Esports NEWS

In a historic move, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has approved the creation of the Olympic Esports Games, with the inaugural event set to take place in 2025 in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In its news release, the IOC said the decision was endorsed unanimously by the 142nd IOC Session held in Paris, marking a significant milestone in the committee’s approach to the digital and esports sectors.  

The partnership with Saudi Arabia’s National Olympic Committee (NOC) for organising the Games will span 12 years, reflecting a long-term commitment to integrating esports into the Olympic framework. This collaboration aims to capitalise on the Middle Eastern country’s growing influence in the esports industry and its proven track record in hosting major esports like the inaugural Esports World Cup.  

IOC President Thomas Bach expressed his enthusiasm about the new initiative, highlighting the importance of staying relevant in the digital age. “This is truly a new era for the IOC. With the confirmation by the IOC Session of the creation of the Olympic Esports Games, we are keeping up with the pace of the digital revolution. The esports community, represented in our Esports Commission, has enthusiastically engaged with this initiative,” Bach said.  

The Olympics has had a complicated relationship with esports leading up to this announcement. In 2018, Bach criticised popular competitive titles such as Counter-Strike, League of Legends, and Overwatch for their violent content, which he deemed “contradictory to the Olympic values.”   

Despite these initial reservations, the IOC has gradually opened up to including esports. In 2021, the IOC sanctioned the Olympic Virtual Series during the 2020 Tokyo Games, featuring "non-physical sports" like Zwift, Virtual Regatta, and Gran Turismo.   

The Olympic Esports Series expanded in 2023, continued to feature non-traditional esports titles, which caused a disconnect with the broader esports community. The inclusion of these games, while innovative, did not capture the essence of mainstream esports that fans associate with the industry.  

Bach acknowledged these challenges, noting that the new initiative aims to bridge this gap. “The validation from appearing in the Olympics could be a boon to investment, but we must ensure that the titles we include align with both the values of the Olympics and the interests of the esports community,” he stated.  

Saudi Arabia’s successful lobbying and experience with sporting events have been instrumental in the creation of the Olympic Esports Games. The country’s track record in organising large-scale esports tournaments has demonstrated its capability to host such an event, paving the way for more traditional esports titles to be featured in the Olympic Esports Games.  

Saudi Arabia has hosted over 1,700 elite players from over 80 countries in the last two years through major international tournaments. Moreover, esports events in Saudi Arabia have welcomed nearly four million fans to enjoy live experiences in the Kingdom, with a further 1.3 billion views from across the globe on a variety of streaming platforms. Data also revealed that 67 percent of the Saudi population consider themselves gamers, with an increasing number of pro esports players pursuing full-time careers.  

“Our commitment to esports is simply a reflection of the world our young people live in, and we all have the chance to write new Olympic history together. The chance to inspire new dreams and new ambitions for literally millions of athletes around the world,” HRH Prince Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Faisal, Minister of Sport and President of the Saudi Arabian Olympic and Paralympic Committee said. “We believe that taking part in the Olympics is the ultimate honour that any athlete can achieve. That is why we are committed to providing the ultimate platform for new heroes to perform and for the Olympic spirit to be shared.”  

The IOC has yet to finalise details such as the host city, specific venues, dates, or the esports titles that will be featured. However, the creation of the Olympic Esports Games is a promising step towards integrating esports into the Olympic movement. The initiative is expected to include more traditional esports titles, which could appeal to a broader audience and provide a significant boost to the industry.  

As the IOC moves forward with the Olympic Esports Games, the esports community eagerly awaits further announcements regarding the specifics of the event. This new chapter in Olympic history signifies the IOC’s commitment to embracing the digital age and expanding the scope of the Olympic Games to include the rapidly growing world of esports. The challenge remains to balance the traditional values of the Olympics with the dynamic and evolving nature of esports, ensuring that the Games remain relevant and engaging for future generations.  

Upcoming SiGMA event: Click here to find out all about SiGMA East Europe powered by Soft2Bet happening in Budapest, September 2024.

The Esports World Cup (EWC), which kicked off on 3 July in Saudi Arabia, has drawn professional gamers, publishers, and fans from around the globe for an eight-week gaming extravaganza. However, this event has also sparked a mix of anticipation and apprehension within the industry.

The EWC boasts a record-breaking prize pool exceeding $60 million, a figure that has certainly turned heads. Ralf Reichert, CEO of the Esports World Cup Foundation, the organization behind the event, believes that this spectacle will serve as a unifying force for the industry. He posed the question, “What is missing in the sports landscape? Something that brings the entire industry together on a scale similar to the largest traditional sports events.”

Reichert explained that while there are numerous tournaments, leagues, and clubs in esports, the EWC is the one event that ties them all together. This was the guiding principle behind the conception, design, and announcement of the EWC. However, the launch of the tournament has reignited existing concerns about the industry’s ties with Saudi Arabia.

The EWC’s impact on the industry

The EWC is not Saudi Arabia’s first venture into esports. It follows the Gamers8 event from the previous year, which had a prize pool of $45 million. This year’s tournament will see top organizations such as T1, FlyQuest, Gen.G Esports, Fnatic, and G2 Esports competing across 21 esports titles. The club that performs best across these titles will be crowned the ultimate EWC champion.

The substantial prize money will be distributed across various categories, including player bounties and overall performance prizes. The EWC comes at a time when the industry has been hit hard, with large-scale layoffs and companies like game developer and publisher Riot Games letting go of 11 percent of its workforce.

However, the EWC is providing an opportunity for over 20 major brands, including Adidas and KitKat, to form new and profitable partnerships with esports teams throughout the tournament. In June, Warner Bros. Discovery, CNN’s parent company, and the Esports World Cup Foundation agreed to a new partnership involving Eurosport, CNN, and other WBD platforms.

Reichert insists that the EWC was not created to rescue a struggling industry. Regardless of the state of the esports community, he believes a tournament like the EWC is crucial for allowing organizations to thrive. “So even without the overall economic downturn, we would have done the same thing,” he said.

Through the Esports World Cup Foundation, Reichert is enthusiastic about the launch of the EWC Club Program. This initiative aims to “promote sustainable planning” by offering 28 clubs worldwide an “annual six-figure payout.” The goal is to provide organizations with a platform to grow and maximize their participation in the annual tournament.

However, while the EWC promises to bring excitement and stability to the industry, it has also proven to be a divisive topic. Many are troubled by the tournament’s ties to Saudi Arabia, a country accused of “sportswashing” - using high-profile sporting events to project a positive image globally, often to distract from alleged misconduct.

Reichert acknowledges that the EWC Foundation, which officially runs the event, is a non-profit organization. However, it has been partly funded by the Saudi government, similar to how a host nation would invest in any major sporting event. He also states that there are no plans to move the EWC away from Saudi Arabia in the near future.

Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in Esports

Saudi Arabia’s influence in competitive gaming is already significant as the nation looks to diversify its economy and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels. The Saudi government-controlled Public Investment Fund (PIF) has in recent years acquired some of the biggest companies in the industry, including the Savvy Gaming Group (SGG). SGG has since acquired ESL, a leading organizer of esports events, and FACEIT, a top digital platform, as it continues its aim of making Saudi a hub for global gaming.

However, human rights organizations are concerned about Saudi Arabia’s continued investment in esports. “Saudi Arabia is investing billions in esports, a field thriving on online interactions, while cracking down on any form of critical online expression with harsh prison terms and even a death sentence,” said Dana Ahmed, Amnesty International’s Middle East researcher.

As the EWC unfolds, the esports industry will look forward to the opportunities it presents but wary of the controversies it stirs.

Vietnam’s gaming industry is experiencing significant growth, with the government keen to harness its vast potential, particularly in esports. Recent data from Newzoo highlights that the industry attracted 54.6 million players and generated $507 million (€472.5 million) in revenue last year, with esports playing a pivotal role in this surge. 

In a report by Vietnam Plus, Intel's country manager for sales, marketing, and communications Phung Viet Thang noted the Southeast Asian country’s impressive milestones in gaming and esports over the past decade. Vietnamese esports teams have not only dominated Southeast Asia but also competed on the global stage. The Vietnam E-sports Whitebook 2021 further underscores the potential, with over 18 million active esports players providing a solid foundation for future development. 

The inclusion of esports in the Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) beginning in 2019 in the Philippines, exemplifies the region's commitment to promoting this sector. Professional gaming is also becoming increasingly popular, creating new job opportunities and contributing to the economy. 

Vietnam Plus also quoted Le Quang Tu Do, Director of the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC)’s Authority of Broadcasting and Electronic Information (ABEI), saying the game industry is viewed as a significant contributor to Vietnam's development in the Industry 4.0 era. ABEI statistics reveal that about 50 percent of popular mobile games are either outsourced or fully developed in Vietnam.  

Despite the industry's growth, several challenges persist. Do acknowledges that while the industry is expanding in both quality and quantity, most games distributed in Vietnam originate from other countries. This highlights the need for increased local production and distribution. 

The Vietnam Game Developers Association also points out the lack of specialised training as a significant barrier. It was only last year that the Posts and Telecommunications Institute of Technology (PTIT) launched the first official game design course.  

Vietnam’s mobile game revenue remains modest compared to Southeast Asia's total, partly due to differing policies across the region. To achieve a revenue target of $1 billion (€931.4 million) by 2030, the MIC is drafting a comprehensive strategy. This includes establishing a game developers’ alliance, addressing social biases against gaming, and attracting foreign investments. Collaborative efforts with other ministries and sectors are also in place to support game development, with a focus on training and developing skilled personnel. 

Find out more about the latest updates and trends in the industry, from latest regulatory news to most recent innovations at the upcoming SiGMA East Europe Summit happening in Budapest from 2 – 4 September.

The Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) have announced a historic collaboration to combat corruption and misconduct in esports. The agreement, announced in a letter of collaboration involves the exchange of information, expertise, and best practices to enhance the integrity of esports. ESIC will serve as an advisory body to the IOC's Olympic Movement Unit for the Prevention of the Manipulation of Competitions (OM Unit PMC), providing guidance on esports-related matters.

This collaboration is a momentous deal for the global esports industry as it demonstrates the IOC's engagement with the industry in developing its esports strategy. The collaboration validates the critical nature of ESIC's mission and provides assurance that its work is meeting the evolving challenges to competitive integrity in esports.

ESIC, known as the guardian of the integrity of esports, aims to disrupt, prevent, investigate, and prosecute all forms of cheating and malpractice in esports. Its overarching objective is to protect youth, promote industry investment, and safeguard the sporting integrity of esports. ESIC collaborates with publishers, tournament organisers, and other stakeholders to establish unified standards for competition integrity, ensuring a safe and equitable environment for all participants in the global video games and esports ecosystem. On the other hand, the IOC, as the guardian of the Olympic Games and the leader of the Olympic Movement, acts as a catalyst for collaboration between all Olympic stakeholders and supports various initiatives of intergovernmental organisations.

In the short-term, the collaboration between ESIC and the IOC's OM Unit PMC implies a major step forward for the global esports industry, the industry's growing significance and the IOC's recognition of esports' place within the larger sports landscape. In the medium-term, this collaboration highlights not only the IOC's commitment to safeguarding the integrity and credibility of esports competitions within the Olympic Movement, but also the critical role that ESIC plays in ensuring fair play and integrity across all esports competitions. Finally, looking ahead in the longer-term, by working together and sharing insights, information, and strategies, ESIC and the IOC are setting a precedent for future partnerships between traditional sports institutions and esports organisations.

Looking ahead, the gaming industry will shift its focus to Eastern Europe this September with the SiGMA East Europe Summit 2024 in Budapest. This event is expected to attract industry professionals from across the region, providing a platform for networking, business development, and exploring the latest trends in the gaming sector.

Video gaming in India has undergone a significant transformation, evolving from a niche pastime to a nationwide phenomenon, aptly termed as the ‘Bharat’ revolution. This shift is not just a testament to the growing popularity of gaming but also a reflection of the changing socio-economic landscape of the country.

The Indian video gaming industry has been catalyzed by the exponential growth of India’s IT infrastructure, widespread adoption of smartphones, and the proliferation of high-speed internet connectivity. The evolution of the industry is evident in the rising percentage of gamers from non-metropolitan areas, which jumped from 57 percent in 2022 to 66 percent in 2023.

In today’s digital age, a unique space for video games is being created to celebrate Indian culture. These titles feature characters steeped in tradition, sending players on thrilling adventures across India’s varied landscapes. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged game developers to think beyond the commonly seen gaming universes, to try and include ‘Panchatantra’ in their games1. Such an initiative would not only celebrate our rich culture but would also educate children about our mythology and the values it brings.

Today, a significant transformation is underway, transcending mere entertainment and penetrating the fabric of the nation’s culture and economics. With a projected market size of $7.24 billion by 2029, India has emerged as a strong player in the global gaming arena, propelled by the world’s largest youth population.

With the world’s second-largest smartphone user base, India boasts of a 10 percent share of the global gaming audience. The average Indian internet user prioritizes content in their native language, often being multilingual. While Hindi localization is crucial, including regional languages like Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, Odia, and Bengali can unlock a vast market of gamers who primarily use languages other than Hindi or English.

This approach can also foster new employment opportunities within the video gaming industry, where individuals can develop games without requiring fluency in Hindi or English. The gaming userbase surpassed 365 million in March 2020. Mobile users form an overwhelming 85 percent of the industry, followed by PC users at 11 percent and tablet users at 4 percent.

The COVID-19 pandemic saw a shift in media and entertainment consumption trends, with KPMG estimating a 20 percent contraction in 2020 in typical segments such as film, TV, and print. In contrast, they foresee rapid change to gaming and digital media consumption, projecting global growth bouncing up to 33 percent to reach $25.4 billion in 2021.

The rise of video gaming in India is not just a trend but a revolution that is reshaping the cultural and economic fabric of the nation. As the ‘Bharat’ phenomenon continues to unfold, it will be interesting to see how it shapes the future of the global gaming industry.

Southeast Asia’s iGaming market, encompassing online video gaming, has been on a steady rise. In 2022, the market value reached US $5.33 billion and is projected to grow to US $7.14 billion by 2026. Mobile games are the major contributor, accounting for approximately 70 percent of that revenue, followed by video games at 23 percent. Analysts predict that the shift to “hyper-casual gaming” will likely spur more growth in the mobile games market. This growth is further bolstered by increasing foreign investment, as exemplified by the new Sony PlayStation Studios in Malaysia.

Sony’s decision to establish its first-ever PlayStation studio in Kuala Lumpur demonstrates the importance of Southeast Asia in game development. This Malaysian studio is a flagship for the entertainment giant. The studio, described as ‘state-of-the-art’, has been built from scratch, tailored to accommodate innovation and creativity. Rather than handling specific projects, this studio manages a wide range of projects on first-party games and titles such as The Last of Us Part I and MLB The Show 2022. It also creates new character models and other visual assets, including motion capture. The studio employs 77 full-time staff.

Environment modelling, concept art, animation, and video game development are much sought-after skills in all of Southeast Asia. However, many believe that Malaysia has the edge on innovation and technology. Sony is not the first investor of its kind in the country but joins an impressive number of international and indie studios who have also set up video game development projects in Malaysia. Overseas development to launch massive studios have been established over the last few years by Bandai Namco, Codemasters, and Larian. Changes in the market indicate a move away from the dominance of AAA developers such as Square Enix and Activision. Indie companies such as Toge Productions and Mason Games are also benefiting from setting up in Malaysia.

The Malaysia Electronic Sports Federation (MESF) is the governing body for all electronic sports in Malaysia. Established in 2014, its co-founder Dato’ Ananth S. Nathan, who also serves as the elected president, is dedicated to promoting esports in Malaysia. His ambition is for Malaysia to become the world’s foremost esports nation.

Currently, there is only one legal land-based casino in Malaysia. This establishment boasts over 400 types of electronic table games, 3,000 slot machines, and 30 other tables with games that include blackjack, tai sai, roulette, and boules. However, Muslims and those under the age of 21 are denied entry to the venue.

While online gambling remains illegal under the current Common Gaming Houses Act 1953 (CGHA), the Government is treading very carefully but it seems that they are working on finding a solution. The Government is also intent on bringing in new rules to regulate online gaming. Should the industry become regulated and companies given proper licenses, this could generate an estimated US $650 million currently lost in tax revenues for the Government.

Online games are favored by Chinese Malayans, with the most popular being mahjong, baccarat, sic-bo, lotteries, roulette, and slot machines. Skill games based on fishing and hunting are also big business.

The State acknowledges that the gaming industry is vital to the economy and an essential source of foreign investment which will also generate tax revenues. The country has attracted substantial Direct Foreign Investment (FDI) in leading SME gaming startups, with some studios originating IPs for games and others providing outsourced developers for international publishers.

Malaysia’s Digital Content Ecosystem (DICE) policy aims to strengthen the digital content industry. This policy, backed by government initiatives, facilitates growth in the industry through finance schemes, training, incubation, business links, and market access. The higher education system is geared toward nurturing talent with over 50 tertiary institutions offering gaming-related courses. With this ecosystem, Malaysia is well placed to provide opportunities for gaming startups with good state funding and a workforce skilled in gaming intellectual property creation.

A recent KPMG survey placed Malaysia fourth in the region for competitiveness, rating favorably with its Asian peers in terms of the cost of doing business, legislation, and tax. The Government recently invested US $5.1 billion upgrading its telecommunications infrastructure, providing 7.5 million premises with gigabit speed fixed-line broadband and expanding 4G mobile coverage to 96.8 percent in populated areas and upgrading mobile broadband speed to 35Mbps.

Numerous offshore gaming sites accept Malaysian players, typically of Chinese or Indian heritage who make up 37 percent of the total population. With an average age of 30, a high English perception score of 562, smartphone ownership at 26 million, and 23 million gamers, the iGaming market is mainly still untapped. Malaysia offers iGaming companies rich opportunities and the prospect of the Government regulating online gaming points to a window opening for foreign companies to onshore operations.

The iGaming market in Southeast Asia, with Malaysia at its forefront, is a rising star. Its rapid growth, coupled with the shift to hyper-casual gaming and the rise of esports, presents a wealth of opportunities for both local and foreign investors. As the government continues to explore ways to regulate and tap into this lucrative market, the future of iGaming in Malaysia looks promising.

India’s fantasy and sports betting sector is experiencing a significant boom, with Indian apps leading the charge. This surge in popularity is not just a passing trend but a substantial shift driven by increasing user engagement, favourable legal rulings, and significant economic contributions.

The fantasy sports industry in India has seen remarkable growth, with the market expanding by 31 percent to Rs 6,800 crore in FY22. This growth is not an isolated phenomenon but part of a larger upward trajectory, with projections indicating that the market could reach a staggering Rs 25,240 crore by FY27.

This impressive growth is partly fuelled by the sheer number of fantasy sports platforms operating in India. With over 300 platforms catering to a user base exceeding 180 million people, the industry has managed to tap into the country’s vast potential.

Fantasy sports in India are primarily considered games of skill rather than chance. This distinction has allowed them to navigate the complex legal landscape more effectively. Various high courts, including the Punjab and Haryana High Court, have upheld this classification, ruling in favour of platforms like Dream11 and affirming that the game’s format involves considerable skill in team selection and strategy.

The fantasy sports industry has not only entertained millions but also contributed significantly to the Indian economy. In FY22 alone, the sector contributed Rs 4,500 crore in taxes, a figure expected to rise to Rs 26,000 crore by FY27.

Moreover, the industry has been a magnet for foreign direct investment (FDI), attracting substantial amounts and generating high-skill jobs. The promotion of non-cricket sports in India has also been a notable achievement of fantasy sports platforms, with a majority of users reporting increased interest in new sports and leagues.

Despite its success, the industry faces challenges, particularly regarding regulatory clarity and compliance. The legality of online gaming varies by state, creating a complex legal environment for operators. However, the potential for growth remains strong, with increased investor confidence and new innovations driving the sector forward.

Fantasy sports betting, while a booming industry, is not without its ethical concerns. The involvement of large companies and substantial money has led to debates about exploitation and greed, with some arguing that fantasy sports are veering dangerously close to gambling. This concern is particularly relevant when considering the demographic targeted by these platforms, often young individuals aged 18-35. The need for strong internal governance and self-regulation is paramount to prevent exploitation of this vulnerable group.

Another significant concern is the potential for addiction. Individuals may find themselves lying to cover up their gambling activities, accruing high debt and unpaid bills due to the need to fund their gambling, neglecting family and work obligations, and in extreme cases, resorting to criminal activity to support their gambling.

The integrity of sports is also at stake. There are concerns that the involvement of betting could lead to compromised games, whether through overt bribes to shave points or throw games, peer pressure, or athletes themselves being in debt and having to shave points to cover their own debts.

The legal and regulatory challenges are another major hurdle. The legality of online gaming varies by state, creating a complex legal environment for operators. In the rush to legalize and stake a claim on potential revenue, states may not be performing their due diligence on the far-reaching implications of legalization.

Lastly, there are moral concerns. While nearly two-thirds of Americans don’t believe it’s morally wrong to bet on sports, almost half think sports betting shouldn’t be legalized nationwide.

These concerns underscore the need for robust regulations, transparency, and ethical practices in the industry. It’s crucial for stakeholders to address these issues to ensure the sustainable and responsible growth of fantasy sports betting.

The future of fantasy sports in India looks promising. With its ability to engage millions of users, navigate legal complexities, and contribute significantly to the economy, the industry is expecting a steady and sustained growth. However, it must continue to address regulatory challenges and innovate to keep the momentum going. As it stands, Indian apps continue to dominate the fantasy sports and betting sectors, marking a new era in the country’s digital entertainment landscape.

Param Labs, a gaming infrastructure startup based in the United Arab Emirates, has recently secured a strategic investment from Animoca Brands, a Hong Kong-based pioneer in digital property rights for gaming and the open metaverse. This investment not only strengthens their existing partnership but also fuels the development of Param Labs’ scalable Web3 infrastructure, thereby expanding its ecosystem.

Param Labs is at the forefront of developing video games and infrastructure to power the next generation of gaming. Their flagship Web3 multiplayer third-person shooter game, Kiraverse, offers players a unique opportunity to compete, earn, and trade digital assets like characters and skins. This game is designed to promote digital ownership and user-generated value, leveraging Param Labs’ innovative technology.

In addition to game development, Param Labs is actively constructing technology to equip developers with the necessary tools they need to elevate their users’ blockchain-based experiences. This ensures seamless interaction for gamers across the globe, thereby impacting gaming technology and infrastructure significantly.

One of their innovative services, Pixel-to-Poly, enables users to transform 2D images into 3D playable in-game characters. These characters are compatible with Kiraverse as well as popular Web2 titles including Grand Theft Auto V and Fortnite.

Param Labs is also making strides in the esports arena. They have partnered with major esports organisations worldwide to promote Web3 ecosystem growth around gaming. They are also preparing for a token launch that will serve as an ecosystem token for its upcoming games and infrastructure.

This strategic investment and partnership with Animoca Brands marks a significant milestone for Param Labs’ ecosystem development and the broader Web3 gaming landscape.

The investment in Param Labs further expands the presence of Animoca Brands in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), following a partnership with NEOM to drive Web3 in the region, and with King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology to establish a physical office and Web3 hub in Riyadh.

Both Param Labs and Animoca Brands are leveraging artificial intelligence and blockchain technologies to advance the rapidly growing gaming industry, thereby helping to establish the open metaverse. This partnership is set to redefine the gaming landscape and bring about a new era in the world of gaming.

The Philippine Esports Organization (PESO) has imposed penalties against players involved in match-fixing incidents in the country’s Mobile Legends Bang Bang Development League (MDL). 

This move follows the earlier suspension by the MDL Philippines against the three players implicated in the incident. MDL Philippines announced the suspension of the involved players last April 25. 

Jungler Jhonjie Paul "Jiee" Dela Rosa from TNC Z4, midlaner Raven "Aeris" Arellano, and jungler Christian John "Nyija" Calantoc from RSG El Ganador have been suspended from participating in any MLBB esports ecosystem tournaments for three years. This suspension includes all MOONTON-endorsed events, except for the MDL and the Professional league (MPL Philippines). 

Also, effective from May 2, 2024, until April 30, 2027, PESO’s ban extends to organization-sanctioned events, including SIBOL national try outs and competitions organized by them. 

In a statement, PESO underscored its commitment to upholding the integrity of esports and promoting ethical conduct among players. The three-year ban serves as a disciplinary measure aimed at safeguarding the integrity of competitive gaming and ensuring fair play at national and international levels.  

“While quick money is enticing, we remind young talents to keep your integrity intact as it is the cornerstone of true success and lasting fulfilment,” PESO said. 

“At PESO, upholding professionalism and ethical conduct is integral to our mission of nurturing players who represents the Philippines with honour at the World Championships,” it added. 

In a press conference, Matthew Chan, Esports League Operations Lead at MOONTON Games, explained that the decision to impose a three-year ban was based on the severity of the offense and the need for a specific timeline. This duration represents one of the harshest penalties imposed by MOONTON for similar incidents, signifying the gravity of the offence. 

Marlon Marcelo, Executive Director of PESO, emphasised the importance of giving players a chance to redeem themselves while acknowledging the severity of their actions. He expressed hope that the three-year ban would provide offenders with an opportunity for reflection and rehabilitation. 

MOONTON, PESO, and the Games and Amusement Board (GAB) are collaborating to implement measures to prevent future match-fixing incidents. This initiative aims to strengthen governance in esports and ensure fair competition, with guidance from regulatory bodies and industry stakeholders. 

Moving forward, MOONTON said it intends to work closely with PESO and GAB to develop effective solutions and safeguard the integrity of esports in the Philippines. 

Upcoming SiGMA event: SiGMA Asia 2024, 2 – 5 June. Find all the details here.

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