Don’t Expect Violent Video Games To Be In Olympic Esports

There's been talk going for some time that esports could very well play a part in the Olympics as soon as the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris. That said, don't expect stuff like Call of Duty and Halo to make the cut, as the team isn't expecting "violent" video games to be included.

Speaking with the South China Morning Post, Thomas Bach, the president of the IOC, explained that the esports-related activities will be related to "Olympic values" – so violent games are definitely out. However, sports games, like Rocket League, FIFA and NBA 2K, would definitely count.

"We want to promote non-discrimination, non-violence, and peace among people," Bach noted. "This doesn't match with video games, which are about violence, explosions, and killing. And there we have to draw a clear line.

"So if ever somebody is competing at playing football virtually or playing other sports virtually, this is of high interest," he added. "We hope that, then, these players are really delivering sports performance. If [fans] at the end would even play the sports in the real world, we would even be more happy."

While nothing's been entirely confirmed yet, Bach has noted that "discussions are going on" and that gaming is enough of a "successful industry" that can stem some good contents. That said, it's "not yet really established in an organizational way."

We'll see what happens as plans are made over the next few years. 2024 is a ways off, after all.