General
Esports Revolution: Europe’s Game-Changing Moves for the Digital Arena!
The European Parliament has recently passed a groundbreaking resolution on esports and video games, marking a significant step forward in recognizing the cultural, economic, and social impact of the gaming industry in Europe. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of the resolution and its implications for the future of esports in the region.
Background
The European Parliament’s resolution dated 10 November 2022 is a testament to the growing importance of esports and video games in the European cultural and economic landscape. The resolution references various EU regulations, directives, and communications that provide context to the current state of the gaming industry.
Key Highlights
- Economic Impact: The video game ecosystem is a dominant force in the global cultural and creative industry (CCI). In 2021, the European market size was estimated at EUR 23.3 billion, with over 4,900 game studios and 200 game publishers. This industry saw growth even during the COVID-19 crisis.
- Cultural Significance: Video games are not just entertainment; they are complex creative works that intertwine with other cultural industries like films and books. They are a fusion of artistic techniques and innovative technologies.
- Employment and Gender Disparity: The video game industry employed around 98,000 people in Europe in 2020. However, only 20% of these were women, highlighting a significant gender imbalance in esports.
- Intellectual Property: Video games are primarily intellectual property, and their value chain is based on this. This creates legal challenges, especially concerning IP ownership and control.
- Educational Potential: Video games and esports can be powerful educational tools. They can foster skills essential in a digital society and promote STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) careers.
- Mental Health and Social Impact: While video games can offer mental health benefits and promote positive values, they also come with challenges. These include the potential for addiction, the risk of online harassment, and the controversial monetization strategies like loot boxes.
- Esports Specifics: Esports, or competitive video gaming, is distinct from traditional sports primarily because it’s digital. It’s driven by private entities, and the intellectual property rights belong to the game publisher.
Recommendations and Calls to Action
The resolution calls for several actions, including:
- Development of a long-term European video game strategy.
- Increased funding and support for the European video game sector.
- Creation of a European Video Game Observatory for harmonized data and insights.
- Promotion of European video games that showcase European values and history.
- Improvement of working conditions in the video game development sector.
- Addressing challenges related to in-game monetization, such as loot boxes.
- Recognition of the distinct nature of esports and traditional sports, while also exploring synergies between the two.
- Promotion of video games as part of a healthy lifestyle.
- Support for public spaces, like libraries, to promote video game culture.
Conclusion
The European Parliament’s resolution is a monumental step in acknowledging the significance of esports and video games in Europe. It sets the stage for a future where the gaming industry is not only recognized for its economic contributions but also for its potential to drive positive change in society. As the digital age continues to evolve, it’s clear that esports and video games will play a pivotal role in shaping Europe’s cultural and economic future.
The European Parliament resolution of 10 November 2022 on esports and video games
(2022/2027(INI)) can be downloaded below.
