Fortnite, the popular battle royale game developed by Epic Games, has been added to the Olympic Esports Week gaming lineup. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced that the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF)s sport shooting island created in Fortnite will be added to the Olympic Esports Finals lineup.
A Different Take on Competitive Fortnite
Rather than the usual battle royale gameplay, Fortnite will be used to simulate a shooting competition on a specially designed Creative Island. Competitors from the 2023 Fortnite Champion Series (FNCS) will be invited to compete on the global stage, with 12 players taking part. The event will see players navigate the in-game environment as they compete to become an Olympic Esports Series winner.
The Growth of Esports in the Olympics
The decision to include esports in the Olympics has been a controversial one, with many traditionalists opposing the idea. However, with the growing popularity of esports, the IOC has begun to embrace the concept. The Olympic Esports Week is part of the larger Olympic Virtual Series, which also includes other esports such as baseball, cycling, and sailing.
A Step Towards Mainstream Recognition
The inclusion of Fortnite in the Olympic Esports Week is a significant step towards mainstream recognition for esports. Although the event is not an official Olympic sport, it is an indication that esports is being taken seriously as a competitive discipline. The IOC has been experimenting with esports since 2017, and its inclusion in the Olympic Virtual Series is a clear indication that it sees esports as a potential growth area.
The Future of Esports in the Olympics
The inclusion of esports in the Olympics has been a divisive issue, with some believing that it has no place in the event, while others see it as an opportunity for growth and innovation. The Olympic Virtual Series is a sign that the IOC is open to exploring the potential of esports, and it is likely that we will see more events featuring esports in the future. Whether or not esports will ever become an official Olympic sport remains to be seen, but its inclusion in the Olympic Virtual Series is a positive step towards greater recognition and acceptance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and what is their role in the Olympic Esports Week?
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is a non-governmental sports organization that organizes the modern Olympic Games. Their role in the Olympic Esports Week is to select the games to be included in the lineup, and to oversee the organization and management of the event.What is Fortnite and how is it played?
Fortnite is a popular online video game developed by Epic Games. It is a battle royale game where up to 100 players fight to be the last person standing. Players can gather resources, build structures, and use weapons to eliminate their opponents. The game also features other game modes, such as Creative, where players can build and create their own worlds and games.What is Singapores Suntec Centre and why was it chosen to host the Olympic Esports Week?
Singapores Suntec Centre is a convention and exhibition center located in the heart of the city. It was chosen to host the Olympic Esports Week due to its central location and world-class facilities, which are capable of accommodating large-scale events like this. It is also easily accessible by public transport and is surrounded by many hotels and restaurants.What is the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) and what is their role in the Olympic Esports Week?
The International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) is the international governing body for Olympic shooting events. Their role in the Olympic Esports Week is to create the sport shooting island in Fortnite, which will be used for the Olympic Esports Finals. They will also be involved in overseeing the competition and ensuring that it reflects the standards and rules of Olympic shooting events.What is the format and rules of the Olympic Esports Finals?
The Olympic Esports Finals will see 12 players from the 2023 Fortnite Champion Series (FNCS) invited to compete on the global stage. They will compete on the specially designed Fortnite Creative Island, made to reflect sport shooting competition. The competition will put the target-aiming accuracy of sharpshooters