ESports' debut as a medal event at the Asian Games starting this week will change attitudes and be a major step towards Olympic recognition at last, gamers and experts say.
Gaming was a demonstration sport at the 2018 Asian Games but gold medals will be up for grabs this time in Hangzhou in seven different games.
Prajapati, a 3D designer, recalled how his father once tracked him down out playing video games at night, surrounded by half a dozen cheering children. South Korea, together with hosts China, are expected to be the dominant force in eSports at the Games.ESports events at the Games are expected to play out to bumper crowds at the futuristic-looking China Hangzhou Esports Centre -- a far cry from players slinking off to dingy arcades against their parents' wishes.
"But with the hard work of the players and staff, I think we're about 90 percent there in becoming a real sport," he added. That does not look like happening in the near future, certainly not in time for next year's Paris Olympics. One stumbling block is the type of games which would be included because the promotion of violence goes against Olympic values, so that immediately rules out some popular eSports titles.The Olympic dream may still be out of reach, but gamers say that eSports at the Asian Games will result in more fans, players and recognition.
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