Chester King: The role of the British Esports Association
One of the issues that has dogged the emergence of esports is the very word sports in its name. The uninitiated want to bracket this new phenomenon as a virtual version of more traditional competition when entertainment is a better bracket. However, for now, it still tends to be shown on sports channels and reported in sports sections.
Then there is the question of best practice, development and governance. Although game publishers hold the power, there is a crucial role for national bodies. That is why Chester King set-up the British Esports Association in 2016.
Chester King
In this podcast, we look at the myths surrounding the industry, the important social and psychological benefits of esports, why key institutions have recognised its usefulness and how UK business has not.
TOPICS
Definitions of esports and gaming
The rule of the British Esports Association - "We're a national body not a governing body"
The medal event at the Rio Olympics, helped by the UK Government
Why the IOC wants every sport to have a "gaming strategy"
The role of the game FIFA in the spread of football in the US
Passive media v active and social media
The RAF scheme to combat loneliness
The potential benefits of esports in fighting dementia
The digital disconnect and importance of treating players as athletes
Opening up career pathways in esports. The size of the industry
The diversity issues in esports and how to solve them
The possibility of women-only tournaments
The development of veterans' tournament
The effect of lockdown on esports and why it was not all upside
Is investment growing on the back of lockdown? "The UK is the black hole of esports investment"
The cost of running an esports side
The importance of getting brands involved, especially in the UK
The problem of toxicity in esports and the ways to combat it
Chester's current to-do list
The problem of planning ahead in esports
LINKS
Chester King LinkedIN
