A gold medal for gaming? Commonwealth Video games 2022 will embody computer-based 'esports' for the primary time as passion is included as pilot occasion
- Video gaming is ready to be launched on the Commonwealth Video games this yr
- Gaming, often known as esports, will likely be a pilot occasion to attract in a youthful viewers
- Plans are being mentioned to grow to be a completely fledged medal self-discipline by 2026
- Video games expanded to incorporate sports activities exterior of conventional monitor and discipline occasions
For those who thought seaside volleyball and cricket had been controversial inclusions to the Commonwealth Video games, put together to be stunned.
This yr's occasion in Birmingham will introduce video gaming to the checklist of sports activities.
Gaming, identified formally as esports, will likely be included as a pilot occasion - and plans are being mentioned for it to grow to be a completely fledged medal self-discipline by 2026.
Sportsmail understands that affirmation is imminent following prolonged talks between the Commonwealth Video games Federation and gaming chiefs.
Whereas no medals will likely be up for grabs in the course of the Birmingham pilot, which will likely be branded because the Commonwealth Esport Championships, its success or failure in drawing a youthful viewers to the Video games will decide whether it is added to the complete programme within the subsequent four-year cycle.
It's believed that the favored recreation Defence of the Ancients 2 (Dota 2) will likely be one among three titles to function. Dota 2 is an advanced battle recreation by which two groups of 5 gamers struggle as characters with distinctive talents. A group wins by destroying the opposite facet's 'ancient', a big construction situated at their base.
The daring transfer to incorporate esports is certain to be considered with cynicism by traditionalists.
It follows indications from the brand new boss of the Video games, Katie Sadleir, that the programme may see 'dramatic change' over the subsequent decade because the occasion fights for its standing within the international sporting panorama.
Future hosts have already been instructed they are going to be given larger flexibility on which sports activities to incorporate, with solely athletics and swimming obligatory.
Talking in December, when she stated she was 'open minded' about esports, Miss Sadleir instructed the BBC: 'We have been thinking about the creative ways we could pivot the Games to make sure it still captures the hearts and minds of the future.'
In recent times, the Video games have been expanded to incorporate sports activities exterior of the normal monitor and discipline occasions.
Cricket will make its first look since 1998 this yr, within the T20 format, whereas seaside volleyball was launched in 2018.