The world of esports and competitive gaming has witnessed unprecedented growth over the years, capturing the attention of prestigious organizations like the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Following the lead of the Asian Games, which declared eight esports titles as medal events for the September 2022 edition (held in 2023 due to COVID-19), the IOC has announced its foray into the realm of esports with the introduction of the Olympic Esports Series. In this in-depth exploration, we will delve into the unique lineup of games featured in the Olympic Esports Series 2023.
Olympic Esports Series Games (2023)
The IOC recently unveiled the “Olympic Esports Series 2023,” a global virtual and simulated sports competition held in collaboration with International Federations and respective game publishers. Open to participants worldwide, the Esports Series involves qualification rounds, with the finalists converging at the Suntec Centre in Singapore from June 22 to June 25, 2023.
In a bid to preserve the integrity of the Olympic Games, the committee has selected nine titles for the Esports Series, each representing a digital adaptation of a physical sport. The diverse lineup includes mobile games for tennis and archery, as well as virtual games for taekwondo and cycling. Let’s explore the complete list of Olympic Esports Series 2023 Games:
1. Tic Tac Bow (Archery)
A fusion of the classic tic-tac-toe game and archery, Tic Tac Bow engages two players in a quest to shoot arrows at a 3 x 3 archery board and score points. Developed by the World Archery Federation, this mobile game offers a free-to-play experience on Android, with an imminent release on iOS.[Try It Out (Android, Free)]
2. WBSC eBASEBALL: Power Pros (Baseball)
WBSC eBaseball provides a virtual baseball experience, available on Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4. With adorable player models, various game modes, and user-friendly mechanics, players can create their teams and compete globally. Curated by the World Baseball Softball Confederation, this esports edition offers a unique take on baseball.[Try It Out ($0.99, Nintendo Switch)]
3. Chess.com (Chess)
Chess.com, a web-based platform, hosts chess matches, featuring leaderboards, tutorials, rankings, and a vibrant community. Governed by the International Chess Federation, this addition to the esports lineup acknowledges chess as a timeless and popular game of wit.[Try It Out (Free)]
4.Zwift (Cycling)
Combining digital and physical components, Zwift offers a cycling experience with virtual tracks and real cycling kits. Already popular globally, Zwift’s inclusion in the Olympic Esports Series 2023 is overseen by the Union Cycliste Internationale, the governing body for cycling events.[Check It Out (Visit)]
5. Fortnite (Shooting)
While Fortnite makes its mark at the Olympic Esports Series 2023, it deviates from the battle royale mode. Instead, 12 players from the 2023 Fortnite Champion Series engage in a shooting competition on a specially designed Fortnite Creative Island.[Check It Out (Free)]
6. JustDance (Dance)
Recognized for its annual showcases at E3, JustDance brings dance moves to life through motion controls on phones or consoles. Curated by the World DanceSport Federation, this esports edition transforms popular songs into engaging choreographies.[Try It Out (Free)]
7. Gran Turismo (Motor Sport)
A simulation racing game by Polyphony Digital, Gran Turismo, known for its realistic gameplay, features in the Olympic Esports Series 2023. The specific edition is undisclosed, but Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) will oversee the event.
[Try It Out ($69.99)]
8. Virtual Regatta (Sailing)
Originally a browser-based simulator, Virtual Regatta has evolved into a mobile app, offering real-time weather conditions and realistic controls. Curated by the World Sailing, this sailing race simulator embraces the passion of sailing enthusiasts.
[Try It Out (Android and iOS, Free)]
9. Virtual Taekwondo (Taekwondo)
Virtual Taekwondo introduces sensor-equipped gameplay, allowing players to engage in contactless combat. Developed by Refract Technologies, this virtual game is curated by the World Taekwondo, ensuring a safe yet thrilling taekwondo experience.
10. Tennis Clash (Tennis)
Concluding the lineup is Tennis Clash, a popular mobile game where players compete in tennis matches using simple swipe controls. With a cartoon aesthetic, this free-to-play game is curated by the International Tennis Federation, emphasizing the global appeal of tennis matches.
[Try It Out (Android and iOS, Free)]
Olympic Esports Series 2023 Game Lineup: An Evaluation
In a landscape saturated with competitive online games, the Olympic Esports Series 2023 lineup has sparked discussions and raised eyebrows. With notable titles like Counter-Strike, DOTA2, Street Fighter 5, and League of Legends dominating the esports scene, the selection of games for the Olympic Series prompts questions. While the chosen titles align with real-life sports featured in the Olympics and aim for accessibility, the absence of established esports giants with strong pro-player presence is noticeable.
The decision appears disconnected from the thriving esports community’s preferences, leading to comparisons with events like the Asian Games that boast a more impressive lineup of esports titles. The hope is that future editions of the Olympic Esports Series will consider a broader spectrum of esports, allowing the grand stage to showcase the true diversity and excitement the esports world has to offer. What are your thoughts on the Olympic Esports Series game lineup for 2023? Share your opinions in the comments section below.
esports Game gamimg Olympic Esports Series 2023
Last modified: December 21, 2023
