[AnimeGamer]

3 Potential Titles for Esports in Olympics 2024, Paris.

Figure 1-1. Olympic Esports Series

While everyone has heard of the Olympic Games, a series of international sporting events featuring both summer and winter sports competitions, very few know about the Olympic Esports Series. This is because the Olympic Esports Series is a new initiative by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). 

The goal of this venture is to promote virtual and simulated sports competitions among athletes from different countries. As such, its very first event was held in 2023 in Singapore and featured 12 games across various genres; such as dance, motorsport, and shooting.

Nevertheless, keeping in mind international standards for approving games, the list of games approved for the Olympic Esports Series 2023 was quite disappointing and drew much criticism. Apart from Forza Motorsport and Just Dance, none of the games had global reach.

Even traditional esports titles, such as Dota 2, League of Legends, and Counter-Strike 2, were excluded. So much so, that Polygon went on to describe the choices of games as being “odd” and The Guardian, quoting a digital agency representative’s words, wrote: "Last week’s announcement left us feeling disappointed and, honestly, a little embarrassed…”.

Now, coming back to our topic, it’s time we talk about some potential titles for the upcoming esports in Olympics 2024.


Table of Contents

1. Dragon Ball FighterZ
   
2. Eternal Return
   
3. Yu-Gi-Oh Master Duels
   

Dragon Ball FighterZ

Figure 2-1. Dragon Ball FighterZ Cover Art

Our first suggestion is no other than the iconic fighting game: Dragon Ball FighterZ. The reason for putting this game at the top is because the Olympic Esports Series 2023 did not include any fighting game.

Organizers got away with this by saying that they don’t include or approve of “too violent” games as they incite or encourage others to do violence in real life. Well, they are not wrong. However, Dragon Ball FighterZ is an exception and we have a good reason for that.

This fighting game by Arc System Works makes use of fictional powers and the anime-style graphics have no link with real-life graphics when compared to games like Street Fighter 6. Therefore, we don’t think it incites violence among players. If it were to, have you seen anyone using their Ki Charge in real life?

Figure 2-2. East Coast Throwdown Tournament

As such, Dragon Ball FighterZ is the dream game of every action game fan as it has a unique way of tapping into one’s inner fighting spirit. We wish to see this game in upcoming Esports in Olympics not only because of its global reach but also because this action fighting game has regular prized tournaments all over.

One such example is the recently held $1.4K East Coast Throwdown tournament in October of 2023.

Eternal Return

Figure 3-1. Eternal Return Cover Art

Next on our list is Eternal Return. This is yet another dream game we wish to see in the upcoming Esports in Olympics 2024. Much like DB FighterZ, Eternal Return has its own way of tapping into the inner battle royale spirit of gamers.

While the 2023 Olympic Esports Series had included the battle royale Fortnite game, it was anything but battle royale. Due to the in-game shooting elements, the organizers changed the whole gameplay aspect. At the event, gamers were to shoot at targets instead of other regular players.

While their concerns were correct, this ruined the ultimate battle royale gameplay experience. Therefore, we have come up with Eternal Return. This battle royale game by Nimble Neuron makes minimum use of regular guns. Moreover, it incorporates other cool mechanics of targeting and hitting enemy players that have no link to real life.

Figure 3-2. ER Masters 2023 Season 1 Phase 1

We believe that Eternal Return has the most minimum; if any, kind of impact that influences players toward violence. And to put the cherry on top, Eternal Return is an esports game, with several prized tournaments popping up every now and then.

One such example is the $4.2K Eternal Return Masters 2023 Season 1 Phase 1 that took place in August of 2023.

Yu-Gi-Oh Master Duels

Figure 4-1. YGO Master Duels Cover Art

If you are really considering video games in the upcoming Esports in Olympics, then we have yet another recommendation for you! Video Games should not only be highlighted in certain popular aspects, such as FPS or TPS games. They have a vast potential, covering almost every aspect of day-to-day life.

Strategic thinking is vital for every human being. Games can help improve one’s analytical skills and showcasing these titles on an Olympic scale is the best an organization or league can do.
Yu-Gi-Oh Master Duels is card duel game by Konami. It has over 10000 different card types, all unique. Furthermore, these in-game cards are divided into 3 categories that further open up the room for a more strategic and tactical approach.

Figure 4-2. Master Circuit Series II Tournament

We believe showcasing this card dueling game on such a bigger scale will help people understand the full potential of video games. Not everyone is a fan of action-adventure games. Some have a preference for RTS games such as Yu-Gi-Oh Master Duels.

Like other games on the list, Master Duels has regular tournaments of all levels, such as the $5K Master Circuit Series II Invitational Finale that occurred on December 11th.



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