General
The Case of Andre “OmGiTzAndre” Howard: Scandal in the Fighting Game Community and Alleged Abuse
The 2015 ban of Andre “OmGiTzAndre” Howard from multiple fighting game events has stirred the fighting game community (FGC) to its core. The ban follows serious allegations made by a woman, who claims that Howard assaulted and raped her. This situation brings to light the ongoing issue of how the FGC addresses and responds to accusations of sexual misconduct within its ranks.
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Serious Allegations against Andre “OmGiTzAndre” Howard Surface
The allegations against Howard came to widespread attention following a discussion on The On Blast Show, a popular Twitch podcast. Joey “Joey D” D’Alessandro, a fellow player, accused Howard of raping his girlfriend, leading to an outcry from the community. The incident was said to have occurred around the time of the Northeast Championship in Pennsylvania, where Howard allegedly physically assaulted the woman. The situation escalated until another attendee intervened, forcibly stopping Howard’s alleged attack.
Community Response and Bans
The response from the FGC was swift, with several organizations banning Howard from their events. Notably, major tournaments such as Combo Breaker, Community Effort Orlando, Final Round, and Big E Gaming have all issued bans. This decisive action reflects a growing intolerance for sexual misconduct within the community, although some argue that the response has been inconsistent historically.
Andre “OmGiTzAndre” Howard’s Response and the Community’s Division
Howard’s attempt to address the accusations through a now-deleted YouTube video only added to the controversy. His denial and downplaying of the incident as an “argument” have not quelled the community’s concerns. The woman’s detailed account of the alleged rape, shared in a now-deleted Facebook post, further fueled the outcry and calls for accountability within the FGC.
Inconsistencies and Challenges in Handling Accusations
The FGC’s handling of such serious accusations highlights the difficulties in addressing sexual misconduct within gaming communities. Previous incidents, such as the ban of Noel Brown for inappropriate behavior, showcase a history of varied responses to misconduct. The community’s struggle with supporting victims and ensuring a safe environment is an ongoing challenge that has yet to be fully addressed.
Andre “OmGiTzAndre” Howard’s Controversial Return
Andre Howard’s initial ban from multiple fighting game events marked a significant moment in the FGC’s struggle with addressing sexual misconduct. The ban followed allegations of assault and rape, bringing to light the need for a consistent and supportive response to such serious accusations. However, Howard’s recent return to competitive play has reignited discussions and concerns within the community.
During a competition in Orlando, Florida, between 1-3 March 2024 Howard achieved a top 8 placement in a Street Fighter 6 tournament at TNS 9, a tourney featuring various fighting games. His tweet celebrating this comeback after a six-year hiatus sparked a mixed reaction, with some questioning his absence and referencing past allegations.
The Response to Howard’s Comeback
Howard’s participation and success in the recent tournament have highlighted the complexities of managing past accusations within the esports and competitive gaming spheres. Despite previous bans from major tournaments like Combo Breaker and Community Effort Orlando, Howard’s ability to compete again raises questions about the mechanisms for enforcing bans and the criteria for re-entry into competitive spaces.
The community’s reaction to Howard’s return is divided, with some advocating for second chances and others expressing concern over the message it sends regarding the seriousness with which the FGC treats allegations of sexual misconduct. The lack of charges filed in relation to the 2018 accusations adds another layer of complexity to the community’s deliberation over Howard’s comeback.
Moving Forward: The Path to a Safer Community
The FGC’s handling of Andre Howard’s case underscores the ongoing challenges in creating a safe and welcoming environment for all participants. It stresses the importance of developing clear, consistent policies for addressing allegations of misconduct, ensuring accountability, and providing support to victims.
As the FGC continues to evolve, the community must engage in open and thoughtful discussions about how to balance justice, rehabilitation, and the integrity of competitive play. The goal should always be to foster an inclusive community where safety and respect are paramount, and where every member is held to the same standards of conduct.
The story of Howard’s return to the FGC is not just about one individual but reflects broader implications for how the community can move forward in addressing past allegations while striving to create a more inclusive and safe space for gamers around the world.
Via kotaku
Image source: Youtube, PowerUpFighters
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The international full service law firm CMS has provided comprehensive legal counsel to the Esports World Cup Foundation in organizing the first-ever Esports World Cup (EWC), set to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, over eight weeks from July to August 2024.
The Esports World Cup is poised to make history, with over 1,500 players from more than 60 countries competing in 21 of the world’s most popular games for a share of a record-breaking USD 60 million prize pool.
“This is a monumental event in the history of esports,”
commented Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation.
“We are witnessing the convergence of gaming and sports as universal languages, uniting the global community through competition, advancing the esports industry, and fostering growth across the entire network.”
A global CMS team, led by Dr. Pietro Graf Fringuelli and Samuel Oustayiannis, consisting of over 30 lawyers from Germany, the UK, and Saudi Arabia, provided legal advice on all aspects of the EWC. This included team agreements, tournament rules, sponsorship contracts, media rights distribution, and partnerships with game publishers.
Dr. Pietro Graf Fringuelli, Partner at CMS Germany and Co-Head of the international CMS Technology, Media & Communications Group, stated,
“The esports industry is growing at an astonishing pace, drawing record numbers of viewers worldwide. The EWC will transform the entire esports landscape and contribute to developing a sustainable ecosystem.”
The Esports World Cup, supported by major sponsors like Sony, TikTok, Amazon, Adidas, Pepsi, and MasterCard, is an annual tournament series featuring over 450 teams globally. The event is accessible to both professional esports players and gaming enthusiasts, with broadcasts on television and streams across various digital platforms. Featured games include League of Legends, Call of Duty: Warzone, Counter-Strike 2, EA Sports FC 24, and Fortnite.
CMS Partner Sam Oustayiannis, leading the UK team on media rights and partnerships, added,
“The Esports World Cup is a unique event attracting significant interest from competitors, sponsors, and the media. We’ve assembled a collaborative team across multiple offices to cover all legal aspects, ensuring a successful and enjoyable event. We eagerly anticipate the future of the Esports World Cup!”
The EWC continues in Riyadh until August 24, 2024, marking a new chapter in esports with CMS playing a crucial role as the legal advisor to the organizers.
CMS Legal Team Overview for Esports World Cup
CMS Germany
- Dr. Pietro Graf Fringuelli – Lead Partner, TMC (Technology, Media & Communications)
- Dr. Sebastian Cording – Partner, TMC
- Dr. Markus Häuser – Partner, TMC
- Dr. Patrick Ehinger – Counsel, TMC
- Dr. Fiona Savary – Counsel, TMC
- Dr. Felix Glocker – Senior Associate, TMC
- Georg Schneider – Senior Associate, TMC
- Lara Grünberg – Associate, TMC
- Dr. Malte Bruhns – Partner, Corporate/M&A
- Dr. Henrik Meurer – Associate, Corporate/M&A
- Dr. Martin Gerecke – Partner, IP (Intellectual Property)
- Dr. Tobias Nasr – Senior Associate, IP
- Dr. Robert Budde – Partner, Commercial
- Phillip Bubinger – Counsel, Commercial
- Prof. Dr. Björn Gaul – Partner, Labor, Employment & Pensions
- Victoria Kaule – Counsel, Labor, Employment & Pensions
- Hanna Hamacher – Senior Associate, Labor, Employment & Pensions
- Thomas Gerdel – Partner, Tax
- Dr. Hendrik Arendt – Senior Associate, Tax
- Christoff Soltau – Partner, Antitrust, Competition & Trade
- Dr. Denis Schlimpert – Counsel, Antitrust, Competition & Trade
CMS Saudi Arabia
- Mohammed Aldowish – Partner
- Wala Alawajy
- Sara Alsaud
- Reem Alsmail
CMS United Arab Emirates
- Ben Gibson – Partner
CMS UK
- Sam Oustayiannis – Partner
- Rebekah Hayes – Partner
- Coralie Barker
- Georgia Clark
- Harry Hall
- Laurel O’Dell
- Carter Rich
- Hamish Temporal
- Daniel West
Author
General
Introducing Valentin de Roany: Project Coordinator for Esports Tournaments and Legal Databases at Esports Legal News
Esports Legal News is thrilled to welcome Valentin de Roany as our new Project Coordinator for Esports Tournaments and Legal Databases. Valentin brings a unique blend of legal acumen and esports expertise, honed through years of dedication in both fields.
Currently in his final year of law studies, Valentin has already made a significant impact in the legal world. A distinguished mooter, he represented his university at an international competition, playing a key role in securing a top placement for his team. His passion for the 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 the growth of 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.
With dual French-Australian citizenship, Valentin is well-versed in connecting diverse esports communities. He brings his rich experiences to Esports Legal News, where he will streamline complex legal information and contribute to the growth of our esports initiatives. Though he’s always eager to share his insights, Valentin remains careful to distinguish his advice from formal legal counsel.
We are excited to see Valentin apply his leadership, strategic thinking, and passion for esports to help drive Esports Legal News to new heights.
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General
Play By The Rules: Esports Legal Forum Announced for ESI Lisbon 2024
Esports Insider’s events arm ESI Events has announced the launch of “Play By The Rules,” a pioneering legal forum dedicated to the esports sector, taking place as part of ESI Lisbon from 23 September to 25 September 2024.
In cooperation with international lawyers Leonid Shmatenko (Eversheds Sutherland) and Rodolphe Ruffié-Farrugia (Clifford Chance) as well as Esports Legal News, this inaugural event aims to set the standard for esports-focused legal conferences worldwide.
ESI Events and the co-organisers intend for “Play By The Rules” to provide a platform for legal professionals (including attorneys, in-house-lawyers, academics and students), industry stakeholders, and esports enthusiasts to delve into the complex legal landscape of the esports sector. The forum will have a focus on player contracts, intellectual property, governance and regulation, streaming rights and more.
Key Dates
- September 24, 2024: Play By The Rules Conference (Concurrent with ESI Lisbon Day 1 and taking place at the same venue)
- September 25, 2024: Exclusive access for PBTR speakers, sponsors, and VIP guests to ESI Lisbon Day 2 and the SBC Summit
“Play By The Rules” will cover a broad spectrum of legal questions affecting the global esports industry through stage talks, roundtable discussions and focussed group networking, with an emphasis on creating actionable takeaways for attendees. Key areas of discussion will include:
- Player contracts and rights
- Intellectual property challenges
- Governance and regulatory frameworks
- Streaming and broadcasting rights
- Dispute resolution mechanisms
Attendees will also have the opportunity to attend the evening social event, the ESI Film Festival at the MEO Arena with food and beverage, gaining detailed insights into esports, gaming and intersecting industries through short films that shine a light on stories behind the screens.
Running alongside the SBC Summit, which anticipates over 25,000 attendees, ESI Lisbon will feature:
Already confirmed attendees at ESI Lisbon include:
- Formula One
- Savvy Games
- UNICEF
- Samsung Ads
- OverActive Media
- Deutsche Telekom
- Radisson Hotel Group
- Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One
- Twitch
- BLAST
- ESL FACEIT Group
- Chess.com
- Electronic Arts
- Ubisoft
- City Football Group
- Visit Raleigh
- Team Liquid
- Moonton
- Visit Qatar
- OG Esports
- Wasserman
- & many, many more
Sam Cooke, Co-Founder and Managing Director at Esports Insider, said:
“We are thrilled to launch ‘Play By The Rules’ in partnership with Leonid Shmatenko of Eversheds Sutherland and Rodolphe Ruffié-Farrugia of Clifford Chance as part of ESI Lisbon 2024. Our new esports legal forum represents a first and important step in addressing the complex legal challenges within the esports industry, providing a dedicated forum for discussion, innovation, and actionable solutions. By bringing together the brightest minds in esports law, we aim to set a new standard for legal excellence in this rapidly evolving sector.”
Leonid Shmatenko, Senior Associate at Eversheds Sutherland and Founder of Esports Legal News, commented:
“After an extensive search for a comparable event in the market, I found numerous conferences that addressed video games law but none that focused specifically on the unique legal challenges in esports. Esports is a rapidly growing field with its own set of legal considerations, and it is high time we had a dedicated platform to address these issues. I approached ESI with this concept and their enthusiasm and commitment to excellence made them the perfect partner. Together, we aim to set new standards in the esports law conference world, providing invaluable insights and fostering a deeper understanding of the legal landscape in esports.”
Rodolphe Ruffié-Farrugia, Counsel at Clifford Chance and co-founder of Esports Legal News, said:
“For years now, esports has been a booming industry and we have witnessed the emergence of a wide variety of professional stakeholders, including the players themselves, their teams, the leagues, tournament organisers… Yet, the legal industry has not been as quick in adapting to the unique needs and high stakes at play in esports, no doubt because lawyers and gamers tend to evolve in different worlds. Knowing well these communities from within both personally and professionally, I have made it a mission years ago to build bridges between them. I feel very lucky to have found like-minded peers in Leonid and ESI to create this first-of-its-kind summit, a turning point in bringing esports and the law together.”
Tickets to B2B esports, games and creator economy event and industry festival ESI Lisbon are still available. Early bird tickets offering 33% off are available until August 23rd. For more information and to purchase a ticket, click here.
Author
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Introducing Valentin de Roany: Project Coordinator for Esports Tournaments and Legal Databases at Esports Legal News
Russia’s Controversial Esports Law: Bypassing Game Publishers in Licensing Agreements
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