The industry associated with “eSports”, a term that derives from the English terminology “electronic sports”, continues to grow rapidly. The segment dedicated to the professional competition of electronic games involves more and more people, both directly and indirectly, by mobilizing crowds who watch and follow the competitions in a meticulous way. Counter-Strike, League of Legends, FIFA and DotA are some of the most played titles in the industry and, given the current context, two European governments have already decided to move towards integration of eSports in its government strategy, announcements made in May - those from Denmark and Malta.
Denmark pioneer
The Danish government led by Lars Løkke Rasmussen was the first in a European context to want to integrate the eSports industry into its government strategy. The Ministry of Culture of the country located in the north of Europe wants to make competitions focused on electronic games become part of the national circuits of cultural offer. In addition, the Danish government recognizes that the eSports industry also has potential from an economic point of view, believing that it may even create job opportunities for its population. In addition, there are already several bets online that provide markets for eSports competitions, many of which are transmitted through streaming services to various points of the globe.
But how, in the end, will the ministry led by Mette Bock pass on this intention from the theoretical plane to practice? The Danish press writes that the first step is to establish a panel of industry experts who will discuss the opportunities and challenges associated with industry and draw conclusions. The main points of this development plan will be outlined: building a management structure for the country's eSports, developing players' talent, developing communities and associations that help players, create business development opportunities, create new jobs associated with sports electronics, attract more female elements to the industry and, last but not least, set ethical standards.
In the speech of Minister Mette Bock, the concerns associated with the risks that eSports can instill, especially in the younger population, are not at all neglected, alerting to the more perverse side of the issue that "raises some concern".
Who also saw in eSports an opportunity was the Government of Malta. Joseph Muscat, the first min- ister of that nation, also signed a settlement agreement with the Elecronic Sports League (ESL). The option assumed is, in all respects, that of the Danish government, so much so that Silvio Schembri, responsible for the Financial Services of the Maltese government, praised the issues associated with employability and the economy in general that the eSports industry can entail.
In Africa, the industry has also grown with the creation of several organizations and the holding of several virtual tournaments. In December 2018, ESWC Africa was held in Casablanca, Morocco. Several teams, under the watchful eye of thousands of spectators, competed against each other in the game Counter-Strike: GO. The final victory smiled at a Tunisian national team that secured a financial prize.
