What Is the Global Esports Federation and Do We Need It?
The Global Esports Federation, a new international governing body for esports with the help of industry juggernaut Tencent, recently formed. Let’s take some time and discuss the Federation and what impact it may have on esports.
A Smart Move or More of the Same?
Both Jake and I agree that the Global Esports Federation, like the International Gaming Federation and others, talks a big game. But, beyond its backing by Tencent, it can’t set standards and guidelines for the industry globally.
While it does have the backing of Tencent, who has control of League of Legends developer Riot Games, nothing is giving it much authority beyond that. Its headquarters are in Singapore, a far cry from most developer’s homes in the US and Canada.
There’s also the problem that the board for the organization is composed of those not involved in esports or with no previous clout to their name, beyond the vice president of Tencent.
Two of the organizations vice presidents are members of the Asian Olympic Council and the Canadian Olympic Committee. Neither has any experience in the esports sector.
Their focus in their announcement video appeared strange as well, with a focus on traditional sports and VR. There was no sign of esports beyond a couple of shots of people sitting at computers. Racing, yoga and tennis have nothing to do with esports. So, it feels weird to include them in an announcement for a federation for esports.
The Global Esports Federation announcement video felt generic and uninteresting, further proven by the only 253 views and 12 subscribers it has on YouTube (one of which is us).
It doesn’t even have a website to promote itself with or a contact email to get in touch for companies. How it expects to grow remains a mystery.
It also has competition on the other side of the world in the International Gaming Federation, which has the backing of 56 countries, including Tencent home China, in its endeavor to be the guiding organization for the industry.
Both seem to focus very specifically on certain areas despite claiming global reach, with the International Gaming Federation focusing on Europe. In contrast, the announcement and backing for the Global Esports Federation seem to indicate a focus on Asia. It will be hampered from truly becoming more than regional governing bodies.
If the world truly wants or needs an esports governing body, it needs to come from TOs, teams and developers. It shouldn’t come from random corporate interests. It needs to be endemic if it is to succeed.
For now, though, it’s just another organization saying it’s doing something different to control the industry when really, it’s more of the same.
Will companies bow to it and join the fold? It’s unlikely they will, but only time will tell.
In the meantime, however, the old XKCD comic on “standards” paints an excellent picture of what the formation of this new organization is going to mean.
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