Ed Vaizey MP will chair International eGames Committee advisory board

10 January 2017

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The International eGames Committee is delighted to announce that the Rt Hon Ed Vaizey MP has become the Chairman of its Advisory Board. 

Ed Vaizey, MP

The International eGames Committee (IEGC) was launched in April 2016 as a not-for-profit organisation. It was established to ‘positively shape the future of competitive video gaming’. The IEGC created The eGames, an international medal only esports competition, where gamers compete for the national pride of winning gold, silver and bronze medals. 

Chester King, CEO, eGames Group commented: “It is fantastic news that Ed has agreed to Chair the IEGC’s Advisory Board. Ed has always been passionate and supportive of esports and also The eGames from its conception and brings a wealth of experience and expertise.”

An eGames showcase took place in Rio on the 16th August 2016 inside British House with 8 countries competing in a Super Smash Bros tournament. The eGames endured some heavy critcism from across the esports playing field with an odd and limited selection of titles on show, Super Smash Bros and SMITE, and no League, Dota or CS:GO in sight. Eight countries competed in the form of Britain, Brazil, Germany, Argentina, Canada, the USA, Mexico and Trinidad and Tobago. 

Of course this was merely a pop-up event and a testing phase for eGames proper at future Olympics. Whether we’ll see the next iteration in South Korea in 2018 or Japan in 2020 is still up in the air.  

The IEGC has an Advisory Board comprised of industry professionals from around the world including Dr Jo Twist of Ukie, businessman Andrew Smith, Jude Ower of Playmob, Veronique Lallier of Hi-Rez and Daniel Cossi of the Brazilian National Esports Confederation. The board was been formed to instil good governance, responsible video gaming and inclusivity and diversity in all future eGames competitions.

Ed Vaizey, Member of Parliament for Wantage and Didcot, served as the UK Government Culture and Digital Minister from 2010 to 2016, and was the longest-serving Minister in that role.

During this time Vaizey was responsible for the roll out of a rural broadband programme, the introduction of 4G, and tax credits for film, television, animation and video games, which have helped make the creative industries the fastest growing part of the UK economy.

Vaizey said of his appointment: “I am delighted to become Chairman of the International eGames Committee. We are seeing an enormous growth in esports across the globe, and the committee will play a crucial role in helping the industry shape a positive future. As a not-for-profit competition between teams of different nations, it will be a brilliant showcase for the talents that exist in esports in many different countries.”

Esports Insider says: The initial eGames began with much trepidation from many esports folk and resulted in precious little fanfare. Onwards and upwards though, and here’s hoping that with his experience and position Vaizey can help push esports forward in the UK and internationally too.