Playing video games is not a futile activity. This is what the South East Asian (SEA) Games proves.
In a press conference yesterday, Foreign Affairs Secretary and Philippines South East Asian Games Organizing Committee (PhilSGOC) chairman Alan Peter Cayetano announced the inclusion of video gaming or esports as an official medal event in next year’s SEA Games. The move is also recognized by the Asian Electronic Sports Federation and supported by gaming hardware brand Razer.
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“We consider the value of esports to our youth. There are so many different games, we will find those games that conform to the values propagated by the IOC (International Olympic Committee),” SEAG Federation Executive Committee chairman Celso Dayrit told Inquirer.
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Esports athletes, or gamers, can join three subcategories under this section: console, PC, and mobile. Two medals will be awarded for each subcategory. Cool, right?
If you’re a gamer who wants to join the national team, there will be a national qualifying tournament where the best performers will be handpicked.
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As of now, the only confirmed esports game for next year’s SEA Games is multiplayer Mobile Legends: Bang Bang. Yes, that ubiquitous online battle arena game everyone on the train plays during rush hour. But I guess it’s also safe to say that DOTA will also be part of the games. The full list will be finalized on Dec. 15.
With a good track record in the eSports industry, from participating in an international competitions to winning in the biggest eSports event, our national team will definitely put on a great game next year.
Photo by Jilson Tiu