‘MAKE UK A WORLD HUB OF GAMING’
Dwarfs are a knockout,
ENGLAND could soon boast a St George’s Park-style centre of excellence for gamers who play computer football.
Former digital minister Ed Vaizey says competitive Esports is a “growing phenomenon” which will soon be a billion-pound global industry.
The MP wants England to be at the heart of the Esport boom and is calling on the Government to set up a Sport England-style body to develop grassroot gaming talent.
The development of St George’s Park in Staffordshire as a centre of excellence for real England footballers of all generations has been hailed for helping the recent upturn in fortunes of the national team.
Mr Vaizey, who joined the British Esports Association last year as vice-chairman, said the Government should take the growth in virtual reality sport seriously.
He said: “If Esports is going to be a growing phenomenon, which it clearly is, I see nothing wrong with the Government saying we will work with organisations and business to provide the regulatory framework that tells the world that, if you want to invest in Esports, then the UK is a place to do it.”
He also thinks the UK should establish itself as an electronic-style “Fifa” – drafting rules for computer competitions worldwide.
The Premier League has announced it will be starting its own virtual reality tournament later this year. This year Esports featured in a demonstration in the Asian Games and will be a medal event at the 2022 games.