By Paul Bakare…
In the political landscape of video games, the games act as nations, with developers as their governing bodies. Each game has its unique “culture”, rules, and ecosystems that shape how its community interacts, competes, and grows. However, this model also creates silos—isolated “countries” of competitive gaming that struggle to interact harmoniously.
As esports has evolved, the need for a unifying framework has become more apparent. Instead of focusing on individual games, the industry should consider game modes as the foundation for esports competitions. Game modes function like global ideologies or universal systems—frameworks that transcend national borders (individual games) and unite communities under shared rules.
This article explores how game modes, rather than games, are better suited to serve as the “Olympics” of esports, uniting diverse players, fans, and developers in a sustainable and inclusive competitive environment.
The Current Model: Games as Nations

In the traditional model, games operate as sovereign entities with distinct rules, mechanics, and communities. While this has led to the rise of iconic esports tournaments—like The International (Dota 2) and League of Legends World Championship—it has also resulted in:
- Fragmented Ecosystems: Each game functions as a self-contained “country,” with limited interaction between its community and others.
- Barriers to Entry: Players must invest significant time and resources to compete at the highest level within a specific game.
- Lifespan Dependence: The viability of tournaments depends on the popularity of their respective games, leaving competitions vulnerable to shifts in gaming trends.
Just as nations sometimes isolate themselves, this game-focused model restricts the growth of esports by limiting cross-game collaboration and alienating potential audiences.
Game Modes: The Global Framework of Esports
Game modes serve as universal languages that transcend individual games. They are akin to shared global ideologies—principles that players, developers, and fans can rally around regardless of their game of choice. Game modes like “Battle Royale,” “Team Deathmatch,” or “Capture the Flag” provide a level playing field for competitions across different games.
Why Game Modes Are the Better Approach
- Universal Accessibility: Game modes offer familiarity across games, making it easier for new players to engage and for audiences to follow. A “Battle Royale” event could include competitors from Fortnite, PUBG, and Apex Legends under shared rules, drawing fans from all three communities.
- Skill-Centric Competitions: Focusing on game modes shifts the spotlight to player abilities—strategy, reflexes, teamwork—rather than game-specific mechanics. For instance, a “Capture the Flag” tournament rewards strategic planning and coordination regardless of whether it is played in Overwatch or Halo Infinite.
- Unifying Diverse Communities: Game modes provide a common ground for collaboration among players, fans, and developers of different games. This model promotes a sense of unity and global camaraderie, similar to the Olympics in traditional sports.
- Sustainability and Scalability: Game modes persist even as individual games rise and fall in popularity. For example, while Fortnite may eventually decline, the “Battle Royale” format will endure, allowing esports competitions to remain relevant.
Integrating the Political Landscape of Gaming into Game Modes
In the analogy of the political landscape of video games:
- Games as Countries: Each game has its culture, identity, and fan base.
- Developers as Governments: Developers set the “laws” (game mechanics) and control the “economy” (in-game rewards and monetization).
- Game Modes as Global Institutions: Game modes function like international bodies that bring diverse “nations” under shared frameworks and rules.
This shift requires developers to collaborate, acting less as isolated governments and more as contributors to a global esports ecosystem. For example, a Battle Royale tournament could involve Fortnite, Apex Legends, and Warzone, uniting their communities under a single competition.
Case Studies: Game Modes in Action
Several examples highlight how game modes already serve as unifying frameworks in esports:
- Battle Royale Tournaments: Events like Twitch Rivals have featured cross-game formats where players from different Battle Royale games compete, showcasing the potential of universal game modes.
- Custom Modes in Games: Titles like Fortnite and Minecraft frequently develop custom game modes for competitions, proving that modes can transcend game boundaries.
- Community-Driven Formats: Grassroots tournaments often revolve around game modes like “Team Deathmatch” or “King of the Hill,” drawing participants from multiple games.
Building Communities Around Game Modes

To transition from game-focused to game-mode-focused competitions, the industry must:
- Establish Standardized Rules: Universal rules for each game mode will ensure fairness and consistency across titles.
- Develop Multi-Game Tournaments: Esports organizers should design events that test players’ skills in a specific mode across various games, fostering adaptability and inclusivity.
- Encourage Developer Collaboration: Developers must work to support game-mode-centric competitions, sharing resources and audiences.
- Invest in Community Engagement: Building communities around game modes—rather than individual games—encourages cross-game interaction and strengthens the broader esports ecosystem.
The Demands of the Audience
A game-mode-centric model meets key audience demands:
- For Players: It rewards adaptability and skill, allowing players to showcase their abilities across multiple games.
- For Spectators: It provides exciting, easy-to-follow competitions that transcend game-specific mechanics.
- For Developers: It offers a collaborative platform to share audiences, extending the lifespan of their games.
Conclusion: Game Modes as the Foundation of Esports’ Future
The current esports model—centred on individual games—limits the industry’s growth and accessibility. By embracing game modes as the foundation for competitions, esports can evolve into a more inclusive, sustainable, and skill-focused global phenomenon.
Game modes are the universal frameworks that unite the “nations” of gaming, bringing diverse communities together under shared principles. As esports grows, adopting game modes as its “Olympics” will ensure a future where players, fans, and developers can thrive in a united and dynamic gaming landscape.
This article continues an Analogy on “Navigating The Political Landscape of Video Games”… Below are references to previous articles in this series
- Navigating The Political Landscape of Video Games: Part 2 – A Culture-Driven Strategy for Building Gaming Audiences
- Navigating the Political Landscape of Games: An Analogy to World Structure by Paul Bakare
What a great insight 🫴🏽