Soldiers set to cash in on video games
SOLDIERS could soon be winning cash prizes by competing with each other in service-wide video game tournaments under new moves by the British Army.
The service plans to organise the online competitions, capitalising on their huge popularity with troops at home and abroad.
The global e-sports industry is worth billions, as organised teams compete against each other in games such as Fortnite, League Of Legends, Counterstrike, Call Of Duty and Overwatch.
Army chiefs already recognise the need to attract younger recruits. Last year’s “snowflake” campaign – one of its most successful – included posters declaring: “Binge gamers – your Army needs you and your drive.”
Youngsters, previously mocked for staying in their rooms and playing on Xboxes, are now “championed by the service for their stamina”.
The Army’s Soldier magazine said: “With more soldiers than ever playing computer games, Headquarters Regional Command is looking to establish and co-ordinate the activity across the Army. E-sports are not recognised and, as a result, no public funds are available for them, although this is now under review.”
Around 380 million people worldwide watch e-sports every year. Most are in North America, China and South Korea. Last year, the annual League of Legends World Championship drew 100 million viewers, with the Chinabased winning team scooping £2million.
Disney has got into the act with an international league and this summer a tournament will be included in the Tokyo Olympic Games.
The US military last year revealed it intends to set up an e-sports team and enter competitions.
Last night British Army sources said playing would be limited to soldiers’ spare time and not integrated into their timetable, alongside physical activities.
An Army spokesman said: “We are looking into officially co-ordinating e-sports. This will give personnel the chance to learn new skills and engage in activities outside their daily duties.”