The organisation behind the Olympics-style eSports tournament has announced its new advisory board members.
The eGames tournament will take place at a pop-up event at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games this summer, where Britain, Brazil, the USA and Canada will compete for bronze, silver and gold medals.
It’s a not-for-profit initiative so there will not be any prize money, but the UK Government hopes it will be a success – and inspire the next generation of eSports pros. It has received a mixed reception from players and fans.
The first wave of advisory board members are as follows:
- Dr Jo Twist, CEO Ukie
- Andy Payne, OBE, Chair of the European Gaming League
- Jude Ower, MBE, Founder and CEO, Playmob
- Daniel Cossim, President, Brazilian National eSports Confederation,
- Veronique Lallier, Vice President of European Publishing, Hi–Rez Studio
- Andrew Smith, Corporate Affairs Director, Pinewood Group
The International eGames Committee (IECG) said in a statement: “The Advisory Board have been appointed to assist with the organisation’s primary ambition to install good governance for the eGames, help promote and develop the eGames movement and make sure diversity and inclusivity are at its core.”
Andy Payne OBE said: “The eGames concept is built on the Corinthian values of sporting activity, which can both unite and inspire gamers globally. I am incredibly honoured and excited to be joining the International eGames Committee and am looking forward to adding my strategic vision, experience and good governance to an incredibly exciting sector which will reinforce video games as a key cultural, diverse, inclusive and economic global force for good.”
Jude Ower MBE added: “An initiative like this getting a global platform will open up eSports to more contenders and global growth.”
Daniel Cossi commented: “The eGames will set new goals and levels of performance for eSports as participants compete to represent their counties with national pride at stake instead of money.
Veronique Lallier said: “At Hi-Rez, with titles such as SMITE and the upcoming Paladins, we have always championed fun, accessible and strong competitive games for everyone. It is a great opportunity to be able to use our background and experience in shaping the first eGames. And as a competitive gamer myself, I am honoured and personally glad to help. I can’t wait to see the first eGames match in action!”
Andrew Smith commented: “The establishment of the IECG is an exciting initiative to create compelling competitive gaming events that will satisfy the worlds fast growing gaming communities. Pinewood will add our state of the art broadcasting facilities and venues to host events and to aid the establishment and growth of the IECG.”
Dom is an award-winning writer and finalist of the Esports Journalist of the Year 2023 award. He graduated from Bournemouth University with a 2:1 degree in Multi-Media Journalism in 2007.
As a long-time gamer having first picked up the NES controller in the late ’80s, he has written for a range of publications including GamesTM, Nintendo Official Magazine, industry publication MCV and others. He worked as head of content for the British Esports Federation up until February 2021, when he stepped back to work full-time on Esports News UK and offer esports consultancy and freelance services. Note: Dom still produces the British Esports newsletter on a freelance basis, so our coverage of British Esports is always kept simple – usually just covering the occasional press release – because of this conflict of interest.
