Asian Games 2018: PES, League of Legends to feature in Jakarta

What's the story?

In a major boost to all the Gamers in the Asian region, the Asian esports Federation (AeSF) has announced a number of Games which will feature in the upcoming 2018 Asian Games later this year.

In case you didn't know...

The 2018 edition of the Asian Games will be the first time that will include esports titles, although they will be demonstration events and will not be included in the overall medals tally. Each and every participating country’s National Olympic Committee (NOC) will have the authority to pick their esports rosters for the meet.

The heart of the matter

A total of six Games have been included for the multi-sport event in Jakarta later this year, including popular ones like Pro Evolution Soccer and League of Legends. The others being Hearthstone, Starcraft II, Clash Royale and Arena of Valour.

"Representing one's country at the Olympics is a dream for athletes around the world, and with this step, that dream is one step closer to reality for the best in our sport. We admire and respect the values of the Olympic movement and look forward to supporting the Olympic Council of Asia in making this competition a success,” said Jarred Kennedy, the co-head of esports.

What's next?

The Asian Games is set to kick start on August 18th this year in Jakarta, Indonesia and will conclude on September 2. A total of 45 nations will participate in the regional qualifiers of the esports category, out of which eight teams will be selected for the main rounds to be played in late August.

Author's take

The inclusion of Esports in the Asian Games was announced back in 2017 when Global giants Alibaba partnered the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA). This is just the beginning of gaming, as esports has been confirmed that the respective discipline as a full medal event from the 2022 Hangzhou Asian Games.