The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has paused operations of its eSports Specialized Committee. Formalized in Japan, the committee was tasked with exploring the potential inclusion of eSports in future Olympic Games. While the reasoning for this pause has not been detailed extensively, it raises questions about the future plans of eSports within the global sports environment.

Esports is gaining widespread popularity in Japan, with professional leagues and high-level competitive tournaments taking place regularly. The formation of the eSports Specialized Committee by the IOC was seen as a significant step towards acknowledging the role of eSports in traditional sports landscapes. The suspension thus might be a disappointment to this rapidly growing community.

In the US and EU, eSports are already recognized and established as official sports. Many universities even offer dedicated scholarships for eSports. The IOC’s decision could be seen as a setback for these regions, which might have anticipated greater international validation for the gaming genre as a legitimate sport.