Games industry international trade bodies unite on universal esports principles

Games industry representatives from associations including the ESA, the ESAC, IGEA, ISFE, and UKIE have united on a set of principles for esports engagement, the groups revealed today.

In a joint announcement, the organizations unveiled a set of four principles for promotion of and participation in esports. They are as follows, with explanations as shared by the coalition:

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.

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.

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.

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.

Additionally, the groups have shared a joint statement on the adoption of these principles:

"Our esports community includes the game publishers and intellectual property owners whose games are at the core of the esports ecosystem as well as the players, teams, and tournament organizers who bring this vibrant community to life," it reads. "As members of this community, we created these guiding principles to foster an esports environment that is vibrant, engaging, fair and fun for everyone. As esports continues to grow, collectively we support an ecosystem of play that can be enjoyed by all members of the community - from international competitions to local community events.

"We believe values of respect, diversity, safety, integrity, and fair play should be the foundation upon which positive and enriching esports communities are built. It is our sincere hope that others in the esports community will join us today in welcoming our universal esports principles and affirming belief in an open and inclusive esports environment."

Newzoo projects that the global esports market will exceed $1 billion in value for the first time ever in 2019.