a mere game release, Woolen Warfare signifies a revolutionary change in how brands connect with their audience within the gaming realm.
• Crafted with precision using Fortnite's Unreal Editor, Woolen Warfare is Polysleep's bold venture into infusing their distinct essence into the gaming world.
• The initiative also addresses concerns about sleep deprivation among gamers, acknowledging the challenges faced by this demographic.
• Woolen Warfare, designed with the well-being of gamers in mind, seeks to provide an enjoyable gaming experience without compromising on the importance of restful sleep.

• LOS ANGELES, Nov. 13, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Enthusiast Gaming Holdings Inc. (“Enthusiast Gaming” or the “Company”) (TSX: EGLX), a leading gaming media and entertainment company, today announced financial results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2023 (“Q3 2023”).
• The results represent 28% year-over-year growth in Unique Visitor traffic to Enthusiast Gaming’s digital media Property of gaming communities, content, and creators (Comscore Media Metrix® Multi-Platform, Total Audience, September 2023, U.S.).
• Results in Q3 2023 and Q3 2022 included a non-cash impairment expense of $51.7 million and $31.3 million respectively.
• Conference call details:
  A replay of the webcast will be available on the Investor page of the Enthusiast Gaming website at enthusiastgaming.com/investors.

• K12, a national leader in online education, has announced Game On, a nationwide competition for students to pitch creative new ideas for an educational video game, with big prizes online!
• "As our inaugural game development competition, we can't wait to witness the extraordinary and imaginative concepts these students will unleash!"
• The K12 Game On Competition is open to all K through 12 students nationwide, now through January 31.
• In the final round, competition finalists will be invited to create a video trailer of their game.