Core Viewpoint - The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Saudi Arabian Olympic Committee initially agreed to collaborate on the first "Olympic Esports Games" in Riyadh, marking a significant step towards engaging younger audiences through esports. However, just over a year later, they jointly announced the termination of this 12-year cooperation agreement, raising questions about the rapid shift from potential collaboration to cancellation [2]. Group 1: Origin of Cooperation - Since 2016, the global esports industry has rapidly developed, with sportsification seen as a promising path. The IOC aimed to tap into new growth channels to counteract the aging traditional audience base, leading to initiatives like the "Olympic Esports Series" and the establishment of the IOC Esports Commission [3][5]. - The IOC's data indicated that 3 billion people engage in esports and video games, with over 500 million particularly interested in virtual sports and esports, making the "esports + Olympics" combination attractive for both parties [3][5]. Group 2: Governance, Values, and Ownership Issues - As time progressed, the first Olympic Esports Games faced delays, with the IOC announcing in February that the event would be postponed to 2027 to allow for a more comprehensive framework [6]. - The termination of the cooperation was attributed to three main issues: the selection of esports titles, disputes over ownership rights, and cultural differences between esports and traditional Olympic values [7][9][10]. - The IOC and Saudi Arabia had significant disagreements regarding the governance and ownership of the esports event, with the IOC wanting to maintain traditional governance structures while Saudi Arabia sought to establish its own authority in this emerging field [9][10]. Group 3: Termination and Future Prospects - The IOC emphasized that the termination was not a "breakup" but a decision to pursue independent esports plans, leading to a reevaluation of the event's structure and timeline [15]. - Despite the cessation of collaboration with the IOC, Saudi Arabia continues to advance its esports initiatives, including the "Esports World Cup" with a prize pool of $70 million, indicating its intent to solidify its position in the global esports landscape [15][16]. - The future of the Olympic Esports Games may involve the IOC developing standardized esports events aligned with Olympic values, while Saudi Arabia may focus on independent hosting and partnerships with global publishers [16].

Core Insights - The relationship between China and Saudi Arabia is strengthening, with esports serving as a significant bridge for cultural exchange and collaboration [26][29] - Saudi Arabia is heavily investing in the esports industry, aiming to transform the country into a global hub for gaming and esports by 2030 [25][30] Group 1: Esports Development in Saudi Arabia - The Esports World Cup (EWC) has attracted a diverse audience, including fans from China, Hong Kong, South Korea, and the Middle East, showcasing the global appeal of the event [2][5] - Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is a key figure in promoting the esports industry, with plans for the first esports Olympics to be held in the country in 2027 [8][10] - The EWC features affordable ticket prices, with early bird tickets for the League of Legends finals priced at approximately 221 SAR (around 30 USD), reflecting the organizers' focus on accessibility over revenue [10][12] Group 2: Infrastructure and Experience - Boulevard City, the main venue for EWC, has transformed from a wasteland into a vibrant entertainment hub, highlighting Saudi Arabia's commitment to developing its esports and entertainment sectors [14][21] - The event includes various interactive experiences for attendees, such as a "Content Creator Park," which aims to nurture future content creators in the esports space [22][24] - Saudi Arabia is investing 1.1 trillion USD in infrastructure to diversify its economy, with esports being a crucial component of its Vision 2030 strategy [25] Group 3: Cultural Exchange and Collaboration - The EWC has facilitated deeper collaboration between Chinese and Saudi esports markets, with Tencent esports acting as a strategic partner for promoting the event in China [29] - The presence of Chinese brands and cultural elements in Saudi Arabia indicates a growing bilateral relationship, with sports serving as a key area for cooperation [26][30] - The upcoming Saudi Super Cup in Hong Kong, featuring top Saudi football teams, exemplifies the expanding sports diplomacy between the two nations [29][32]