Gaming might not really need the Games

MACAO - Electronic gaming's bid to reach the Olympics might be on hold, but backing from big sponsors and a relentless march into the mainstream raise the question of whether it needs the Games at all.

With sportswear giant Nike last month announcing its sponsorship of China's League of Legends Pro League (LPL), gaming already bears the hallmarks of any successful sport.

Adidas, Mercedes and BMW are some of the other global brands to jump on board, while McDonald's dropped its sponsorship of Germany's national soccer team to focus on e-sports.