Online gaming has become an excellent way for people to connect, engage and build communities globally in the face of the unexpected challenges of isolation posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, as per the participants of the Esports Conference that took place in Dubai.
Metaverse was part of GMIS Week, which took place at Expo 2020‘s Dubai Exhibition Centre from November 22 to 27. It was hosted by the Global Esports Federation [GEF].
Representatives from the GEF and its local member organisation, the Emirates Esports Association [EEA], participated in a panel discussion titled “A world connected: VR & New realities.” The delegates unanimously agreed that the GCC area will be at the forefront of future esports.
One of the members of the Global Education Fund Health & Wellness Commission, Dr. Khizer Kaderi, defined the Metaverse as a place where the physical and digital worlds intersect.
He said: “Rather than focusing on platforms, it’s more user- and community-centred.”
Commenting on the growth of the esports industry in the GCC, he remarked: “I’ve been to this region for over a decade, and I’ve just seen it grow. I’ve observed how rapidly things have moved, especially in recent years.”
In his part, Michele Attisani, Co-founder and Chief Business Officer of the leading esports platform FACEIT, GEF’s Strategic Partner for Esports Services, said: “The Metaverse is a world of digital persons connecting through the physical world. The desire for community in this space is part of human nature. He further stated that over the past few years, we’ve seen increased social interactions and a passion for communication, especially during the pandemic. It’s interesting to see a new trend in how communities are being built, not just in terms of social interactions but the underlying foundations of exchange. This phenomenon is interesting.
While supporting Dr. Khaderi’s view on the relevance of the GCC for the growth of esports, he added, ‘The leaders in the GCC region understand that the world is changing and that this region will be the center of the development and growth of esports and its communities, and it can play a critical role in this world.
Abdulla Al Gurg, the head of the advisory office of the Emirates Esports Association, said: “This is just the tip of the iceberg. There is a lot of potential through technology that exists currently. It’s about being creative and bringing people together. The biggest challenge is embracing that change and creating platforms that accelerate that change.”
Adrian F. Lismore, GEF Board Member and Chair of the Federation’s Finance, Legal, Administration Commission, said: “The UAE and Saudi Arabia are forward-thinking. This region happens to have an opportunity to lead in this broad thinking from a country perspective. It’s much more difficult to do that elsewhere.”
Hala Ghandour, GEF Board Member and member of the Federation’s Education, Culture, Youth Commission, said: “It is hard for me to fathom how this nation has reached its 50th anniversary. Whether it be in terms of infrastructure or architecture, I’m so impressed at where we’ve come from.”
Koen Schobbers, GEF board member and Vice-Chair of the Federation’s Athletes, Players, Community Commission, said: “Many governments are discussing, whereas the UAE is just taking action. The mindset of taking action – that’s the true power of the region here. That makes the region very strong and very esports-suited.”
