New Riot LCS rules prohibit professional players from streaming certain games
As Riot looks towards the start of its fourth season of competitive League of Legends, the company has made new adjustments to its League of Legends Championship Series (LCS) regulations which significantly change how professional players can operate their streams.
For those unaware, the LCS pays a salary to professional teams which compete within the series and assists them in getting Visas for tournament travel. Each year these teams must sign a LCS contract which among other things, dictates the rules and regulations they must adhere to as a professional player.
As reported by Ongamers who managed to snag a portion of this years contract, contracted players are now obligated to refrain from streaming over a dozen titles. As you might expect, a large majority of these titles fall within what Riot could classify as a "Moba" and thus competition. Notable titles include: Dota 2, all Blizzard games, SMITE, War Thunder, World of Tanks and even Fat Princess. Gambling games were also banned as was any "non over-the-counter drugs", tobacco products, and firearms.
The move on Riot's part makes sense. Riot wishes for LoL to be considered not just a legitimate e-sport, but a legitimate sport in general. To do that it must shape the image of its professional players, those that garner the most attention and effectively represent Riot's product. Riot isn't preventing other non-professional League streamers from streaming other content, but only those that now fall under its employment.
The move mirrors what other non-compete clauses look like for figureheads not only representing other "real" sports, but products as well. Someone who endorses Pepsi won't be found out in public drinking a Coke. You could almost say the LCS players are now "corporate property". What is your take on the matter?
About the Author
Michael Dunaway has been part of the MMOBomb team for years and has covered practically every major Free-to-Play MMO title since 2009.
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So lets say Wildturtle called his stream: "YOLOQ WITH DYRUS" Then he isn't allowed to stream those games while in queue, but if he called his stream: "Hearthstone Arena" he can stream it just like any other person.
Hei these professional players aren't restricted to play any other game.. They can play other games but aren't allowed to stream other games. Its not a big deal. They are professionals and are PAYED (BIG money) like that and promoted like that and treated like that.. So in return they ask the players to be loyal and not promote other games... Is it so much to ask? Its not slavery.. If you don't want to be dictated what to do then don't sign the contract... But then bye bye money, fame, traveling etc. And then stay at home streaming wtf you want...
They are quite popular people, any game they stream will get some form of attention. If people go play that game that is less time they see all the stuff they can buy from me. Less time = less temptation to buy = less temptation to buy = less sells.
But then again, why World of Tanks and Warthunder... Fat Princess too...
I don't get why they'd list dead games there as well like Rise of Immortals (Battle for Graxia).
Tbh, this seems like a follow up to Riot's attempt last year to stop professional organisations from fielding eSports teams outside LoL (which was received quite poorly and thus failed in the end).