Busan, South Korea & Pittsburgh, PA – November 30, 2020 – The International Esports Federation (IESF) and DLA+ Architecture & Interior Design (DLA+) are pleased to announce their 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 recognize 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. 

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.

“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,” said Sung Jung, DLA+ Associate and Sports Practice Leader.

“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 standardization in various disciplines alongside the stakeholders of the Esports ecosystem,” said Vlad Marinescu, IESF President.

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