Introduction to Esports: Task 2 – Structure.

In this research task you will explore how esports is organized and structured
in the UK.

Students must fill out each box below to the expected minimum word count, all research
sources should be link at the bottom of each box, Wikipedia does not count as a research
source. Source links do not make up total word count of a question box.

What role does the government play?

50 Words Min – All research sources to be linked at bottom of the box, Wikipedia not to be used.
The UK government has provided funding to the video game industry. This is largely in the
form of the Video Games Tax Relief (VGTR) scheme, which allows a 20% tax break on all
UK-approved games through HM Treasury. A government official like Sadiq Khan, the
Mayor of London, described the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park as a ‘global leader in
esports’.
https://esportsinsider.com/2023/05/esports-around-the-world-united-
kingdom#:~:text=Though%20not%20directly%20esports%20related,approved%20games
%20through%20HM%20Treasury.

How is esports defined under UK law?

50 Words Min – All research sources to be linked at bottom of the box, Wikipedia not to be used.
As of yet, there are no specific laws in England and Wales which apply to regulate the
esports industry. Esports therefore currently operate in a similar way to traditional sports
under the existing legislative framework. Franchises will have similar legal needs to
traditional professional sports teams and bodies, whether that be support with player
contracts, the protection of intellectual property, the establishment of the franchise from
the outset along with any initial and follow-on investment.
https://www.hcrlaw.com/blog/regulation-in-the-esports-industry/

What role do the British Esports Association play?

50 Words Min – All research sources to be linked at bottom of the box, Wikipedia not to be used.
The British Esports Association are not pushing esports as a rival to traditional sport, but
as a credible activity in its own right which can have positive cognitive and other esports
benefits when done in moderation. Esports promotes teamwork and communication,
develops communities and provides jobs. They help to educate parents, teachers, media,
policy makers and government around what esports is and what its benefits are. The BEA
are working with schools, colleges and other educational establishments to embrace
esports and create some inspiring events and activities.
 https://britishesports.org/about-us/

How does esports fit within the wider video game industry?
50 Words Min – All research sources to be linked at bottom of the box, Wikipedia not to be used.
Esports is a booming global industry where skilled video gamers play competitively. In the
same way that traditional sports have competitions in baseball, basketball, and football,
esports encompasses competitions across a variety of video games. Esports is not simply a
phenomenon occurring in the basements of unemployed twentysomethings; the industry
is real, growing globally, and investable. In fact, over 380 million people watch esports
worldwide both online and in person. This has led to a rise in Esport tournaments and
competitive rewards, allowing more opportunities and jobs between new and older
generations.

https://www.toptal.com/finance/market-research-analysts/esports#:~:text=Esports%20is
%20a%20booming%20global,a%20variety%20of%20video%20games.

What tournaments take place in the UK?

50 Words Min – All research sources to be linked at bottom of the box, Wikipedia not to be used.

The UK have hosted a fair few number of tournaments this includes: ALGS 2023, FACEIT,
Commonwealth Esports Championships, Gfinity, EPIC.LAN, Insomnia, ePremier League,
League of legends World Championship 2015, ESL One Birmingham, Northern League of
Legends Championship (uk and Nordics), Red Bull Home Ground, NUEL, RLCS season 5
World Championship, MSI 2023, ESL Premiership, Valorant Champions Tour EMEA.

https://esportsinsider.com/2023/05/esports-around-the-world-united-kingdom

Your lecturer will inform you of how to hand in on Moodle ready for the work to be
checked, this will also need to be uploaded to the Unit 1 page on your WIX website.

Resources

Organisation and structure of esports

www. britishesports.org/
Contains lots of information and resources about esports in the UK and beyond
www.globalesports.org
Home of the Global Esports Federation

www.esportseuruope.org
Home of the European Esports Federation