In a huge step in growing the global scene of eSports, the country of Denmark has unveiled its plans to grow the sport in the country. According to Motherboard article yesterday, Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen has long been a proponent of eSports. He recently took trip to the headquarters of Astralis, a popular Danish eSports team known for their CS:GO play. There he spoke with the players about eSports and even got behind the mouse and keyboard himself. Prime Minister Rasmussen stresses the importance of creating an eSports community that fosters both the integrity of the game and a positive experience for the gamers, which include healthy habits such as getting enough sleep and proper nutrition.
In a recent press release, Mette Bock, Minister of Culture and Church in Denmark, spoke about the decision to support eSports in such a grand way in the country. “We must ensure a good framework for the sport. Esport is in fast-paced sporting and economic development, where not least Danish sportsmen are in the world elite,” says Bock. She also stresses the need for regulation of the fast-growing industry. “Large groups of especially young boys have changed their leisure habits and patterns of socializing. [eSports] opens up opportunities, but also raises concerns, not least among many parents.”
In order to prop up the industry in the right way, Denmark will create an eSports panel that has a few goals moving forward. The panel will be responsible for coming up with a structure for the sustainability of eSports, including both events and talent, creating a plan to combat toxic behaviors such as cheating and skin gambling, and making eSports more inclusive to everyone. The panel will also focus on creating a greater talent pool of players from Denmark as well as keeping tabs on both laws and entrepreneurial growth opportunities to further enhance the culture of eSports.