Image: Ronnie Schmutz (Unsplash)

Author: VANAS Team

Esports, The Road to the Olympic Games

Table of Contents

1. What Are the Olympic Esports Games?
2. Why Lausanne, Switzerland, Is Important
3. Esports and Sports: What's the Connection?
4. The Power of Publishers and Developers
5. What This Means for the Animation Industry
6. From Playing to Creating: How Young Creators Fit In
7. Frequently Asked Questions
8. Key Takeaways

What Are the Olympic Esports Games?

Let’s start with the basics. You probably know about the Olympics—huge international sports competitions that happen every four years. Athletes from around the world come together to compete in games like swimming, running, and gymnastics. But now, there’s a new player on the field: esports.

In July of last year, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) made history by announcing that it would launch the very first Olympic Esports Games, set to take place in 2027 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Yes, esports—competitive video gaming—will now have its very own Olympic spotlight.

This isn’t just big news for gamers. It’s huge for the world of animation, game design, and digital storytelling. If you love Animation, this is a turning point in how the world sees video games—not just as play, but as global sports powered by creative design and technology.

Why Lausanne, Switzerland, Is Important

The path to the Olympic Esports Games officially kicks off with a big event: the Publisher and Developer Forum in Lausanne, Switzerland. While this forum is a private, internal meeting, it’s still a key moment. Over 120 guests are expected to attend, including developers, game publishers, and representatives from the Olympic Movement.

So why does this matter?

Because these people are the decision-makers—the ones who decide what games get played, how they're designed, and how they connect with audiences around the globe. And guess what? They rely heavily on the power of animation.

From game environments to character movements, every detail you see in esports is built on layers of animation. That means animation professionals, students, and aspiring creators—like you—play a major role in how this future unfolds.

Esports and Sports: What's the Connection?

You might wonder: how do video games and traditional sports even go together?

At first glance, they're super different. One is physical, the other is digital. One has stadiums and uniforms, the other has headsets and online lobbies. But when you look closer, they have more in common than you think.

Here’s how they line up:

• Competition: Both are about being the best at something—whether it's running fast or building perfect in-game strategies.
• Teamwork: Whether you’re passing a basketball or coordinating in a MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena), communication and team roles matter.
• Training: Esports pros train for hours every day. Just like athletes, they work on focus, speed, reflexes, and even nutrition.

And here’s where animation connects them: Many sports games use motion capture and 3D animation to make characters move realistically. That includes Olympic-style games that could appear in the esports version of the Olympics.

As the esports space grows, so does the need for skilled animators who can make every jump, punch, and spin look as real—and fun—as possible.

The Power of Publishers and Developers

At the Forum in Lausanne, publishers and developers will meet with leaders from the Olympic Movement to talk about how these two worlds can work together.

Think of publishers like game studios (EA, Riot Games, Epic) and developers as the creators—the artists, animators, coders, and storytellers who build the games from the ground up.

They’ll be discussing questions like:

• What games should be included in the Olympic Esports Games?
• How can esports represent different cultures fairly?
• How should animation be used to make Olympic-level games feel exciting and professional?

One panel will focus on how animation makes games more inclusive and engaging. Want a fast-paced track character with a cool glowing costume? That’s animation. Need a realistic soccer player to kick a game-winning goal? That’s animation again.

VANAS Online Animation School offers Animation, Visual Effects, and Video Game programs. To launch your career, visit https://www.vanas.ca

What This Means for the Animation Industry

If you're someone who draws, animates, creates characters, or builds game levels in your spare time, this is your moment.

Here’s why animation is more important than ever:

1. Esports needs character design: Every player avatar has to be designed and animated to fit the tone of the game.
2. UI/UX animation matters: Every scoreboard, life bar, or countdown timer needs motion to be interesting and easy to understand.
3. Storytelling isn’t just for films: Many competitive games have deep lore and backstory. That means animators work with writers and game designers to create cutscenes and intros.
4. Esports replays and highlights: These are often edited using motion graphics and animation tools.

Animation isn’t just background stuff. It’s center stage.

The people attending this forum will need creative minds to make sure their games are beautiful, exciting, and Olympic-level professional. If you want to make your passion for animation part of something global, this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity.

From Playing to Creating: How Young Creators Fit In

Right now, you might be playing Fortnite, Overwatch, League of Legends, or Valorant. But have you ever thought about who designs the characters you choose? Or who creates the intro videos, the powers, the cutscenes, the background environments?

Behind every great game is a team of animators who turned an idea into a world.

You can start learning those skills today:

• Learn to draw character expressions
• Practice 2D or 3D animation software like Blender or Maya
• Study storytelling, timing, and movement
• Build your own small games or short animated scenes

There’s a growing demand for young creators to step into the industry early. And with schools like VANAS Online Animation School, you don’t even have to wait until college to begin.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Olympic Esports Games?

• It’s a new global competition created by the International Olympic Committee, where professional gamers will compete in selected video games. The first edition will take place in 2027 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Why is animation important in esports?

• Animation makes everything in a game feel alive—from character movements to UI designs. It helps tell stories, enhance gameplay, and add emotional depth to digital experiences.

Can high school students work in animation or esports someday?

• Yes! Many start learning skills in animation, game design, or storytelling during high school. With the right training and practice, you can build a career in this growing field.

What kind of games could be in the Olympic Esports Games?

• They haven’t been announced yet, but games that focus on skill, teamwork, and fair play are likely. Think racing games, strategy games, or sports simulations.

How can I get started in animation?

• You can begin by taking online courses, joining digital art communities, or studying at a school like VANAS Online Animation School, which offers programs designed to help you enter the animation, visual effects, and video game industries.