Global partnership creates Esports Venue Design Standards

The International Esports Federation (IESF) and DLA+ Architecture & Interior Design (DLA+) announce global partnership, combining IESF’s promotion of Esports and its global member network of national governing bodies with DLA+’s expertise of Esports venue planning and design.

This partnership will establish the guidelines for the design of Esports venues and DLA+ will become an exclusive Certifying Agency for Esports facilities on behalf of IESF, as well as an Official Advisor to IESF.

All over the world, more and more governments and sporting authorities recognise Esports as a competitive sporting activity. Esports were featured at the 2018 Asian Games as a demonstration event and are being pursued for inclusion as a full medal event at the Asian Games and Olympic Games in the near future.

Esports Venue Standardisation Guidelines

The Esports Venue Standardization Guidelines will support this movement by defining spatial and technical requirements of Esports facilities and establish regulations and procedures for Esports venue certification. The focus is to satisfy the needs of fans, players, media and operators, as well as identifying requirements to promote efficient, functional and safe environments for Esports events.

The certification and inspection processes will include qualifications, requirements, testing and evaluation methods, schedule, documentation and fees based on each classification of the Esports facilities.

Sung Jung, DLA+ Associate and Sports Practice Leader, said:

The DLA+ IESF partnership will explore the unique characteristics of Esports activities and environments, both technical and physical, and leverage those qualities to promote this fast-growing sport. As sports and entertainment venue design experts, we will establish standards which will offer an efficient process and clear guidance to create a positive experience for fans, players, media and operators. Our goal is to ensure that all Esports venues provide the conditions necessary for high-quality competition, production and presentation of Esports games and events, both in-venue and through various forms of media.

Vlad Marinescu, IESF President, said:

We at IESF are excited to provide our members with the Esports Venue Standardization Guidelines to aid them in their consideration and design of Esports facilities for fans and players. The guidelines will be a significant resource for our global members and will also help our efforts creating an international standardisation in various disciplines alongside the stakeholders of the Esports ecosystem.

The partnership and Esports Venue Standardization Guidelines come at an important time as global Esports revenue is expected to grow to roughly US$1.2bn in 2021.

International Esports Federation (IESF)

International Esports Federation (IESF) is a non-profit organisation founded in 2008 that consistently works to promote Esports as a true sport beyond barriers. IESF is composed of more than 90 member national federations across all continents, organises annual World Championships and strives to ensure the synergy between stakeholders. IESF has been a WADA Signatory since 2013. Key IESF activities include the IESF World Championships, the IESF General Assembly uniting all National Federations and the Global Esports Executive Summits.