AMA Sanctions Esports Competition
Partnering with Init Esports, the AMA has sanctioned its first esports tournament with participants able to win AMA national titles in the discipline - "while the racing environment will be virtual, the competition and AMA National No. 1 plate up for grabs could not be more real."
"The AMA's mission includes promoting the motorcycle lifestyle, and that extends to the digital universe," said AMA Chief Operating Officer James Holter. "We're pleased to partner with Init Esports, a specialist in online competition, to develop the rules, structure and fairness of play that elevates online motorcycle racing to a recognized AMA discipline."
RiMS Racing, by NACON and Italian studio RaceWard, is the street bike simulation game that will serve as the platform for the competition.
Along with a copy of the RiMS Racing game, players will be required to purchase an AMA esports digital license - a step to increase accountability in esports and introduce gamers to the motorcycle industry. Non-motorcyclists who participate in the competition will be further exposed to the real world of AMA competition and amateur events, working toward the goal of turning gamers into riders.
"We created the digital competition license to encourage accountability in the gaming world," said Stefy Bau, Init Esports founder and CEO. "To drive or race a car or motorcycle in real life, you need a license, and by replicating this model in the digital world, our hope is to combat the toxicity we see in parts of the gaming industry. With greater accountability for the gamers, my hope is to provide a safe and fair environment that stimulates more diversity and inclusion in motorsports and gaming."
AMA esports license holders also enjoy discounts on gaming accessories and virtual perks. As part of the registration process, participants will link their Xbox, PlayStation or Steam/Epic account to their AMA esports license to have their lap times recorded for the challenge.
Phase 1 of the challenge will have competitors race at Laguna Seca (USA), Silverstone (UK), the Million-Dollar Highway (USA) and the Great Victoria Desert Road (AUS). Presenting the opportunity to improve track times from the first stage, Phase 2 will revisit Laguna Seca, Silverstone and the Million-Dollar Highway, with the fastest combined time on the four tracks determining the winner.
Road, track and weather conditions will vary throughout the competition. Along with the AMA esports championship, the winner will have the chance to experience two days with a U.S. Superbike team.
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