Swiss Esports Takes a Leap: New Youth Protection Law Unveiled!

Swiss Esports Federation (SESF) plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of esports in Switzerland

The Journey to Legislation

After rigorous discussions in the Swiss national parliament, the new youth protection law for film and video games (an English version is not yet available) has been finalized. SESF’s involvement ensured that the voice of the Swiss esports community echoed throughout the process. The result? A law that favors esports events in Switzerland, notably by avoiding stringent tournament participation regulations. However, the journey is not over. As the law rolls out, there are ambiguities that need addressing.

Co-Regulation: A Novel Approach

The Swiss government has taken an innovative path. While the federal council and parliament have set the overarching rules, the onus is on the industry to fill in the details. This calls for a collective effort from industry stakeholders, like SESF, to ensure the law’s efficient execution in the esports realm. Upcoming discussions will revolve around structure, financing, voting rights, and more, with SESF at the forefront.

Boosting Digital Media Literacy

The law paves the way for initiatives promoting digital media literacy, backed by federal funds. While this is a positive stride, questions linger: How much support? What are the criteria? Are there any restrictions on these funds?

Age Classification: A Step Towards Transparency

Gone are the days of optional age classifications. The new law mandates the industry to adopt a system akin to PEGI. SESF views this as a move towards clear rules and legal clarity.

Esports Participation: The Heart of the Matter

The law’s crux for the Swiss esports industry revolves around the regulation of participants during events. A silver lining for esports enthusiasts is the provision allowing younger players to participate in tournaments, provided they have parental consent. This is a boon for the Swiss esports landscape, fostering young talent. However, there’s a caveat for underage spectators at offline events, with restrictions that are arguably stricter than desired.

The Road Ahead

With the political nod, the next phase involves drafting the law in detail. The industry was consulted in early 2023, with a public consultation draft anticipated by October 2023. The law’s full-fledged implementation is slated for 2024, followed by a two-year window for co-regulation negotiations.

Via SESF, press release, and the content of the Federal Law on Youth Protection in Films and Video Games.