The agreement aims to “drive advancement and deliver new opportunities across the global esports ecosystem,” according to a press release. The GEF and IESF will collaborate on a number of global efforts to improve public perception of esports.The memorandum was signed during the GEF’s Riyadh Global Esports Games by GEF President Chris Chan and IESF President Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud. Interestingly, the signing was witnessed by Ng Ser Miang, Vice President of the International Olympic Committee.
Although information concerning the impact of this deal on esports are scarce, the two organizations did state that the “organizations will combine their expertise and resources across a set of key areas.” The GEF and IESF have also said that they will continue to fund initiatives in collaboration with other national esports federations.The collaboration is an intriguing move because it will see both organizations collaborate on a common goal rather than competing for the attention of global audiences and national federations. It also implies that the two federations may consider merging in the future, particularly because Prince Faisal is a significant role in both.
Prince Faisal is also the Vice President of the Global Esports Federation, in addition to his job at the IESF.
“At a time when esports possibilities and potential are limitless, the enduring advancement, sustainability, and prosperity we envision depends on vibrant partnerships that positively influence our industry’s trajectory – now and in the future,” Prince Faisal said. Today is not only a pleasant reminder of this reality; it also marks the beginning of an exciting new age in the field of esports collaboration, one in which collectivism initiates a new wave of evolution.”
