The role of copyright and EULAs in the esports ecosystem

Leonid Shmatenko, Oleksandr Volkov and Rodolphe Ruffié-Farrugia

Chapter Chapter 5 in Esports Law and Practice, 2025, pp 82-96 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: The rapid growth of esports has transformed the gaming industry, creating a dynamic and lucrative ecosystem that encompasses professional gaming competitions, live streaming, and a wide array of digital content. As esports have evolved from niche communities into a mainstream phenomenon, they have brought with them a number of legal challenges, particularly in the realms of copyright law and End User Licence Agreements (EULAs). These challenges are critical to address, as they affect players, content creators, game developers, and the industry as a whole. Copyright law plays a pivotal role in esports, governing the use and distribution of digital content, including the games themselves, in-game assets, and broadcasts of gameplay. The emergence of streaming platforms such as Twitch and YouTube has further complicated the legal landscape, as streamers and viewers navigate the boundaries of content creation and consumption. This chapter aims to explore the intricate legal terrain of Esports, focusing on the critical issues of copyright and EULAs. We will delve into the complexities of copyright law as it applies to the creation, distribution, and consumption of esports content, examining key cases and legal precedents from the EU and the UK. Additionally, we will analyse the role of EULAs in regulating content creation, highlighting the balance between protecting intellectual property and fostering a vibrant esports community.

Keywords: Copyright; EULA; Streaming; Esports; Intellectual property (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
ISBN: 9781803925998
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