A screenshot from Mobile Legends: Bang Bang during the MLBB MSC Mid-Season Cup at the E-sports World Cup in Riyadh last year. — MEGAT SYAHAR/The Star
ONE of the most common issues in e-sports violations and disputes centres around player contracts, as highlighted in an article by boutique law firm Sabrina Hashim & Co.
“There is a growing emphasis on e-sports contracts. These contracts are important to protect the interests of all parties involved, including players, teams and organisers.
“Without proper contracts, there can be significant issues, such as unpaid prize money, breach of agreements and exploitation of young players.”
The firm explains that legal contracts are essential to clearly define all terms and conditions, reducing the risk of future disputes.
“This helps to foster a secure and professional environment within the e-sports industry, promoting sustainable growth and development.”
This concern is shared by Malaysia Esports Federation president Muhammad Naim Al-Amin, who says: “Youth players under the age of 18 often lack legal safeguards in contracts.”
Concurring, International Esports Federation Athletes Committee chair Tiffani Lim notes that unlike traditional sports – where parents are often actively involved – young e-sports players tend to enter the scene independently, sometimes after leaving home or becoming estranged from their families.
“Before signing onto a team, the players have to look out for themselves and they’re definitely not armed with the knowledge or experience to do so.
“As such, we should definitely have some safeguards in place for them, so they at least have someone neutral and trustworthy to go to for legal help, even if it’s just to review contracts or explain things to them.”
Former national e-sports team manager Kelvin Pang believes that when it comes to athletes under 18, parental involvement should be mandatory.
“During my time in team management, I always made it a point to meet up with players’ parents to explain the entire situation and make sure to provide them with regular updates on their child’s status.
“My door is always open for parents to reach out to me if they have any doubts or queries. I believe that’s as much as I could do as a representative of an organisation. Key word would be ‘ethical’.”
He adds that game publishers have begun implementing safeguards by requiring organisations to submit contract drafts once players are confirmed for participation in professional leagues.
