Two historic days for the development of the esports and gambling sector in Italy: the first conference on the subject, organized in Parliament on 8 and 9 May, marked recognition of esports in an institutional context. This historic moment of confrontation has shed light on the normative, economic and social aspects of the games, drawing parliamentary attention to critical issues and opportunities. Organized by Movimento 5 Stelle and the Italian Esports Observatory, the convention has set itself an ambitious goal. In addition to being the first time to listen and agree on the needs of the market operators, this will be the start of a unique constructive work of its kind: the drafting of the Esports and Gaming White Paper. This is the goal that the 5 Star Movement has set for itself through the ladies and gentlemen involved in the initiative. Valentina Barzotti, Chiara Appendino, Alessandra Todde AND Anthony Caseas well as the Italian Esports Observatory with its founder Louis Caputo.
In fact, in two days, many ideas have emerged that deserve high praise, not limited to just debates. There has been talk of the need for regulation that puts more emphasis on players’ privacy and security and limits the sector’s environmental impact. Then the still relevant topic was analyzed local rooms, pointing out how to address the regulatory vacuum that has caused several closures, a dedicated government agency can be identified that can break the deadlock that operators currently find themselves in. Another fundamental issue that has been discussed is labor relations in esports and the need for a contractual framework that provides more protection for gamers and has its own limits to the specifics of the sector. (e.g. access age and working hours). In general, therefore, the whole sphere needs regulation, in particular, it is highlighted the need to regulate sports competitions, which today are heavily punished by rules that apply inconsistently to gaming activities with cash prizes.
As reported in several presentations, the first step could be taken by recognizing virtual sports, transferring to them some of the protections provided for traditional sports. The urgent need to consider managing Web3 related trends, as they are closely related to games, was highlighted. In fact, blockchain technology is now being used in various video games, and this intersection is destined to become increasingly important. There was also talk of casual gaming, a phenomenon that now has 22 million Italians participating, demonstrating that gaming is now a social issue affecting every demographic and geographic group, not just professional gamers. A spot has also been reserved for independent video game developers, highlighting the urgent need for support from institutions that need to protect those in the profession on their own through incentives to bring younger generations closer together.
Finally, from the work it turned out that it was no longer possible to postpone the theme of full female inclusion in the game dynamics. In fact, women are often marginalized in the gaming community and bullied. This cultural problem will definitely have to be overcome for the full development of the market. This important event also features the National Amateur League with a sector dedicated to virtual football. In the vast panorama of the proposed competitive events, the pride of hosting the championship as a contribution to the overall mission, fully dedicated to women’s virtual football, is already in its fourth edition.
The balance that can be drawn from these two days of the conference is more than positive. Potential, limits and difficulties have been highlighted through the choral audition of all the souls that make it up, a factor that is an absolute novelty for the sector. First of all, strategic actions were proposed to achieve full social and legal recognition of eSports and gaming in our country. It was in this connection that the idea of the first White paper on esports and gaming, in order to extend this constructive work to the maximum possible number of operators. The Italian Esports Observatory will launch a call to action in which everyone can participate with suggestions and ideas. Once the reports are collected, the White Paper will be shared with the representatives of the 5 Star Movement so that a process of legislative proposals can be created in the parliamentary halls that has the support of the whole sector concerned.
Source: Tutto Mercato Web
