The Onset Of Esports Player Protection in India

With a tagline of ‘Guard the Gamers,’ the Esports Welfare Association (EPWA) is a first of its kind non-profit organisation founded solely to protect the interests of esports players. Ritesh Nath, Founder and CEO of EPWA, sheds light on this newly launched organisation.

By Amarylisa Gonsalves

The esports scene in India has been growing manifold over the past few years. While the industry is witnessing greater heights, it is also becoming a lucrative arena for business operations. Investments, takeovers, acquisitions, new organisations, partnerships, sponsorships, player contracts are now part and parcel of this budding industry.

With more significant business opportunities come greater risks and vulnerabilities to the stakeholders of the industry. One such group of stakeholders that stand at greater vulnerabilities are the esports players. Esports players can safely be called the soul of the industry. However, the young players are often exposed to unfair practices for several reasons, lack of awareness and the unregulated nature of the industry. The need for a standalone body that could protect the players’ interests was indeed the need of the hour. That’s precisely why EPWA stepped in.

The recently launched Esports Players Welfare Association (EPWA), is a non-profit organisation whose sole objective lies in protecting and sustaining the rights of esports players in the country. The organisation provides services like career advice, creation of community, contracts, legal advice, and dispute resolution to the country’s young talent. We connected with Ritesh Nath, Founder and CEO of EPWA, to understand more about the organisation. Here’s what Nath had to share about the novel organisation and its objectives.

What was the idea behind starting EPWA?

The idea behind starting EPWA was solely to protect and safeguard every player in the esports arena, whether amateur or seasoned. Every industry has unions or communities/ associations that very well put the interests and safeguard of their respective members at the forefront. On the other hand, the esports industry of India and its players who are exposed to all kinds of nuisance from time to

time have no such union that would think and look after the interests of these talented players.

Is player exploitation actively happening currently in the esports industry in India?

Yes, to a large extent, this is a widespread occurrence in the esports industry. A lot of it comes down to a lack of access to credible guidance and general unawareness. Most often, players tend to be unaware of rules and regulations associated with them, which leads to them being misled and exploited.

How does EPWA plan to protect player rights and interests?

EPWA aims to be the authority when it comes to shielding the interests of esports athletes across India. We will be ensuring that the professional, legal and contractual rights of esports players in India are safeguarded thoroughly.

Can you elaborate on the need and scope of professional governance among esports players?

The future of esports in India is bright, especially due to the penetration of 4G and the subsequent surge in mobile gaming. Professional governance and structures are vital to the success of any sport; the absence of either in the esports industry in India is one of the key drivers that led to the formation of the EPWA.

What are the different areas EPWA looks forward to catering to?

Being established on the values of fairness, equality, transparency, and accountability, EPWA endeavours to support enrolled esports players, the most crucial part of the whole esports ecosystem with services like legal advice, contracts, career advice, dispute resolution and community building. EPWA aims to work with various government bodies in formulating policies that will form the foundation of the esports ecosystem in India.

Can you tell us about the basic structure on which EPWA works?

EPWA works on a membership format. A player or streamer must sign up on the website to become a member after which they will have access to the above-mentioned services and much more. We currently have an option for both paid and free memberships depending on what the player is looking for.

As one of your major focuses is providing legal advice. Can you elaborate on that? Why is it needed and how does EPWA plan to do it?

Strong, fair and legally sound contracts are an integral part of any esports players’ career in the world, and India is no different. Professional and amateur esports players alike are bound by contracts with their teams, sponsors or in some cases tournaments as well. EPWA will offer legal services to its members to ensure these contracts are sound and fair. Ritesh Nath, Founder and CEO of EPWA

Can you elaborate on the dispute resolution objective of EPWA?

If any player is addressed with an adverse or hostile situation vis-a-vis their contractual rights from team principles, tournament sponsors, and such other similar issues. EPWA aims to guide and direct them on the best way forward, either themselves or through third-party legal experts.

Is there a need for a central legal body and central laws in India for esports?

Yes, definitely. It is imperative to have a government recognised esports federation in India. Regulation of the esports Industry and a neutral environment for industry stakeholders to ply their business should be the primary focus of the authorities.