UK Unveils ‘Military Esports Games’ In Alliance with 40 Countries

A new international competition called the International Defence Esports Games (IDEG) launched today in the United Kingdom. The event aims to improve the cybersecurity skills of military personnel from around 40 allied countries, skills that are increasingly important in modern warfare. This follows the UK government’s recent decision to officially recognize esports as a military sport.

The UK government announced that the first International Drone Experience Games (IDEG26) will be held next year. The idea for the games was partly inspired by how Ukrainian soldiers have been using drone simulator games for training.

From The Battlefield to (Potentially) Battlefield

While the specific games haven’t been announced, it’s likely the IDEG’s esports program will focus on military-style shooting games, considering their established connection to this genre.

Battlefield is now trying out esports with a new tournament hosted by REDSEC, offering a $1 million prize pool, which could be a good starting point for the game’s competitive scene.

UK Veterans Minister Louise Sandher-Jones stated in a government press release:

The recent Strategic Defence Review highlighted that warfare is evolving, and we need to adapt. The Government’s Plan for Change requires our armed forces to be prepared for modern, digital conflicts, meaning our people need to be just as proficient in areas like cybersecurity and drone operation as they are in conventional fighting.

Recent events in Ukraine have demonstrated the value of using gaming technology to train drone pilots and improve the quick thinking needed in today’s warfare. The International Defence Esports Games (IDEG) helps Britain lead the way in this area, making sure our military is ready for future challenges.

Echoing the statement, the Deputy Commander of Cyber and Specialist Operations Command said:

The International Defence Esports Games are helping to build the crucial tech skills needed for today’s military. Recent conflicts, like the one in Ukraine, have shown how valuable gaming technology is for training people to operate drones and improving cybersecurity.

IDEG will improve our military’s ability to fight and work with key allies, fostering strong relationships with countries that prioritize cutting-edge defense technology.

I’m so excited for the first ever IDEG tournament! It’s happening in October 2026 at the National Gaming and Esports Arena in Sunderland. What’s really cool is it’s not just gaming – they’re also including a summit on cybersecurity, AI, and drone tech. It sounds like an awesome, multi-faceted event!

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2025-11-21 23:48