In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic becoming increasingly complex, especially in European countries, encouraging citizens to stay home frequently and avoid going outside is one of the crucial actions to limit the virus’s spread. However, for teenagers who are used to being active and participating in outdoor activities, asking them to stay home is not an easy task.
To encourage students to stay home during the pandemic, the Polish Ministry of Digital Affairs has partnered with the largest esports organization in the world, ESL, to organize an online tournament system called Grarantanna Cup, starting from April 1, 2020. This tournament is for students in Poland, with four games now open for registration: Brawl Stars, FIFA 20, League of Legends, and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive. The prizes will be gaming-related items such as monitors, mice, keyboards, gaming chairs, and phones.
However, alongside announcing the tournament, the Polish government also reminds students to prioritize their studies before practicing and participating in gaming competitions. The government has also established an online learning website and promoted it alongside tournament information. It can be said that nowadays in European countries, gaming is no longer seen as “bad” and is even regarded by the government as a healthy activity suitable for teenagers in situations where outdoor activities are restricted to prevent the spread of the disease.
