Reports are emerging that the first-ever International Olympic Committee (IOC) Esports Olympic Games has been forced into a postponement.

Last summer, the IOC announced with great fanfare the hosting of the Olympic Esports Week in Saudi Arabia.

However, sources indicate that game publishers and international federations, who submitted applications for participation last fall (November), have expressed dissatisfaction with the current state of preparations.

It is understood that organizers have yet to finalize crucial elements of the event, including the specific esports titles to be featured, the host city within Saudi Arabia, and the qualification process for athletes.

With the Winter Olympics and Youth Olympic Games already scheduled for 2026, the esports event is now most likely targeted for 2027, according to the reports.

While the IOC has yet to release an official statement regarding the postponement,  international federations are expected to communicate any updates to relevant stakeholders in the coming months, should the reports prove accurate.

Earlier reports had indicated the IOC's desire to incorporate genuinely popular esports titles, with negotiations reportedly underway regarding the inclusion of games like Rocket League, Street Fighter, and League of Legends.