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eSports Contracts

Do I own my in-game account?

No, according to most EULAs, the account belongs to the publisher (e.g., Valve, Riot). You only have a license to use it. Selling accounts is prohibited.

Can a team take a cut of my streaming revenue?

Yes, if it is stated in the contract. Often, teams take a percentage in exchange for promoting the stream and providing equipment.

What happens if the team disbands?

The contract should have a termination clause for team dissolution. The player should become a free agent immediately without buyout obligations.

Are esports contracts employment contracts?

It depends on the jurisdiction and terms. They can be employment contracts or independent contractor agreements. This affects taxes and social benefits.

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eSports Contracts are the legal foundation of the digital sports industry. Esports has long moved beyond a hobby to become a billion-dollar industry involving professional gamers, teams, and streamers. An esports contract regulates the relationship between the player and the organization, including salary, prize pool distribution, streaming revenue, and branding. Unlike traditional sports, additional regulations come from game Publishers and online platforms. A qualified lawyer helps gamers avoid "slave contracts" and protect their intellectual and financial rights in the virtual space.

What Does the eSports Contracts Service Cover?

Our service covers all key agreements in the esports ecosystem:

  • Player Agreement: Drafting employment or service contracts with the team, specifying salary, bonuses, training schedule (Gaming House), and Prize Pool distribution rules.
  • Streaming Contracts: Agreements with platforms (Twitch, YouTube) and the team regarding streaming revenue sharing.
  • Transfer Agreements: Transferring a player from one organization to another, regulating the Buyout fee.
  • Sponsorship and Merchandising: Contracts with personal sponsors (e.g., peripheral manufacturers) and receiving a share from team merch sales.
  • Tournament Participation: Legal analysis of agreeing to tournament rules (Rulebook).

Real-World Situations When You Need This Service

Esports athletes often face the following problems:

  • Unpaid Prize Money: The team received prize money from the tournament organizer but is not paying the player their due share. The lawyer initiates dispute proceedings.
  • "Bench" Status: The organization moved the player to the bench, reduced their salary, and won't allow a transfer to another team. Contract terms need to be checked.
  • Publisher Ban: A player was banned for "toxic behavior" or cheating. An appeal to the game developer is needed.
  • Streaming Restrictions: The team forbids the player from developing their personal channel. The lawyer protects the player's right to their personal brand.

Georgian Legal Framework

Esports contracts are regulated by the "Civil Code of Georgia" and the "Law on Copyright". However, the licensing terms of game publishers (Valve, Riot Games) and international tournament regulations hold supreme power. Dispute resolution often occurs through international arbitration or Online Dispute Resolution (ODR) mechanisms.

Process: How a Specialist Works

The lawyer's work includes:

  1. Audit: Identifying "Red Flags" in the contract.
  2. Negotiation: Achieving the best financial terms (e.g., revenue from sticker sales).
  3. Defense: Representing interests in case of contract breach.

Why Legal.ge?

Legal.ge offers lawyers who understand the language of gaming and the digital economy. Esports is a career, not just a game. We will help ensure your digital skills are valued in the real world with fair contracts.

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Specialists for this service

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