The 7th edition of the WE Summit came to an end. Busan, Korea hosted key industry leaders that provided their insights about the world of esports, and covered a variety of topics for the past, present, and future of this industry. 2 days, 8 panels, 40+ speakers here is what happened:
Panel 1: Spotlight on Asia’s Success Factors
The first panel put the spotlight on the biggest esports stage-Asia. The panelists discussed the beginnings of esports and how the rest of the world can emulate the Asian model for greater success. Here are the top takeaways:
- Esports is the sport of the future
- Governmental support as a key to move forward and expand
- The vital importance of leaders and publishers for the success and development of esports
- Collaboration between esports and traditional sports
- Esports as an education for younger generations
Panel 2: Streamlining Cooperation for Successful Competition
The second panel explained what’s next in esports. Key points for possible collaborations, how to improve and achieve greater esports success in the future, as well as unity for achieving goals together.
- Publishers, athletes, teams, governments and creators as a key for future development
- Platform extensions
- Support from popular influencers
- Courses
- Scholarship prize funds
Panel 3: The Unsung Heroes of Esports
The unsung heroes shared their success stories and their path to esports. Through their stories, they provided insights and tips for future athletes and aspiring professionals in the esports world. Some of the main points covered were:
- University esports for educational purposes
- Emerging careers in esports
- Transition to the online world and keeping up with the newest trends
- Importance of networking and building connections
- Diversity and equity in esports
Panel 4: Driving Growth through Derivative Content
The fourth panel talked about how promoting awareness and expanding partnerships are key for successful campaigns:
- Contribution of brands for a holistic experience
- Importance of brands to be part of the esports story
- Pro bono work for promoting awareness
- High-end brands campaigning for future customers and exposure
- Entertainment and memeable content leads to successful campaigns
In addition to eight discussion panels, the first day of the WE Summit closed with the Referee Summit, moderated by Nesli Kolasinli, where three panelists came together to learn and develop the highest standards of referee training for IESF’s 129 member federations to be used at events such as the annual World Esports Championships.
Day two of the WE Summit opened with the WE Academia Seminar. The winning research paper on this year’s Academia Competition subject, “Health Wellness and Well-being in Esports,” was presented. The submission entitled “Diversification of Esports Events for the Guarantee of Right for the Disabled” earned a grand prize of 4,000,000 KRW and a certificate from President Marinescu.
Panel 5: Building Foundations for Esports Legislation
The panelists talked about the changes in esports in recent years, including dealing with legal issues and legislation for the future, shedding a light on:
- Creating more stable and sustainable Esports leagues
- Implementation of good practices from traditional sports
- IP and copyright laws in gaming
- Pros and Cons of Esports betting
- The safeguarding of minors and vulnerable adults
Panel 6: Developing Guidelines for Esports Conduct
The codes of conduct, rules, and education were the three main points in the sixth panel of the WE Summit. The key elements of this panel included:
- Establishing a code of behavior in the industry
- Reducing toxic and rude behavior in the teams and esports in general
- Involving the athletes in creating the code of conduct
- Determining baseline behavior for all cultures within the industry
- Creating benchmark standards for acceptable behavior
Panel 7: The Benefits of Esports Infrastructure on Tourism
The speakers of the 7th panel talked about the positive impact of esports, especially on underdeveloped countries. The panel included:
- Esports for the economic growth of a country
- Esports as a way to promote underdeveloped countries
- The economic impact of large venues
- The role of governments in esports
- Collaborations with influencers to make spectacular events
Panel 8: The Dynamic Roles of Esports Organizations
The final panel of the seminar took a deep dive into the sustainability, technology, and future of esports, as well as the alignment of esports with the Olympic values and spirit. The panel also included:
- Importance of education to fight the stigma
- Customized technologies to help esports
- Achieving global balance
- Benefits for countries that recognize esports as a real sport
- Change in society and careers in esports
The successful two-day event united World Esports Family once again. The 7th edition of the WE Summit gave the opportunity for aspiring professionals, and for everyone in the esports world to learn more about the ecosystem, and provided valuable insights that will help for future development.
Now that we wrapped up the summit, we will see you in Bali!
