Motion NDM7044 Darren Millar

To propose that the National Assembly for Wales:

1. Recognises the growing impact that the esports industry is having on local economies around the world, such as the 2017 tournaments in Valencia and Cologne which attracted between 15,000 – 40,000 attendees.

2. Notes that the UK Government's Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport are undertaking an inquiry to explore the potential for esports in the UK, among other technology trends.

3. Welcomes the recommendations of the UK Government commissioned Bazalgette Review into the Creative Industries, which outlines recommendations for how the esports sector can underpin the UK’s future economic growth, by:

a) raising the status of esports with government sponsored competitions, national teams, and media coverage; and

b) increasing the UK Government’s investment by an extra £23.7 million over five years to extend the highly successful and innovative UK Games Fund and Transfuzer development programmes.

4. Calls on the Welsh Government to:

a) examine the potential economic benefits of the esports industry in Wales;

b) consult with suitable stakeholders to organise and host an international esports competition in Wales;

c) report on progress to the Assembly no later than 1 October 2019.