General
Pioneering Esports Support in Austria
Austrian State Secretary for Digitalization, Florian Tursky, announced on 2 January 2024, comprehensive funding measures dedicated to esports. This move not only highlights esports as an emerging discipline but also emphasizes the role of digital competencies in modern society. This article delves into the details of this initiative and its potential implications for the future of esports in Austria and beyond.

The Rise of Esports: An Emerging Discipline
Esports, defined as competitive video gaming on computers and consoles, has gained global recognition in recent years. The Austrian Esports Association (ESVร) highlights esports as more than just a gameโit is a discipline fostering creativity, problem-solving, strategic planning, social interaction, teamwork, and various other skills critical in the digital age.
Legal Framework and International Perspective
Despite its increasing popularity, esports is not yet recognized as an official sport in Austria, contrasting with countries like South Korea, China, and the USA, where esports is firmly embedded in their sporting landscape. However, the Austrian Federal Government, through the Digital Austria Act of summer 2023, assigned the responsibility for esports agendas to the Digitalization State Secretariat, signaling a shift in recognition and support.
Economic Implications and Growth
The global esports market revenue reached approximately EUR 3.5 billion in 2023, with projections suggesting growth to EUR 5.2 billion by 2028. This growth not only underlines the economic significance of esports but also its potential in fostering talent and innovation.
Florian Tursky’s Vision for Esports in Austria
State Secretary Tursky envisions esports as a platform that promotes a wide range of competencies increasingly vital in the digital world.
“Esports is not just an exciting pastime but also a platform that promotes a wide range of skills increasingly vital in the digital world”
Tursky remarked. He aims to advance esports in Austria while laying the groundwork for the development of digital skills and innovative thinking.
Funding for a Promising Future
The new funding measures aim to professionalize esports offerings and remove barriers to participation. This includes creating esports spaces in clubs, training for digital and media competencies, and promoting accessibility for physically impaired, visually impaired, and hearing-impaired individuals.
Funding Details and Implementation
Managed by the FFG (Austrian Research Promotion Agency), the funding of EUR 450,000 for 2024 will support projects by esports clubs based in Austria. Eligible costs include material and third-party expenses, with total project costs not exceeding EUR 20,000 . The maximum grant is 80% of acquisition costs, up to EUR16,000 per project. Implemented through a voucher model with a deductible, the funds are awarded as non-repayable grants and disbursed post-evaluation of a final report.
Conclusion
Austria’s initiative represents a significant step in recognizing and supporting esports, aligning with global trends while focusing on digital competencies and innovation. By providing financial support and addressing inclusivity, the Austrian government not only fosters the growth of esports but also contributes to the broader development of digital skills essential in the 21st century. This move may influence other countries to reassess their stance on esports, potentially leading to a more widespread recognition of its value in society.
Via derStandard.at
Image source: Austria Center Vienna