A new initiative has been welcomed by the TTFA as they are set to host the first Trinidad and Tobago FIFAe Nations Invitational. This is a pilot programme that is aimed at ascertaining the level of interest and skill in FIFA esports locally. This programme is being executed with the goal of forming a national esports team to represent Trinidad and Tobago at the FIFAe Nations Cup 2022 taking place from July 27^th to 30^th in Denmark Copenhagen. 

For the sake of those who are not familiar with the growing and exciting realm of esports, it is exactly what the term suggests. Born out of the skill and mastery involved when playing video games, this has led to the professionalization of the said activity. The availability of online streaming platforms like Twitch and YouTube have proven instrumental in the development of promotion of esports competitions. 

This has been a largely untapped market for Trinidad and Tobago with the esports ecosystem in its early stages of development. As the rise of esports domestically continues, its potential to transcend sport based video games is high. This is because globally, in the context of esports, popularity of sport based video games have been surpassed by other genres such as First Person Shooter games and Real Time Strategy games.

Professional gamers have much to look forward to as the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has initiated discussion over the inclusion of an esports category. However while First Person Shooter games have remained high in popularity as a genre in esports, the IOC has suggested that violent video games contradict the Olympic values of the competition. This is quite ironic considering that the history of the Olympics is rooted in violent combat. Nonetheless, earlier this year the Commonwealth Games Federation announced that at the 2022 Commonwealth Games, a pilot esports event will be included. 

Despite esports’ growing popularity and acceptance, there have been many detractors specifically those who question whether esports can be properly called a branch of sport. Sport in itself has been traditionally regarded as requiring physical activity. The public policy behind sport as also been one of physical activity leading to healthier and more active lifestyles. Sport has not traditionally been linked to activities like video games which come with negative connotations of laziness, inactivity and health problems. 

The problems with excessive gaming are also quite prevalent, with many gamers suffering from insomnia, anxiety and other health related conditions. Excessive gaming can lead to prolonged periods of inactivity which is compounded by the growing trends of obesity levels in the Caribbean.

This however is a myopic understanding of the activity of playing video games. Besides the potential drawbacks, playing video games can aid in reducing stress, stimulating mental activity and the building of certain skills like teamwork. Besides the micro level impact of esports, there are opportunities for players to compete both locally and internationally at major world tournaments. Through these opportunities other stakeholders like coaches and sponsors can also benefit. 

The National Policy on Sport in Trinidad and Tobago has no mention of esports which is regrettable when considering the economic benefits for the citizens and the country on a whole. 

Trinidad and Tobago must use the FIFAe Nations Invitational as a springboard for further inroads into the development of a sustainable esports ecosystem. Attention must be given to Caribbean esports related initiatives aimed at accelerating the growth of the esports industry. One such initiative is the formation of the Caribbean Esports Federations Alliance (CEFA). This presents an opportunity for Trinidad and Tobago to benefit from regional referee and tournament organisation workshops. 

Sport is now being understood as including games which involve logic, strategic planning and execution such as card games like All Fours or Dominoes which are very common throughout the region. Chess has also widely been considered as a sport so why has it taken this long for video game players to be included in the conversation of sportsmen and sportswomen? Feel free to let us know what you think of Esports and whether it’s a good idea for the country!