When Ted Owen of the Global Gaming League suggested computer and video games as a possible exhibition sport for the Beijing Olympics, it sounded like a long shot. According to this article, posted on the GGL site in May 2006, Mr. Owen vowed to showcase electronic sport regardless of the opinion of the International Olympic Committee. The stunt created a tussle, and attracted mainstream interest.

Owen was quoted by CNN Money advocating Olympic gaming as a way to make younger people re-embrace IOC’s event. According to Owen, the young had lost interest amidst the plethora of digital entertainment and games available to them.

“People aren't watching [the Olympics] as much anymore. […] You need to bring younger viewers back if you want to keep making money. To do that, you need to embrace non-traditional sports,” he told CNN Money.

The Beijing Olympics finished two weeks ago – Michael Phelps took eight gold medals, Usain Bolt three and gaming none. The result of Owen’s outreach is the upcoming Digital Games. The event is organized by the GGL at an undisclosed date in October, and is supposedly supported by the local government in its region, but not the IOC.

That “we” were not included in the Olympics should not surprise anyone. 2008 is still four years too early. What should spark debate is the way Ed Hula, editor and founder of Around the Rings, an Olympic newsletter, dismissed the possibility altogether.

"There's a big campaign in the [International Olympic Committee] to get kids away from computer terminals," said Hula (also to CNN Money). "[Lobbying for] video gaming would be like asking the IOC to approve power smoking."

The argument that computer and video games equals immobility in young adults is an established truth among critics of gaming culture. However, the point Hula is making about IOC’s strategy sounds hollow if some of the world-wide sponsors of the Olympics are examined. Companies like Coca-Cola and McDonalds have a long standing relationship with the Olympic Games. Neither company can remotely be accused of perpetuating a healthy lifestyle in the young, or old for that matter – even with the optional carrots that come with your Happy Meal.

The Olympic idea, while ideal in its truest form, is subject to the forces of the globalized market much like any other world-wide sports property. Money talks here as well. And while Hula and the IOC might be proponents of outdoor track and field activities over computer games, they cannot dismiss gaming on those grounds without rendering themselves hypocritical. If Owen’s views reflect reality, and statistics show he is right - at least about the financial potential of gaming - then some Olympic recognition for gamers might not be such a bad idea. After all, the Olympics have hosted sports of a more questionable nature throughout its illustrious history.

With the sports aspect of the phenomenon growing steadily over the last ten years, it could prove to be an interesting – and modern - prospect for an exhibition showing in London 2012.