European Status for professional video games players

6.4.2018

Question for written answer E-002023-18
to the Commission
Rule 130
Alain Cadec (PPE)

Online video game and electronic sports tournaments are becoming increasingly popular.

It is important that legislation is adapted to developments in this new sector. In particular, the lack of a specific status for electronic sports players leads to legal uncertainty and an increased risk of insecurity.

In France, a legal status for employed professional competitive video games players was established under the Digital Republic Act No 2016-1321 of 7 October 2016. Article 102 thereof contains provisions on a contract of employment for games players and the establishment of penalties in the event of non-compliance.

1. Is the Commission aware of legislation on the status of professional game players in force in other EU Member States?

More and more teams comprise players from a number of different Member States, which raises the question as to whether an EU status for game players should be created.

2. Does the Commission plan to adopt provisions aimed at establishing a harmonised status for video game players at EU level?