The Gray Market Reality

Despite TPCi’s clear prohibitions, a thriving gray market exists for competitive-ready Pokémon. Online marketplaces like eBay feature numerous listings offering “perfect,” “shiny,” or “competitive”, but clearly hacked Pokémon for sale, with prices ranging from a few Euros to significant sums for rare specimens.

For example, a simple search reveals listings for shiny legendary Pokémon like Mew being sold for approximately EUR 2-40. These listings rarely disclose the methods used to obtain these hackedPokémon, creating significant legal risk for competitive players who might purchase them.

Similarly, services like “GenPkm” and similar websites openly advertise the ability to create “legal” Pokémon, offering step-by-step guides to integrating these created hacked Pokémon into Nintendo Switch games, stating:

“I will show you three simple steps to get started with creating and trading your own legal pokemon to your Nintendo Switch game!”

Such services carefully use the term “legal” rather than “legitimate,” exploiting a technical distinction between Pokémon that can pass automated checks versus those obtained through officially sanctioned methods. From TPCi’s perspective, however, this distinction is immaterial—their terms explicitly prohibit Pokémon obtained through unauthorized third-party tools, regardless of whether they can pass superficial legitimacy checks. Purchasers who subsequently use these Pokémon in official competitions therefore expose themselves to significant competitive penalties and potential legal liability, despite vendor assurances.

What Constitutes an Hacked Pokémon?

Before diving into the legal ramifications, it is important to understand what qualifies as an hacked Pokémon in competitive contexts:

1. Hacked Pokémon: Created or modified using third-party devices or software.
2. Illegally obtained Pokémon: Creatures acquired through exploitation of game glitches or unauthorized means.
3. Pokémon with impossible attributes: Those with stats, moves, or abilities that cannot be legitimately obtained through standard gameplay.
4. Cloned Pokémon: Exact duplicates of existing Pokémon, created through external tools.

The Pokémon Company’s Official Rules on Team Legality

The Pokémon Company International maintains exceptionally clear and strict policies regarding the use of hacked Pokémon in official tournaments. According to their official Play! Pokémon VG Rules and Formats documentation, several sections directly address team legality requirements:

Section 1: Team Construction

The rules establish that

“Competitors are responsible for ensuring that their team adheres to any restrictions set forth by the tournament format and this document.”

This places the fundamental responsibility on players to verify their Pokémon’s legitimacy.

Section 1.4 specifies the legal sources of Pokémon:

• “Pokémon obtained in the Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet games”
• “Pokémon transferred from Pokémon HOME”
• “Pokémon received at an official event or distribution”

Section 4.3: Illegally Manipulated Pokémon

This section explicitly prohibits external manipulation:

“The use of external devices, such as a mobile app, to modify or create items or Pokémon in a competitor’s Battle Team is expressly forbidden. Competitors found to have Pokémon or items that have been tampered with may receive a Disqualification, regardless of whether the Pokémon or items belong to that competitor or were traded for.”

This provision is particularly significant because it establishes that:

• Disqualification is the expected penalty for such violations
• The prohibition applies regardless of whether the player created the hacked Pokémon themselves
• Obtaining altered Pokémon through trades does not exempt a player from responsibility

Enforcement Mechanisms and Detection

According to the official Play! Pokémon VG Rules, TPCi has implemented a comprehensive verification system:

Section 4: Team Checks

“At all Championship events, team checks must be performed. It is recommended that team checks be performed on at least 10 percent of teams over the course of the tournament. The teams of all competitors advancing to a Single Elimination portion of a tournament should be checked after Swiss rounds have concluded.”

The enforcement mechanisms include:

1. Team List Check: Section 4.1 requires staff to “verify that the competitor’s Battle Team matches the team list they submitted.”
2. Legality Check: Section 4.2 states staff must “verify that the competitor’s Battle Team is legal for tournament play, in terms of both the parameters specified by the tournament format and checking for signs of illegal manipulation.”
3. Electronic Team Check: Section 4.2.1 details the process of running a Battle Team through the Battle Stadium check.
4. Manual Team Check: Section 4.2.2 involves checking for criteria “not caught by the electronic team check” using the standards in Appendix A.
5. Rental Team ID Check: Section 4.2.3 explains that “Certain tournaments may require that each competitor submits a Rental Team ID that contains a Battle Team that matches their team list.”

Penalties for Rule Violations: The Progressive Enforcement Structure

The Play! Pokémon VG Rules establish a detailed, graduated penalty system for violations related to hacked Pokémon. Section 5 outlines the formal enforcement structure:

Section 5.3: Types of Penalties in the Pokémon Video Game

The official penalty framework includes multiple tiers of consequences:

1. Caution: The lowest level of penalty, serving as a formal notice of minor infractions.
2. Warning: A more serious penalty that is reported to Pokémon Organized Play.
3. Game Loss: Forces a player to lose the current game, which can prove decisive in competitive formats.
4. Disqualification: The rules state that “Disqualification is the most serious penalty that can be issued at a tournament. Its use should be strictly reserved for the most extreme cases, where a competitor’s actions (whether intentional or unintentional) have significantly and negatively impacted the integrity or operation of the entire event. Competitors who receive this penalty are removed from the tournament and become ineligible to receive any prizes.”

Section 5.4.2: Team Error

This section specifically categorizes team legality infractions:

• Team Error: Minor – Results in a Warning and includes minor team list discrepancies with no competitive advantage
• Team Error: Major – Results in a Game Loss and includes issues that could create a competitive advantage
• Team Error: Severe – Results in Disqualification and includes any Pokémon matching criteria in Section 2 of Appendix A, described as “Any Pokémon with an attack, Ability, Nature, stat, or other attribute that results in a potential competitive advantage that cannot be obtained through normal gameplay or official promotions”

Applicable Legal Frameworks

While court cases specifically addressing Pokémon competitions have been limited, several relevant legal frameworks nevertheless apply to the competitive ecosystem:

1. Contract law: By participating in official tournaments, players enter into a binding contractual agreement with TPCi to abide by their rules. This creates an enforceable legal relationship.
2. Intellectual property law: Unauthorized modification of Pokémon may constitute copyright infringement under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), particularly with respect to circumvention of technological protection measures.
3. Tort law: Players who knowingly use hacked Pokémon could potentially be liable for tortious interference with TPCi’s business relationships, potentially harming the integrity of competitions.

Dispute Resolution in Practice

In practice, most disputes regarding hacked Pokémon are handled through TPCi’s internal enforcement mechanisms rather than through litigation. The Play! Pokémon program includes a structured penalty system and appeals process that operates similar to administrative law. Tournament organizers function as first-instance adjudicators, with regional coordinators and ultimately TPCi itself serving as appellate authorities.

When players are penalized for using hacked Pokémon, they typically have the right to appeal within a specific timeframe. These appeals are reviewed based on documented evidence, including game data, witness statements from tournament officials, and any exculpatory evidence the player can provide. The burden of proof generally rests with TPCi to demonstrate a violation, though once prima facie evidence is established, the burden often shifts to the player to rebut the presumption of impropriety.

Contractual Analysis: The Tournament Entry Agreement

The Play! Pokémon VG Rules establish a multi-faceted contractual relationship between participants and TPCi. Section 1 states that

“Competitors are responsible for ensuring that their team adheres to any restrictions set forth by the tournament format and this document.”

This creates an express contractual obligation with several key legal components:

Player Responsibilities and Governance Structure

The rules create specific contractual duties for players:

1. Affirmative knowledge requirement: Players are expected to understand both the letter and spirit of the rules, including all format restrictions.
2. Continuous compliance obligation: Throughout the tournament, players must maintain legal teams and adhere to all game equipment regulations.
3. Acceptance of enforcement: By participating, players agree to the team checking procedures outlined in Section 4, including Electronic Team Checks, Manual Team Checks, and potentially providing Rental Team IDs.

Appendix A: Manual Team Checking

This appendix provides a critical framework for identifying illegally manipulated / hacked Pokémon, dividing violations into two categories:

1. Section 1 violations: Pokémon with attributes indicating they weren’t obtained through normal gameplay but with no competitive advantage (resulting in Team Error: Major)
2. Section 2 violations: Pokémon with attributes that provide a competitive advantage not obtainable through normal gameplay (resulting in Team Error: Severe and Disqualification)

This comprehensive framework creates a binding contract between players and TPCi that courts would likely recognize as an enforceable agreement with limited grounds for judicial intervention.

Esports Industry Standards Comparison

The Pokémon Company’s approach aligns with broader esports industry standards:

1. Riot Games (League of Legends): Employs similar prohibitions against modified game elements.
2. Valve Corporation (Dota 2): Maintains strict integrity policies backed by substantial penalties.
3. Blizzard Entertainment (Overwatch): Implements comprehensive anti-cheating measures.

Legal Defenses and Their Practical Viability

When faced with accusations of using hacked Pokémon, players have attempted various defenses, though their effectiveness has been constrained by the terms and conditions that govern participation:

1. Lack of knowledge defense: Claiming ignorance about a Pokémon’s illegitimate status rarely succeeds as a defense, as TPCi’s terms explicitly place the burden of verification on the player. The “strict liability” approach adopted in the competitive ruleset means that intent is not a required element to establish a violation.
2. Technical error claims: Attributing the issue to a software glitch requires substantial technical evidence and expert testimony. Such defenses have occasionally succeeded when players can demonstrate that the anomaly resulted from a documented bug in the official software rather than third-party manipulation.
3. Procedural challenges: Contesting the detection methods or procedures used to identify hacked Pokémon has met with mixed success. Challenges based on chain-of-custody issues (such as improper handling of game data during inspection) have occasionally resulted in penalties being reversed or reduced.
4. Proportionality arguments: While not technically a defense to the underlying violation, players have sometimes successfully argued that the penalty imposed is disproportionate to the alleged violation. TPCi’s penalty guidelines explicitly acknowledge mitigating factors such as a player’s history, the competitive level of the event, and whether the violation appeared intentional.

Risk Mitigation Strategies for Competitive Players

To minimize exposure to potential penalties and legal complications, competitive players should implement a comprehensive risk management approach:

1. Self-obtained Pokémon prioritization: The safest approach is to exclusively use Pokémon obtained through the player’s own gameplay, as this eliminates the risk of inadvertently using hacked creatures obtained from third parties.
2. Proactive legitimacy verification: For Pokémon obtained through trades or transfers, players should conduct thorough verification using both in-game indicators and approved third-party tools that can identify common markers of illegitimate Pokémon. This includes checking for legal move combinations, appropriate ability/nature pairings, and valid origin markers.
3. Regulatory monitoring: Given that TPCi periodically updates its tournament regulations, players should maintain active awareness of rule changes through official channels, including the Play! Pokémon website and authorized tournament organizer communications.
4. Comprehensive documentation practices: Establishing and maintaining detailed records of how competitive Pokémon were obtained (including screenshots, video recordings of significant acquisitions, and transaction logs) can provide crucial exculpatory evidence in the event of an accusation.
5. Pre-tournament validation protocols: Prior to registering for significant competitions, players should utilize official checking tools to verify team legality, and consider requesting a preliminary team check from tournament officials when such services are available.

Conclusion: The Legal Context of Pokémon Integrity

The official Play! Pokémon VG Rules create a comprehensive legal framework that renders the use of hacked Pokémon in competitive play a high-risk proposition with potentially career-ending consequences. Section 1 establishes that competitors are responsible for team legality, while Section 4.3 explicitly prohibits external manipulation regardless of whether the Pokémon were obtained through trades or created by the competitor themselves.

The detection mechanisms outlined in Section 4 create multiple layers of verification, including both automated and manual checks, with Appendix A providing a clear rubric for identifying illegal Pokémon. The penalty structure in Section 5 establishes a progressive system of enforcement, culminating in Disqualification for the most serious violations, including the use of Pokémon that provide competitive advantages not obtainable through normal gameplay.

While the gray market for hacked Pokémon continues to thrive, offering tempting shortcuts to competitive advantage, the legal risks far outweigh any potential benefits. Players who choose to use these services expose themselves not only to tournament disqualification but potentially to suspension from the entire competitive ecosystem.

As competitive Pokémon continues to grow as an esport with increasingly substantial prize pools and sponsorship opportunities, the enforcement mechanisms surrounding team legality will likely become even more sophisticated. The integration of advanced detection algorithms and greater scrutiny of statistical anomalies means that violations that might have gone undetected in the past will become increasingly difficult to conceal.

For players serious about long-term competitive success, the only prudent approach is strict adherence to the legitimate acquisition methods outlined in the rules. The momentary competitive edge potentially gained through hacked Pokémon is far outweighed by the career-ending consequences of detection.r outweighed by the career-ending consequences of detection.

Common Reasons for MLBB Account Bans

Before appealing for account recovery, it is crucial to understand why your account was banned. Moonton strictly prohibits activities that could ruin the gaming experience for others:

• Cheating: Using unauthorized software or hacks to gain unfair advantages
• Toxicity and Offensive Behavior: Inappropriate content involving racial slurs, political or religious statements, or any other explicit or offensive material
• Account Trading: Selling or purchasing accounts violates the terms of service
• Third-party Programs: Using unauthorized applications that modify gameplay
• AFK and Game Disruption: Repeatedly abandoning matches or intentionally disrupting gameplay

How to Appeal a Mobile Legends Ban

Surprisingly, Mobile Legends Bang Bang’s appeal system is straightforward. Even if unfairly banned, there is a chance to recover your account through the MLBB account recovery mechanism.

Method 1: In-Game Appeal

1. Open MLBB, where you’ll immediately receive a system notification informing you of the ban duration
2. Click on “Get Help” to engage with a chatbot
3. Select “Report or Appeal” and fill out the provided form
4. Provide your in-game ID (found in your profile) and all relevant information, including your appeal reasons
5. Alternatively, access the FAQ page by clicking on the chat support icon on the game’s main page

Method 2: Email Appeal

In addition to in-game appeals, you can also email Moonton’s customer service team:

1. Write an email to [email protected]
2. Include your in-game ID and all necessary details in your message
3. Use a concise title such as “Mobile Legends Account Suspension Appeal”
4. Explain why you believe your account should be unbanned, providing supporting information
5. Wait for Moonton’s customer service team to respond (may take several days)
6. Follow any additional instructions provided by customer service
7. If approved, they will send a confirmation email about your account being unbanned

MLBB Ban Appeal Template

DISCLAIMER: Please note that the provided template is for informational purposes only. Utilizing this template does not guarantee that your ban will be lifted. It is designed to help articulate an appeal in a polite and constructive manner. Each case is unique, and the final decision rests with Moonton’s customer service team.

Please be aware that the circumstances outlined in the template must be tailored according to the specific details and needs of your situation. The effectiveness of your appeal largely depends on the accuracy and relevance of the information you provide.

Any text enclosed in brackets [example] should be replaced with your individual data and specific details relevant to your case.

Subject: Mobile Legends Account Suspension Appeal - [Your In-Game ID]

Dear Moonton Support Team,

I am writing to formally appeal the ban imposed on my Mobile Legends: Bang Bang account ([Your In-Game ID]), effective [Date of Ban]. This correspondence seeks a review and possible revocation of the said ban, which I believe was issued under mistaken circumstances.

Introduction:
I, [Your Full Name], with the in-game ID [Your In-Game ID], wish to appeal against the sanctions applied to my account as of [Date of Ban]. My intent is to clarify the circumstances that led to the imposition of the ban and to present evidence countering the rationale for such action.

To the best of my knowledge, my account was suspended for violating Mobile Legends' terms of service, specifically under the category of [Specify the Reason for Ban if known, e.g., "Suspected Third-Party Software Use"]. The notification received did not provide a detailed explanation of the incident(s) that led to this decision, thereby limiting my understanding and ability to rectify the situation.

Grounds for Appeal:
I believe the ban imposed on my account was a result of a misunderstanding stemming from [explain the situation that you believe led to the ban]. However, I wish to clarify the context to illustrate why the ban may have been unjustified.

[Provide specific details about the incident or situation that may have triggered the ban. Be honest and concise.]

[If applicable, describe any steps you took to remedy the situation or prevent it from happening again.]

Additionally, I have always strived to uphold the community standards set forth by Moonton, with this incident being an isolated case in an otherwise exemplary record, as demonstrated by my player history and positive interactions with the community.

Request for Review:
Based on the above-stated grounds, I respectfully request the reconsideration of the ban on my Mobile Legends account. I believe that the evidence and context provided sufficiently demonstrate that the ban either was a misunderstanding or does not warrant the severity of the current penalty.

I am fully committed to adhering strictly to Mobile Legends' Community Code and terms of service. I understand the importance of maintaining a respectful and fair gaming environment and hereby pledge to uphold these principles diligently moving forward.

I am willing to provide further information or clarification as required and can be reached at [Your Email Address] or [Your Phone Number]. Thank you for considering my appeal. I look forward to your response and hope for a positive resolution to this matter.

Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your In-Game ID]
[Your Server ID/Zone]

Important Appeal Tips

1. Be Honest: Acknowledge if you made a mistake and explain how you’ve learned from it
2. Be Respectful: Maintain a polite and professional tone throughout your appeal
3. Be Detailed: Provide specific information about your account and the circumstances of the ban
4. Be Patient: The review process may take several days depending on the complexity of your case
5. Follow Up: If you don’t receive a response within a week, consider sending a polite follow-up

DISCLAIMER: We cannot guarantee that your account will be unbanned, as the final decision rests with Moonton’s customer service team. They may decide to continue the ban based on the severity of the violation.

If your Moonton account has been banned, follow the steps outlined in this guide to attempt an appeal. Ensure you provide all necessary information requested by customer service and remain patient as they review your case. While there are no guarantees, a well-crafted appeal increases your chances of a favorable outcome.

The Investigation and Findings

The ESIC’s investigation into Roheen “Goon” included evidence from live game footage and verified screenshots of communications with betting operators. These pieces of evidence substantiated that Goon placed bets on the tournament events he was involved in. Such activities are explicitly prohibited under the ESIC Anti-Corruption Code, particularly under items 2.2.1 and 2.4.5, which cover betting on matches and failing to report betting activities, respectively.

ESIC’s commitment to integrity in esports is reflected in their robust investigative procedures. By relying on concrete evidence such as live footage and verified communications, ESIC ensures that their findings are beyond reproach. This meticulous approach not only upholds the integrity of their investigations but also serves as a deterrent to potential violators.

The Sanction for Roheen “Goon”

In light of the serious nature of these breaches, ESIC has imposed a Rejection Order against Goon. This sanction will be effective for a period of nine months, from 3 April 2024 to 5 January 2025. During this period, Goon is prohibited from participating in ESIC member tournaments. This penalty period was reduced to nine months due to Goon’s early plea and his proactive measures in removing his bets on the events in question.

The decision to impose this sanction highlights ESIC’s zero-tolerance policy towards corruption in esports. By imposing strict penalties, ESIC sends a clear message that unethical behavior will not be tolerated, and violators will face significant consequences.

The Role of ESIC in Esports Integrity

The ESIC’s mission is to ensure fair play and ethical conduct in all esports events. By enforcing strict compliance with the Anti-Corruption Code, ESIC protects the integrity of the esports industry. This latest sanction against Goon is a testament to ESIC’s unwavering dedication to upholding these standards.

Broader Implications for Esports

The case of Roheen “Goon” serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of integrity in esports. As the esports industry continues to grow, the need for robust regulatory frameworks and enforcement mechanisms becomes increasingly critical. The ESIC’s proactive stance in this case sets a precedent for how similar violations will be handled in the future.

The Importance of Compliance and Reporting

One of the key aspects of the ESIC Anti-Corruption Code is the requirement for participants to report any betting activities. Goon’s failure to report his betting activities constituted a significant breach of this code. This highlights the importance of compliance and transparency in maintaining the integrity of esports competitions.

Participants in esports events must understand the gravity of these regulations and the potential consequences of non-compliance. By fostering a culture of transparency and accountability, the esports community can collectively work towards a fairer and more ethical competitive environment.

The Future of Esports Integrity

ESIC’s commitment to integrity is an ongoing effort. The commission continues to develop and enforce regulations that adapt to the evolving landscape of esports. This includes not only addressing current issues such as betting but also anticipating and mitigating future risks.

Conclusion

The sanction against Roheen “Goon” is a significant step in the ongoing effort to maintain the integrity of esports. ESIC’s thorough investigation and decisive action demonstrate their commitment to upholding the highest standards of conduct in the industry. As esports continues to grow, the importance of organizations like ESIC cannot be overstated. By enforcing strict compliance with ethical standards, ESIC ensures that esports remains a fair and competitive environment for all participants.

For more information on ESIC’s regulations and the full list of ESIC members, please visit their website at esic.gg. For any questions related to this matter, contact the Commissioner’s office at [email protected].

Image Source: X (formerly: Twitter) Account of Goon