SBC News Un bon début - French government is considering esports regulation

Un bon début – French government is considering esports regulation

The French government has made serious moves to regulate and push forward the esports industry nationwide as part of a wider digital reform bill which is currently being considered.

Axelle Lemaire, French Digital Minister
Axelle Lemaire, French Digital Minister

The projet de loi pour une République numérique, or Digital Republic bill, has been in discussion since last year but only yesterday did France’s Digital Minister, Axelle Lemaire, announce a number of measures which will officially legalise and legitimise the esports industry in the country.

An introductory statement on the site detailing the bill at length reads as follows: “Twenty-first century France must embrace digital technology, prepare for future developments, take up all the opportunities and shape a society that embodies the principles of liberty, equality and fraternity.”

Until this point in time, French gamers have not been recognised professionally despite their vast numbers on France and a solid following too. Tournaments have been classed as ‘lottery schemes’ but this new legislation recognises the highly competitive aspect.

Should the bill go ahead as planned players will be in a far better position; they’ll have an official social status and be eligible for national health insurance, unemployment and retirement benefits. In addition to this organisatons employing players will be subject to scrutiny and will have to offer fixed term contracts of a minimum of twelve months. Essentially professional players will be entitled to the same rights as any other working citizen in France.

Naturally, if all goes well, this should help to draw top esports stars to the country as one major issue in esports globally is the lack of reliable and professional organisations offering players a decent fixed term wage.

The creation of an esports association, Fédération France-Esport, was announced on April 27th with a number of aims including developing international events, creating a legal framework for competitions and competitors and generally helping to propel the industry forward.

For now those involved in esports in France must wait to see the result of this bill, but with some major organisations attached to the newly formed association including Turtle Entertainment France (ESL) and Dreamhack France, hopes are high.

 

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