Esports are getting closer to finding their place in the Olympics. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has announced they’re including a slate of five “virtual” events for this year’s summer Olympics, including auto racing, baseball, cycling, rowing, and sailing. All of these sports will be played as games, simulations, and digital programs, including Gran Turismo for auto racing, and Zwift for cycling. This addition is just one step being taken to connect with Gen Z and Millennials—with the IOC’s President saying that The Olympic Virtual Series aims to engage “with new audiences…with a special focus on youth.” YPulse continues to say the future of marketing is gaming, and this is the closest the Olympics has come yet to including gaming in the events. (The Washington Post)
