The Olympic Esports Games, initially slated for 2025, have been postponed. While the event is still planned, it will now take place sometime between 2026 and 2027. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) cited the need for more preparation time as the reason for the delay.

The Postponement: Why 2025 Wasn't Feasible

Staging an esports tournament of Olympic scale presents significant logistical hurdles. The IOC and the International Esports Federation (IESF) require additional time to finalize key aspects of the event.

Challenges contributing to the postponement include: an unconfirmed game lineup, lack of finalized venues, absence of concrete dates, and the need to develop a globally equitable player qualification system. Furthermore, game publishers reportedly expressed concerns regarding the original, compressed timeline.

The road ahead involves resolving several critical issues. This includes selecting appropriate game titles, securing suitable venues, establishing a comprehensive and fair qualification process, and securing the necessary funding.

The aim of the Olympic Esports Games is to elevate esports to a prominent position alongside established Olympic sports. If the delay results in a better-organized, more refined competition befitting an Olympic-level event, the postponement may prove beneficial in the long run.

For further details, visit the official IOC website.

For a change of pace, check out our article on the new beat 'em up game, School Hero.