General
Competitive Gaming vs. Esports: A Legal Examination for the Informed Practitioner
In the digital age, the intersection of law and gaming has become increasingly prominent. Two terms, “competitive gaming” and “esports”, often find themselves at the heart of legal discussions. For lawyers and law students, understanding the nuances between these two is paramount. This article offers a comprehensive legal exploration of the differences between competitive gaming and esports.

Definition and Legal Recognition
Competitive Gaming
“Competitive Gaming” refers to any video game-based activity where individuals or teams engage in competition to achieve specific objectives or outcomes within the game environment. This encompasses a wide range of formats, from informal challenges among peers to structured online and offline tournaments. Competitive gaming includes, but is not limited to, traditional head-to-head matches, time-based challenges such as speedruns, and achievement-based contests. In speedruns, participants aim to complete a game or specific objectives within a game in the shortest time possible, often exploiting game mechanics or employing specialized strategies. While competitive gaming can overlap with esports, it is distinguished by its broader scope, encompassing both professional and amateur levels of play, and may not always involve formalized structures, rules, or significant monetary rewards.
Esports
“Esports”, an abbreviation of “electronic sports”, refers to organized, multiplayer video game competitions, particularly between professional players, individually or as teams. These competitions are often facilitated by specific governing bodies and are characterized by structured formats, rules, and regulations akin to traditional sports. Esports encompasses a range of genres, including real-time strategy, first-person shooter, and multiplayer online battle arena games. Participants in esports may enter into formal contracts, receive compensation, and be subject to rights and obligations similar to traditional athletes. Esports events may be broadcasted live, attracting significant viewership both in-person in arenas and online through streaming platforms. The term “esports” distinguishes these formal, professionalized competitions from broader, casual competitive gaming activities.
Contracts and Professional Agreements
Competitive Gaming
Competitive gaming events may involve agreements, such as terms of participation or prize distribution. However, these agreements are often informal and may not always be legally binding. Disputes might be resolved informally or through platform-specific arbitration mechanisms.
Esports
Esports involves a myriad of contracts – player-team agreements, sponsorship deals, broadcasting rights, and more. These contracts can be intricate, stipulating player salaries, behavior clauses, performance benchmarks, and revenue sharing. Breaches can lead to litigation or arbitration, much like in traditional sports.
Intellectual Property and Broadcasting Rights
Competitive Gaming
Intellectual property (IP) concerns in the realm of competitive gaming primarily center around the licensing rights of the games being played and the content generated by users. Game developers typically grant licenses to players, allowing them to play and, in some cases, stream or record their gameplay. However, these licenses often come with restrictions, especially concerning the commercial use of the game’s content. While players might stream their gameplay on platforms like Twitch or YouTube, the avenues for monetization, such as advertisements or sponsorships, can be limited either by the platform’s policies or the game’s licensing agreement. Additionally, user-generated content, like custom game mods or fan-made art, can introduce further IP considerations, particularly if they incorporate copyrighted elements of the original game.
Esports
The IP landscape of esports is multifaceted and can be intricate. At the forefront, game developers retain the rights to their games, which includes the game’s code, artwork, music, and other proprietary elements. However, as esports has evolved, new layers of IP considerations have emerged:
- Player Performances: Just as a musician holds rights to their live performances, questions arise about the rights to an esports player’s in-game performance. Who owns the rights to a particularly skillful move or strategy developed by a player?
- Team Logos and Branding: Esports teams, like traditional sports teams, develop unique logos, slogans, and branding elements. These are often trademarked to prevent unauthorized use and to build a brand identity in the competitive landscape.
- Broadcasting Rights: Major esports tournaments are events with significant viewership. The rights to broadcast these events, both online and on traditional media, can be sold for substantial sums. Unauthorized broadcasts or “restreams” can infringe on these rights, leading to legal disputes.
- Merchandising: With the rise of esports’ popularity, there’s been a surge in related merchandise, from team jerseys to in-game skins. The sale and distribution of these items are often governed by trademark and copyright laws.
- Sponsorships and Endorsements: Esports teams and players often enter into sponsorship deals, which can include the use of logos, names, and likenesses. These deals can have intricate IP clauses to protect both the sponsor’s and the team’s/player’s brands.
Player Rights and Labor Laws
Competitive Gaming
Competitive gamers, especially those participating in smaller or informal competitions, often operate outside the purview of structured legal frameworks. This means:
- Lack of Contractual Protections: Many competitive gamers may not have formal contracts, leaving them vulnerable to potential breaches, such as unpaid prize money or unfulfilled promises by event organizers.
- Dispute Resolution: In the absence of formal agreements, resolving disputes can be challenging. Gamers might have to rely on platform-specific arbitration mechanisms or informal negotiations rather than legal avenues.
- No Standardized Benefits: Unlike traditional employment, competitive gaming rarely offers benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, or paid leave. This can pose challenges, especially for those who consider competitive gaming as a primary source of income.
- Inconsistent Regulations: The rules and regulations governing competitive gaming can vary widely between events, leading to inconsistencies in player treatment and rights.
Esports
With the professionalization of esports, the industry is seeing a shift towards more traditional employment structures and the associated legal protections:
- Formal Contracts: Esports players often sign contracts with teams or event organizers. These contracts can stipulate salaries, performance bonuses, behavior expectations, and more.
- Labor Law Protections: In regions where esports players are recognized as professional athletes or employees, they may be entitled to protections under labor laws. This can include minimum wage guarantees, overtime pay, and mandated breaks.
- Health and Well-being: As the physical and mental demands of professional gaming become more recognized, there’s a growing emphasis on providing health benefits, including medical insurance, mental health resources, and ergonomic training.
- Unionization and Player Associations: Recognizing the need for collective bargaining, some players are forming or joining associations or unions. These organizations aim to advocate for player rights, negotiate better contract terms, and provide a unified voice in disputes.
- Training and Development: Just as traditional athletes receive training and development, esports players are increasingly provided with coaching, game strategy sessions, and other resources to enhance their skills.
- Retirement and Future Planning: With the transient nature of esports careers, there’s a growing focus on providing players with retirement benefits and future career planning resources.
Regulatory Bodies and Governance
Competitive Gaming
In the realm of competitive gaming, the landscape is vast and diverse, encompassing a myriad of games, platforms, and event formats. This diversity inherently brings about a decentralized form of regulation. Most competitive gaming events are self-regulated, with rules set by individual event organizers or the game developers themselves. This absence of a centralized governing body grants event organizers significant flexibility in determining competition formats, prize structures, and participant eligibility. However, it also means that enforcement mechanisms for rule violations can vary widely. Some events might opt for informal dispute resolution processes, while others might lean on platform-specific arbitration. This lack of standardized rules across different events can lead to inconsistencies, where a particular strategy or game mechanic might be permissible in one tournament but banned in another.
Esports
On the other hand, esports, with its trajectory towards professionalization, is carving out a more structured regulatory landscape, drawing many parallels with traditional sports. Certain esports titles or leagues have established governing bodies that oversee competitions on a global scale. These bodies are responsible for setting standardized rules, ensuring competitive fairness, and handling disputes. As the stakes in esports rise, so does the emphasis on maintaining a level playing field. This has led to the implementation of anti-doping regulations, akin to those in traditional sports, to prevent the use of performance-enhancing drugs or software cheats. Additionally, some esports leagues have introduced player and team licensing requirements, ensuring that participants adhere to a professional standard and the league’s code of conduct. Violations of these rules can result in sanctions, which can range from monetary fines to suspensions or even bans, all in a bid to maintain the integrity of the competition. Beyond just the players and teams, the governance process in esports often involves other stakeholders, including sponsors, broadcasters, and fans, ensuring a holistic approach to regulation.
Conclusion
The digital gaming universe, spanning from grassroots competitive gaming to the grandeur of professional esports, has firmly established itself as a significant cultural and economic force in the modern era. Both domains, though rooted in the world of video games, present distinct legal landscapes.
Competitive gaming, with its diverse array of formats and decentralized nature, often operates in a realm of autonomy. Its regulatory framework is primarily shaped by individual event organizers or game developers, leading to a patchwork of rules and governance structures. This decentralized approach offers flexibility but can also result in inconsistencies, especially when it comes to player rights, intellectual property, and dispute resolution.
In contrast, esports, as it marches towards greater professionalization, is carving out a more structured and standardized regulatory environment. Drawing inspiration from traditional sports, esports is seeing the emergence of governing bodies, standardized rules, player associations, and intricate contractual frameworks. This evolution brings with it complex legal considerations, from intellectual property rights in broadcasting to labor laws for players.
As the gaming industry continues its upward trajectory, the legal frameworks that underpin it are bound to become more sophisticated and nuanced. The distinctions between competitive gaming and esports, while subtle, have profound legal implications. For legal practitioners and scholars, staying abreast of these developments is not just beneficial but essential. As the lines between digital entertainment and traditional legal structures continue to blur, a deep understanding of the intricacies of both competitive gaming and esports becomes paramount in effectively navigating and shaping the future of this dynamic and ever-evolving landscape.
Photo: Yves Tennevin, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
General
Esports Legal News Welcomes Two New Team Members
We are thrilled to announce the addition of two exceptional legal minds to the Esports Legal News team: Dr. Yuliia Tolmachevska and Valentin De Roany. These accomplished professionals bring unique expertise that will significantly enhance our coverage and analysis of the evolving esports legal landscape.

Dr Yuliia Tolmachevska – Academic Director
Dr Yuliia Tolmachevska joins us as Academic Director, bringing her extensive experience as a legal expert and Deputy Director of the Ukrainian NGO “Association of Sports Law.” She also serves as the Executive Editor of the scientific journal Lex Sportiva.
Yuliia’s scholarly focus centers on the legal complexities of esports, with particular emphasis on civil contracts governing relationships within this rapidly expanding sector. Her doctoral research represents a significant contribution to the legal understanding of esports, especially within the Ukrainian context. Her thesis meticulously examines the intricacies of contractual agreements in esports, highlighting the gaps in legal frameworks that often leave e-athletes and other stakeholders vulnerable to exploitation and legal uncertainties.
Valentin De Roany – Academic Junior Associate
Valentin De Roany joins as Academic Junior Associate, bringing his reputation as a distinguished mooter who has represented his university at international competitions and played a key role in securing top placements for his team. His passion for law extends beyond the classroom, where he revitalized mooting and negotiation programs, mentoring new students and sharpening the skills of seasoned advocates.
Valentin’s journey in the esports realm is equally impressive. He has served in various coaching roles, nurturing promising talents and leading teams to success. His leadership in a grassroots esports organization, where he navigated cultural and linguistic challenges, showcases his ability to build bridges and drive success across different regions.
Upcoming Project: Esports Community Tournament Guidelines
We are excited to announce that Yuliia and Valentin will be coordinating an upcoming project on Esports Community Tournament Guidelines in collaboration with legal professionals from across the industry. This initiative aims to develop comprehensive legal frameworks that address the unique challenges faced by community tournament organizers, participants, and stakeholders.
The project will leverage their combined expertise in sports law, esports regulations, and practical tournament experience to create accessible guidelines that promote fair play, protect participants’ rights, and establish best practices for the growing community tournament scene.
Stay tuned for more updates on this important initiative and please join us in welcoming Dr. Yuliia Tolmachevska and Valentin De Roany to the Esports Legal News team!
General
Tencent’s Light of Motiram – Innovation or Imitation?
The line between inspiration and imitation in the gaming industry has again sparked debate, this time involving Tencent’s title, Light of Motiram, and Sony’s Horizon Zero Dawn. The controversy highlights the ongoing tension in intellectual property (IP) law within gaming, echoing past cases like Palworld vs. Pokémon. Here, we explore these issues, their legal implications, and what they mean for the future of game development.
The Allegations Against Light of Motiram
Tencent’s Light of Motiram, bears striking visual and thematic similarities to Sony’s Horizon series. Both games feature post-apocalyptic settings where players navigate lush environments populated by mechanical animals. Critics have pointed out uncanny resemblances, from the aesthetic of mechanised creatures to thematic overlaps like “nature meets machine”. For a side by side comparison, see here .
While Light of Motiram distinguishes itself by introducing survival mechanics, such as team-based gameplay and base-building, it doesn’t escape comparisons. This raises the question: at what point does inspiration become actionable under IP law?
Fans have drawn parallels between this situation and the ongoing legal battle between Nintendo and Pocketpair over Palworld, suggesting Sony might consider legal action for intellectual property infringement. While Light of Motiram incorporates some original features, the resemblance in core design has led many to accuse Tencent of unoriginality and blatant copying. Neither Sony nor Tencent has officially commented on these accusations or hinted at legal steps so far.
A Familiar Pattern: Palworld vs. Pokémon
Tencent’s predicament mirrors the legal battle between Nintendo and the creators of Palworld. The latter faced allegations of patent infringement (among other IP infringements). Their game, which shares visual and mechanical similarities with Pokémon, has been called “Pokémon with guns” due to its concept of capturing and using creatures in combat and other tasks.
Nintendo and The Pokémon Company filed a lawsuit in September 2024 in Japan, claiming that Palworld infringes on patents related to mechanics like capturing creatures using a throwable object, visual indicators for capture success rates, and riding creatures in an open world. These patents stem from a broader set filed in 2021, before Palworld’s official release
There’s growing speculation about potential legal issues between Sony and Tencent. Given Sony’s history of protecting its intellectual property and the attention this controversy is garnering, a legal dispute similar to the Nintendo-Pocketpair case could emerge, especially if Light of Motiram proves successful upon release. For now, the gaming community is watching closely to see if Sony takes action or if Tencent modifies the game to address the criticisms.
Concluding Remarks
Legal disputes like these, underscore the challenges of fostering creativity while protecting original work. Developers tread a fine line when drawing inspiration from popular titles. While derivative works can expand genre boundaries, they risk infringing on protected IP, leading to costly litigation.
Whether or not Sony files a lawsuit (most probably will do so), the discourse surrounding this case will likely influence stakeholders’ understanding of the balance between innovation and IP protection—a critical issue as the esports and gaming industries continue to grow.

Light of Motiram – Steam
General
Book Review: The Routledge Handbook of Esports
The Routledge Handbook of Esports edited by Seth Jenny, Nicolas Besombes, Tom Brock, Amanda Cote and Tobias Scholz, offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of one of the fastest-growing sectors in contemporary sports and entertainment. This handbook is an essential resource for students, researchers, and industry professionals alike.
The structure of the book is both logical and engaging, divided into ten key themes that address the multifaceted nature of esports. Each of the 62 chapters, authored by 93 leading academics and industry specialists, presents rigorous research, practical examples, and case studies that illuminate the current landscape of esports. The themes range from foundational definitions and historical context to critical discussions on players, business management, and the future directions of esports.
Chapter-by-Chapter Analysis of the The Routledge Handbook of Esports
Table of Contents
Section 1: Introduction to Esports
The opening chapters provide a solid grounding in the subject, notably Chapter 1.2, which tackles the complex task of defining esports. Nothelfer, Jenny, and Besombes navigate the nuances of this definition with finesse, distinguishing between recreational gaming and competitive esports. Their proposed definition serves as a cornerstone for the entire handbook, establishing a clear framework for subsequent discussions.
In exploring the history of global esports, Jin and Besombes highlight significant technological milestones and cultural shifts that have propelled esports from niche competitions to a global spectacle. Their chronological account, pinpointing key transitions since the late 1950s, contextualizes the evolution of esports within broader societal changes.
Further enriching this exploration is Chapter 1.4, which meticulously outlines the diverse stakeholders within the esports ecosystem. Carrillo Vera and Antón’s depiction of the interdependencies among players, publishers, broadcasters, and fans emphasizes the complexity of this burgeoning industry. This holistic view is crucial for understanding how various entities collaborate and compete in the esports landscape.
Chapters focusing on esports genres and the role of game developers provide valuable insights into the mechanics of the industry. Hamer and Besombes categorize game genres with precision, while Ashton delves into the evolving responsibilities of game publishers, notably their transition to the “Game as a Service” model. These discussions reflect the dynamic nature of esports and its continual adaptation to technological advancements.
Section 2: Esports Research
The second section of the handbook shifts focus to esports research methodology, a particularly notable feature as it addresses the nascent state of academic inquiry in this field. Baker, Sharpe, and Jenny’s overview of current research topics emphasizes the multidisciplinary nature of esports studies and suggests a robust framework for organizing future research efforts. While Jenny, Harris, Scholz and Besombes discuss the organisations, Labs/Centres and Journals related to Esports research, Campbell, Jenny, Cregan and Smithies provide general recommendations for Esports research. The call for more rigorous methodologies, including randomized controlled trials and qualitative approaches, is both timely and necessary as the field matures, as Cote, Foxman and Law highlight in 2.5.
Each chapter contributes to a greater understanding of the methodologies employed in esports research, providing practical recommendations and critical insights. For instance, Macey and Hamari’s examination of survey methodologies, along with DiFrancisco-Donoghue and Varga’s focus on experimental designs, equips researchers with essential tools to explore this vibrant field.
Section 3 – Esports Players
This section of the handbook highlights the vital role of players in the esports ecosystem, examining various facets crucial for their development, support, and sustainability. Featuring insights from both industry experts and academics, it presents evidence-based strategies aimed at enhancing player performance while prioritizing overall wellness. Chapter 3.2 by Hong and Wünsch offers an in-depth look at the daily routines and pressures faced by esports players, providing a comprehensive overview of their professional lives and the expectations from various stakeholders.
Jenny explores the essential skills required for elite esports performance, emphasizing the importance of physical coordination, mental acuity, and teamwork in competitive environments. Chapter 3.4 by Varga, Scholz, and Tan delves into the use of data to assess and improve player performance, highlighting both the strengths and limitations of analytics in capturing the nuances of communication and team dynamics. Watson, Jenny, and Johnson discuss the multifaceted roles of esports coaches, offering practical advice on coaching philosophies and educational pathways to enhance coaching effectiveness. Chapter 3.6 by Swettenham, Abbot, and Leis emphasizes the significance of mental fortitude in esports, presenting strategies for improving team communication and guidance on seeking psychological support. Migliore provides practical recommendations for physical activity, sleep, nutrition, and mental health, addressing common issues like stress and gaming addiction.
Chapter 3.8 by McGee, Ho, and Jenny highlights common injuries in esports and advocate for ergonomic practices to enhance player safety and performance. Meissner shares valuable insights on how to support children through various stages of their esports journey, from early involvement to professional aspirations. Chapter 3.10 by Fisackerly outlines the journey from casual to professional play, noting the impact of collegiate esports systems and the challenges players face in their careers.
Section 4 – Esports Business and Management
Section 4 of the handbook dives into the commercial landscape of esports, examining the business and management practices that underpin this rapidly growing industry. While esports have attracted entrepreneurs and investors, it has also faced challenges, leading to calls for more sustainable business models. This section seeks to bridge traditional business principles with the unique dynamics of esports, offering readers valuable insights into various aspects of the field.
Chapter 4.2 by Parshakov and Barajas explores the financial frameworks and business models that drive the esports industry. It highlights diverse revenue streams and cost structures, alongside the evolution of prize money, showcasing the financial maturation of esports and investment opportunities within publicly traded companies.
Gentile introduces the discipline of esports management, emphasizing the need for effective managerial and leadership practices in this burgeoning landscape. The chapter reviews organizational structures within esports teams and leagues, providing a solid foundation for aspiring managers.
Chapter 4.4 by Helmefalk, Berndt, McCauley, Borg, and Erlandsson serves as a practical guide to orchestrating offline esports events. It covers key processes and stakeholder expectations, equipping readers with insights to successfully plan and execute tournaments.
Kauweloa explores the evolving architecture of esports venues, categorizing them into three types. The chapter addresses the design and technical considerations that influence venue management, urging future research to rethink conventional definitions of esports arenas. Chapter 4.6 by Becka, Antón, Vera, and Ruera examines the intersection of esports and tourism, identifying how esports events can enhance city branding and attract tourists. It highlights nine global “esports tourist capitals” and the potential for integrating esports within the hospitality sector.
McCauley and Baker dissect the marketing strategies shaping the esports landscape. They analyse consumer behaviours and innovative branding techniques, offering a comprehensive overview of team and player branding as well as digital marketing practices. Chapter 4.8 by Pizzo and Hedlund delves into the critical role of sponsorships in esports, examining the relationship between endemic and non-endemic brands. It emphasizes the importance of authentic engagement to resonate with esports audiences and provides recommendations for maximizing sponsorship effectiveness.
Mitchell, Möglich, and Ritacco explore the evolving field of public relations within esports, discussing challenges and best practices. They highlight effective communication and crisis management strategies that are essential for navigating the complex PR landscape. Chapter 4.10 by Büßecker, Lenke, Ruhland, Vitale, and Scholz investigates unique HR management practices in esports, from talent acquisition to organizational culture. It emphasizes the need for tailored HR approaches to foster engagement and adapt to the industry’s distinctive demands.
Section 5 – Esports Media and Communication
Section 5 of the handbook delves into the pivotal realm of media and communication within esports, illustrating how digital athleticism is conveyed to audiences worldwide. This segment combines insights from seasoned practitioners and scholars, providing a thorough exploration of esports journalism, production, streaming, spectatorship, and fandom.
Chapter 5.2 by Wolf and Cote traces the evolution of esports journalism, detailing its transition from niche forums to mainstream coverage. The authors examine the challenges faced by traditional media, such as ESPN and Yahoo, in grasping the esports narrative, while also highlighting the rise of content creators as an alternative source of news and insights.
Knutson and Liebig discuss the intricate processes behind esports broadcasts, focusing on the livestreaming ecosystem. They outline the various roles involved in production and draw comparisons with traditional sports broadcasting, emphasizing the unique elements of digital content creation, audience engagement, and the technologies that drive profitability.
Smethers provides a deep dive into streaming platforms like Twitch and YouTube, along with traditional TV networks. Smethers explores monetization strategies, rights management, and the engagement dynamics unique to each platform, shedding light on the financial structures that support esports broadcasting.
Välisalo, Brock, and Law examine the evolution of esports audiences, from casual gatherings to structured events. They analyse demographics, motivations, and engagement practices, emphasizing the importance of real-time interaction and data insights in enhancing the viewer experience for both in-person and online audiences.
Jarrett explores the profound influence of fandom on the esports ecosystem, highlighting the symbiotic relationship between the industry and its fans. He discusses the origins of esports genres from fan adaptations and introduces theoretical frameworks from cultural studies to analyse fan identities, creativity, and the dynamic interactions that define esports fandom.
Section 6 – Esports Education
Section 6 of the handbook explores the integration of esports into educational settings, addressing both instructional and competitive dimensions. As a relatively new phenomenon, this section presents cutting-edge insights into how esports can motivate learning, improve student retention, develop digital literacy skills, and enhance essential life skills such as communication and teamwork.
Chapter 6.2 by Jenny, Gawrysiak, O’Hagan, and Besombes provides a global perspective on esports education at both secondary and higher education levels. The authors clarify a common misconception that esports education solely focuses on gaming skills, emphasizing instead the importance of acquiring knowledge relevant to various esports and gaming industry careers, such as management and media. They present a detailed inventory of academic programs, noting that most focus on preparing students for business-related roles in esports. The authors outline essential characteristics of effective programs, including qualified faculty and industry connections, while acknowledging existing scepticism about esports education’s sustainability.
Foxman, Jenny, Cote, King, and Becka discuss the environment and challenges faced by collegiate esports teams, highlighting both student-driven clubs and institution-supported varsity programs. Key issues include diversity, equity, and inclusion, as well as the lack of standardization across programs. The authors provide practical advice for establishing a collegiate esports program, along with insights from interviews that capture different regional perspectives.
Harvey offers a practical guide for developing competitive esports programs in primary and secondary education. The chapter emphasizes how esports can foster digital literacy and provide a low-risk environment for students to engage with technology while having fun. As students advance, competitions become more structured, and considerations such as staffing, resources, and game selection become crucial. Harvey advocates for a balanced approach that combines education, sport, and gaming, empowering students through their participation in esports.
Section 7 – Critical Concerns in Esports
Section 7 of the handbook tackles the complex challenges and pressing issues within the esports ecosystem, shedding light on eight key areas that demand further research and attention from both participants and organizations. This section provides a comprehensive overview of the critical concerns that shape the future of esports, including governance, ethics, inclusion, and environmental sustainability.
Chapter 7.2 by Abanazir and Shinohara addresses the rapid growth of esports outpacing its regulatory frameworks. The authors highlight the intricate relationship between game developers and third-party organizers, noting the lack of established governing bodies and the resulting fluid legal environment. They suggest that supranational entities like the EU could play a pivotal role in establishing coherent guidelines for esports governance.
Jenny, Schelfhout, and Besombes explore the potential inclusion of esports in the Olympic Games, outlining the challenges and opportunities involved. The authors stress the fragmented nature of the esports landscape, which lacks a legitimate international governing body, a significant hurdle for integration into the Olympic framework. However, they remain hopeful about the possibility of esports participating in the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.
Brock and Johnson investigate the role of gambling in esports, particularly focusing on contentious practices like loot boxes and skin betting. These forms of gambling raise ethical concerns and have led to public scandals and regulatory scrutiny. They emphasize that new technologies complicate the gambling ecosystem, introducing both opportunities and challenges.
Partin discusses the ethical dilemmas surrounding cheating in esports, arguing that it undermines the integrity of competition. The chapter examines the socio-technical factors that contribute to cheating, suggesting that players’ social and economic circumstances can influence their decisions.
Chapter 7.6 by Frommel and Mandryk delves into the pervasive issue of toxicity within esports communities. The authors highlight the ambiguity of the term and the challenges it presents in creating effective enforcement mechanisms. They discuss efforts by organizations to categorize toxic behaviours and explore the role of AI moderation in promoting safer online environments.
Friman, Ruotsalainen, and Ståhl tackle the cultural barriers that alienate women and minorities in esports, challenging the stereotype of the “esports athlete” as predominantly white and male. They advocate for initiatives that promote diversity and equity, highlighting organizations working to support underrepresented players.
Chapter 7.8 by Hassan, Baltzar, and Kämäräinen examines the barriers faced by gamers with disabilities and the need for accommodations. The authors argue for a more nuanced understanding of disability that considers intersecting factors such as socio-economic status and race, and they draw parallels to the Paralympics as a potential model for inclusivity.
Hiltscher and Möglich situate esports within broader environmental challenges, advocating for corporate social responsibility (CSR) to drive sustainability in the industry. They encourage esports organizations to invest in renewable energy and align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to reduce their carbon footprint.
Section 8 – Global Esports Cultures
Section 8 of the Routledge Handbook of Esports offers a fascinating exploration of the diverse esports ecosystems around the world. While esports is often viewed through the lens of its origins in East Asia and North America, this section emphasizes the unique cultural, social, and economic factors shaping esports in various global regions. Each chapter provides critical insights into how esports is developing and operating differently across the globe, highlighting both commonalities and distinct differences.
Chapter 8.2 by El Borno and Mokhtar traces the evolution of esports in the MENA region, from grassroots tournaments in cyber cafes to its current professional landscape. The authors discuss significant challenges faced, such as infrastructure and investment, while also showcasing success stories like the Intel Arabian Cup, illustrating the region’s potential for growth.
Focusing on East Asia as the heart of the esports industry, Jin and Kim expand the conversation to Southeast and South Asia. The authors emphasize regional nuances, fan culture, and emerging esports markets, offering a holistic view of Asia’s complex esports landscape beyond just the established powers like China and South Korea.
Koskimaa examines the dual trajectory of European esports: its integration into broader digital entertainment and the sportification of competitive gaming. The chapter highlights regional variations, popular titles, and the impact of local fandoms, providing a comprehensive picture of Europe’s diverse esports culture.
Micallef and Formosa discuss the mixed history of esports in Oceania, particularly in Australia and New Zealand, noting both advancements and setbacks, such as the cancellation of the Oceanic Pro League. The authors identify unique challenges, like geographic barriers and market size, while emphasizing the growth of university esports programs as a bright spot.
Chapter 8.6 by Scholl and Stout offers a critical analysis of the North American esports scene, detailing the influential role of organizations like Major League Gaming. It explores the intricate relationships among game publishers, streaming platforms, and traditional sports leagues, highlighting the interconnectedness of esports cultures in the U.S. and Canada.
Focusing on Brazil, Argentina, Peru, and Chile, Macedo, Kurtz, and Becka discuss the growth and diversity of esports in South America. They address challenges such as governance and gender equity while identifying trends that could shape the future of esports in the region.
Overall, this section effectively captures the rich tapestry of global esports cultures, emphasizing that while esports is a worldwide phenomenon, its expression is deeply influenced by local contexts. The inclusion of tables summarizing key leagues, publishers, and games further enhances the readers’ understanding of each region’s esports landscape.
Section 9 – Esports Future Directions
Section 9 delves into the uncertain future of esports, acknowledging the inherent unpredictability of the industry. Jenny, Brock, Scholz, Cote and Besombes provide a thought-provoking analysis of potential trends and sustainability challenges facing esports, encouraging readers to engage in discussions about its direction.
The chapter begins by reflecting on recent developments, such as the dissolution of the Overwatch League and changes in collegiate esports structures. These events exemplify the volatility within the esports ecosystem and the difficulty of making long-term predictions. By examining past predictions, the authors provide a foundation for understanding how external factors, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, can drastically alter the trajectory of esports. The authors emphasize the need for sustainable practices across economic, social, and environmental dimensions. They argue that without addressing these sustainability challenges, the future of esports remains precarious, echoing concerns about overreliance on sponsorship and the need for diversified revenue streams. Predictions regarding future technological advancements in esports venues, streaming, and training highlight the importance of adapting to evolving consumer preferences and market demands.
Section 10 – Key Terms Definitions
Section 10 offers essential definitions of key terms relevant to the esports field, providing a valuable resource for both newcomers and seasoned professionals. This section enhances the handbook’s accessibility and understanding, ensuring that readers are equipped with a solid foundation of terminology as they engage with the broader discussions presented in the previous sections.
Conclusion
The Routledge Handbook of Esports provides a comprehensive examination of the esports industry, from its diverse global cultures to the challenges and uncertainties it faces. The insights and analyses presented are essential for understanding the current state and future possibilities of esports, making it a vital resource for anyone interested in this rapidly evolving field.
While the handbook touches on esports governance and law in Chapter 7.2, a more comprehensive examination of esports law could be beneficial. For example, adeeper dive into how intellectual property laws affect game developers, players, and tournament organisers, contractual agreements, labour law considerations, legal implications of streaming and content creation, and dispute resolution mechanisms would provide a more thorough analysis of the legal challenges and frameworks within the esports industry.