China’s e-sports potential grows, with degree courses and hotels catering to lucrative market
“In an e-sports hotel, you can have three to five friends play together for two or three days, just like you’re on a vacation,” said Mr Cha, chief executive officer of Yue Ta H E-Sports Hotel.
“Everyone eats together, bunks together, sleeps in the same room, fostering a kind of brotherhood. This is something an internet cafe is unable to provide.”
These hotels are not allowed to receive underage guests who come alone, said insiders. But oftentimes, they could use another person’s identification card, or just come with older friends if they are below 18.
This presents a legal grey area that the government has yet to crack down on.
“Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Beijing, Shanghai, and many provincial municipalities have introduced policies to support the upgrading of the e-sports industry,” said Mr Cha.
“This industry can be a strong economic driver for the country.”
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Source: CNA