2025-04-17
On 17 April 2025, the Asian International Arbitration Centre (AIAC) hosted an insightful talk entitled “Malaysian Esports: Legal Barriers, Complexities and Opportunities.” The session brought together key stakeholders and legal experts to explore the evolving landscape of esports law in Malaysia. One of our Executive Committee members, Amirrul Eiman (Po), attended the event, representing the Sports Law Association of Malaysia (SLAM). The session was moderated by Richard Wee, a prominent figure in the Malaysian sports law and esports law scene, and one of the founding members of SLAM. His longstanding involvement in both sports and legal advocacy set the tone for an engaging and thought-provoking dialogue.
The first speaker, Bryan Boo (Bryan & Co.), a respected esports lawyer recognised both nationally and internationally, addressed the prospect of establishing a national tribunal dedicated to esports disputes. While the concept presents exciting possibilities for structured alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, Bryan emphasised the critical need for arbitrators who possess both legal acumen and in-depth knowledge of the esports ecosystem. The lack of such specialised expertise, he noted, remains a significant hurdle in ensuring fair and efficient dispute resolution.
Next, Mohd Fasha Musthafa from the Malaysia Electronic Sports Federation (MESF) delved into the growing challenges surrounding intellectual property in esports. As esports content is widely disseminated on platforms such as YouTube, Twitch, and Facebook Gaming, safeguarding content rights has become increasingly complex. He also shed light on legal issues surrounding contracts involving minor esports players. Ensuring these young athletes are adequately protected within an evolving legal framework remains a top priority.
The third speaker, Muhammad Farouq Abdul Fatah from the Malaysia Esports Players Association (MESPA) — better known in the gaming world as “Flava” — shared first-hand experiences from his career as a prominent esports caster, particularly in titles such as PUBG Mobile. Drawing from the lived realities of esports athletes, Flava highlighted recurring concerns such as ambiguous “auto-renewal” clauses in contracts, the lack of structured support systems for professional players, and incidents involving inappropriate behaviour within the industry. His insights underscored the urgent need for greater legal safeguards and education among players and stakeholders.
As the Malaysian esports industry continues to expand, legal frameworks must evolve in tandem. From dispute resolution to player protection, the dialogue at AIAC highlighted both the opportunities and pressing challenges in this vibrant sector.
SLAM is committed to contributing meaningfully to the development of esports law in Malaysia. As we move forward, we hope to collaborate with key stakeholders to ensure a fair, safe, and sustainable environment for all involved in the world of competitive gaming.
