eSports is on the rise and gaming is the future. What Korea has known for years has now arrived in Germany. In the coalition talks between the CDU/CSU and the SPD for the Grand Coalition, eSports and video games are on the agenda.
Yes, politics is actually something we rarely bother you with – for good reason. It is too controversial and rarely has anything to do with gaming. However, in the current negotiation talks for a possible Grand Coalition, it is also about us: the players.
Although it is not even certain whether our new government will actually be black/red. Nevertheless, the “Digital Working Group” has already come together, consisting of Dorothee Bär (CSU), Lars Klingbeil (SPD) and Helge Braun (CDU). They are discussing four main topics:
- Expansion of broadband: In the coming years, the government plans to invest 10-12 billion euros in the expansion of a fiber-optic network: Fast internet ahoy!
- Net neutrality: All content should continue to be treated equally. Anyone who pays should have the same relevance.
- Data ethics: A new commission should be established for topics such as internet policy, data protection and digitalization.
- Labor market: To compensate for a shortage of skilled workers, an immigration law is to be passed.
The Grand Coalition puts the E before Sports
In addition to the somewhat abstract plans, the working group is also working on a concrete plan. According to Dorothee Bär, “Computer games need to finally receive the status they have long deserved. “
Germany and Europe are still quite behind in this regard. So far, eSports has only arrived here to a limited extent and often gets overshadowed by events of other sports like football. The Digital Working Group aims to change that – and let eSports arrive here as well.
- The plans aim to classify eSports teams as non-profit organizations. This aligns them with regular sports teams and would mean, among other things, that they would pay fewer taxes. This makes it easier for corresponding teams and organizations to establish themselves.
- An additional effect the working group aims for is the prospect of eSports as an Olympic discipline. The Olympic committee has been considering this decision for a while, and Germany could help with this decision.
Germany should become more attractive for the games industry
Germany should also become rewarding again as a location for the gaming industry as a whole. In particular, the extensive expansion of the fiber-optic network should create a foundation for German productions.
To create further incentives, the German Computer Game Award should also be strengthened. The gaming counterpart to the German Film Award should encourage companies in game development.
From “killer games” to “the future”
All plans and demands of the working group are currently just one point in the negotiations for a possible government. However, there are still obstacles that need to be cleared away.
- On one hand, a large coalition would first have to come about. The talks about eSports, net neutrality and fast internet will definitely play a role, but not the only one.
- On the other hand, all involved parties would then have to give their consent. This also involves convincing politicians like Interior Minister Thomas de Maizière, who until two years ago attributed tragic incidents to “killer games”.
But at least there is some hope!
