Despite Japan’s affinity for eSports, competitions are handicapped by gambling laws which do not encourage game betting and some other practices.

This act has shaped the esports industry and has hampered tournaments and gaming events.

Capcom, a prominent game company known for the legendary Street Fighter game recently announced a Pro Tour. This move is aimed at revolutionizing the Japanese eSport industry laws. Joining them in this attempt is the Japanese eSports Union (JeSU) which is also making a move to beat Japanese harsh laws against gambling.

Japanese Gambling laws restrict winners from earning beyond 100,000 Yen. It is a law that seeks to be modest by preventing excessive prizes.

Many eSports teams and groups in Japan are beginning to get licences that make their professions and competitions legal so as to avoid trouble from the regulating body.

The need to have a special regulatory body which provides licensing is quite unknown as the authenticity of this regulatory body is questioned by some game enthusiatss

Some players think the body that gives Pro-Gamer licensing do not have rights to do so as the pro-gamer status is built on dedication and community verification.

The limitations of esports licenses

While the eSports Union In Japan has a lenient set of requirements which can be basically defined as self-awaresess, ability to play above par and sportsmanship in order to be called a pro-gamer, some still think it is not a required licensing body.

Some groups believe that other groups can be great gamers but not pro-gamers. There is the belief that creating a lenient rule will not give strength to the community.

How is the strict rule boycotted?

Due to gambling laws, game companies are unable to provide funding or cash prizes during game plays or tournaments. Not withstanding, non-game sponsors place a great value on the industry to promote their products too. This makes them pump huge cash in millions of yens.

Sometimes, there is usually a synergy between the restricted game companies and the sponsors. This is not usually direct on the tournaments but usually, there is an effect on it.

Licensing is available for only a set of games for just 2 years

In Japan, pro-gamers must be licensed before playing in the community and they can only play for two years before renewing their licenses.

Pro-gamers licensing is one of the ways the eSports industry in Japan is beating harsh government laws.

This has created a space for enthusiastic members of the community to carry out tournaments and other activities.

This might not completely solve the problem as only a few games enjoy this benefit. They include: Street Fighter V, Tekken 7, Winning Eleven 2018, Call of Duty: WWII, Puzzle & Dragons, and Monster Strike.

Although the requirements are not too demanding, the renewals make more people stay away.

Overall, eSports industry enthusiasts in Japan have become innovative by collaborating and taking the industry mainstream in Japan.

Same applies in the Philippines.

Do you think the regulation is not worth it?

Let the comments flow.

eSports / regulation

Japanese eSports Industry Face Regulation Issues

Japanese eSports Industry Face Regulation Issues

Japanese eSports Industry Face Regulation Issues