SEA Games to Add eSports to Next Year's Competitions

We grow ever closer to the general population recognizing the competitive viability of video games. Next year's South East Asian Games will introduce eSports.

The SEA Games, hosted next in the Philippines, will be partnering with gaming peripheral company Razer to add an eSports segment to their games. Foreign Affairs Secretary and Philippines South East Asian Games Organizing Committee (PhilSGOC) Chairman Emeritus Alan Peter Cayetano spoke about this decision in a press conference on Wednesday, reported on by ESPN.

"We are very thrilled, excited, and honored to have esports in the SEA Games with Razer as a partner. Gamers are an important part of our community."

Razer will support the Filipino eSports finalists, while the Asian Electronic Sports Federation will accredit the division.

A total of six gold medals will be awarded. Two for console games, two for PC games, and two for mobile games. Each title will have their own qualifying tournaments.

Currently, only Mobile Legends: Bang Bang has been confirmed to be part of the contesting games. The remaining titles will be finalized on December 15.

eSports were a part of the 2018 Asian Games, but only as a demo sport. This is a significant step forward in legitimizing the profession. Let's just hope the other games of choice are proper competitive fits.