Esports becomes a medal event in 2019 SEA Games

For the first time in its history, esports will be introduced as a medal event in the Southeast Asian Games (SEAG).

The announcement was made by Razer, a lifestyle brand for gamers, together with the SEAG Organizing Committee on Tuesday at the Mariott Hotel in Pasay City.

Razer said including esports in the roster of medaled events for SEAG “is an important step in legitimizing esports as a true world-class sporting contest, engaging a new generation of gaming fans.”

At the announcement on Wednesday, November 28. Photo: Zeke Alonzo

For Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee (PhilSGOC) Chairman Emeritus Alan Peter Cayetano, this is a way of letting gamers feel that they are part of the sporting community.

Games in competition

According to Alvin Juban, member of the SEAG ad hoc committee, there are six egames events included for the inaugural inclusion of the sport and they are currently talking with game publishers "towards an exciting roster of titles that will engage game fans."

Juban said they are still finalizing the egames that will be played, but they will include two games each played on personal computers, mobile, and console.

For now, only Moonton, the publisher behind mobile game "Mobile Legends: Bang Bang" was announced as game partner for the esports events.

The venue for the said games have also yet to be finalized.

In terms of the players who will represent the teams, the same rules that apply for the other sports will also follow.

A Philippine national team is still in the works, and Joebert Yu of the SEAG ad hoc committee said they are thinking of conducting qualifiers all over the country.

"Whoever will represent the Philippines, we’ll make sure it’s the best Philippine team we’ll send," he added.

Cayetano also said the same rewards given by the government to Filipino SEAG medalists will also be given to the Philippine representatives who would win the esports events. — LA, GMA News