Dota 2, Mobile Legends in shortlist for SEA Games 2019 e-sports tourney

Five games, including Dota 2 and Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, have been shortlisted for the inaugural e-sports tournament in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games.

The Philippine SEA Games Organizing Committee (PHISGOC) on Friday announced that PC games Dota 2 and StarCraft II, mobile games Mobile Legends: Bang Bang and Arena of Valor, and console game Tekken 7 are the five shortlisted games for the e-sports events.

"A key selection criterion for the shortlisted games is the diversity of titles. A range of top publishers, genres, and gaming platforms were evaluated for inclusion to make sure the most popular and competitive games are represented," PHISGOC said in their statement.

"The strategy and teamwork demanded by the games were also considered, ensuring that competing teams deploy multifaceted tactics to clinch victory. Lastly, the shortlisted games take into account the physical and mental intensity needed to persevere through marathon matches," it added.

The e-sports events will have six medals in total, but the sixth and final console game is still "undergoing evaluation." 

This will be the first time that e-games will be considered as a medal event in a major sporting competition.

The Philippines will host the 2019 SEA Games in November. —Justin Kenneth Carandang/JST, GMA News