The Global Esports Federation (GEF) has confirmed the memberships of World Taekwondo and the International Tennis Federation.
Alongside the additions of two sporting federations, the federation has also appointed technology company Refract as its global partner for interactive technology.
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Chris Chan, President of the Global Esports Federation, spoke on the new members in a release: “The Global Esports Federation was established to convene the global esports community and celebrate esports. We have experienced an incredible acceleration in our engagement with the world’s International Federations during this unprecedented time. The state of play for sport is progressing rapidly.”
The addition of World Taekwondo and the International Tennis Federation comes as the Global Esports Federation attempts to advance the development of “active esports” – perhaps more commonly referred to as sports simulation titles – that showcase physical movement and use virtual and augmented reality.
Dr. Chungwon Choue, President of World Taekwondo, added: “We are thrilled to be an active member for the development of active esports. Now more than ever, we need to embrace technological advancement and promote healthy and active lifestyles around the world.”
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The Global Esports Federation launched in December 2019 with the backing of Chinese multinational conglomerate Tencent. The federation’s newly-appointed partner for interactive technology, Refract, is to develop a range of technology designed to support the so-called active esports movement.
Michael Chng, CEO of Refract, commented on its partnership with the GEF: “Refract believes the gap of physical activity between video games and traditional sports can be bridged by technology. We are developing technologies for a future where playing video games and being physically active are not mutually exclusive.”
Esports Insider says: Doubts due to Tencent’s involvement in the GEF continue to circulate and now the federation is trying to push “active esports” – we’re not so sure if these elements will help or hinder progress.
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