These core principles were developed in a collaborative effort and form a set of values applicable in all aspects of the global esports environments: safety and well-being, integrity and fair play, respect and diversity, and positive and enriching game play.
Esports is experiencing incredible growth – both in terms of viewership and revenues. Esports not only engages players, it has evolved to accommodate increasingly more active participation from its viewers and fans. In 2019, according to Newzoo research, global esports viewership is expected to hit nearly 500 million and revenues are expected to exceed $1 billion USD.
With expectations for continued growth, the esports community has a vested interest in supporting the best conditions for play and the principles are a very public statement of its values. It is vital for all participants to engage actively in esports culture in a positive and enriching way, ensuring esports remains an exciting and inclusive activity and industry at all levels.
The Principles of esports Engagement
Esports is one of the fastest growing and most exciting industries in the world, with a global community of hundreds of millions of people who actively compete in or watch esports each year.
As members of the global video games and esports community (including the owners and publishers of the intellectual property underlying esports) we created these guiding principles of engagement in an effort to promote esports that are fun, fair, and enjoyed by players around the world in an open and inclusive environment. We support these principles and encourage all esports stakeholders to do the same.
These core principles were developed in a collaborative effort and form a set of values applicable in all aspects of the global esports environments: safety and well-being, integrity and fair play, respect and diversity, and positive and enriching game play.
Through mutual respect, understanding, and purpose, we strive to foster community that is responsible, welcoming, engaging, and of course, fun. By promoting a safe, fair, and inclusive esports environment, all members of the esports ecosystem benefit from sportsmanship, camaraderie, and other positive values that our industry actively promotes.
Principle 1: SAFETY AND WELL-BEING
All esports community members deserve to participate in and enjoy esports in safe spaces and to be free from threats and acts of violence and from language or behavior that makes people feel threatened or harassed.
Principle 2: INTEGRITY AND FAIR PLAY
Cheating, hacking, or otherwise engaging in disreputable, deceitful, or dishonest behavior detracts from the experience of others, unfairly advantages teams and players, and tarnishes the legitimacy of esports.
Principle 3: RESPECT AND DIVERSITY
Esports promotes a spirit of healthy competition. Whether in person or online, all members of the esports community should demonstrate respect and courtesy to others, including teammates, opponents, game officials, organizers, and spectators.
Esports is truly global and brings together players from different backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. We believe the broad and diverse player base of esports contributes to its success. We support an open, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all, no matter one’s gender identity, age, ability, race, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation.
Principle 4: POSITIVE AND ENRICHING GAME PLAY
Esports can help build self-confidence and sportsmanship and boost interpersonal communication and teamwork skills. Esports brings players and fans together to problem solve through strategic play, collaboration, and critical thinking. Participation in esports can also lead to the development of new and lasting friendships among teammates, competitors, and members of the broader esports community.