Media holding company and tournament organiser WePlay Esports has become an official member of the Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC).
The pair will work together to help identify misconduct and other forms of match manipulation in WePlay Esports official events. As an ESIC member, the event operator will see reinforced integrity protocols and other benefits offering WePlay Esports, its fans, and potential bettors an additional piece of mind. Joining the integrity commission was referred to as a ‘natural step’ for the company as it plans on expanding into new esports titles and creating new tournament circuits in the coming years.
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WePlay Esports General Manager Oleh Humeniuk commented in a release: “We are happy to have such a formidable ally in the enforcement of fair play in WePlay Esports events. Participation in ESIC shows to both players and partners that we are taking competitive integrity very seriously and apply a zero-tolerance policy to match manipulations of any kind.”
The event organiser is said to have previously engaged in information sharing with ESIC, supporting a recent ruling surrounding the Counter-Strike spectator bug investigation. On September 28, ESIC provided an update into its inquiry, penalising 37 coaches who were found abusing the bug in a competitive environment.
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Ian Smith, Commissioner at Esports Integrity Commission, added: “As a tournament operator that has been engaging with ESIC for some time, we are happy to have WePlay transition into full membership with ESIC. WePlay joins a prestigious list of tournament operators who have pledged a commitment to standardising an approach to competitive integrity in esports. WePlay’s commitment to ESIC is a reflection of the fact that WePlay values a safe, and healthy esports industry.”
Esports Insider says: Integrity has been a key theme throughout this year, mostly due to the heightened relevance of gaming and betting brought on by the pandemic. The aforementioned investigation has exasperated these matters, but nonetheless, it’s always a good time to join the ranks of ESIC and further elevate the integrity standards of esports.