The conference on 8 and 9 May, organized by the Movimento 5 Stelle and by the Italian Esports Observatory, represented a first historic moment for Esports to arrive in Parliament, in which sector operators presented problems and proposals in a unified way for the sector development
Two historic days for the development of Esports and Gaming sector in Italy: the first conference on the subject organized in Parliament (8 and 9 May) marked the recognition of Esports within an institutional context. This historic moment of confrontation has shed a light on the regulatory, economic and social aspects of gaming, bringing the critical issues and opportunities to the attention of Parliament. The convention, which was organized by 5 Star Movement and of the Italian Esports Observatory, has set itself an ambitious goal. In addition to having represented the first moment of listening to and concerting the needs of market operators, it will be the beginning of a unique constructive work of its kind: the drafting of a White Book of Esports and Gaming.
This is the goal that the 5 Star Movement has set itself, through the ladies involved in the initiative Valentina Barzotti, Chiara Appendino, Alessandra Todde and Antonio Caso, and by the Italian Esports Observatory, with its founder Luigi Caputo. In the two days, in fact, many ideas emerged, which deserve an appreciation that is not limited to just the debate. There has been talk of the need for regulation that places greater emphasis on privacy and security for players and a limit to the environmental impact of the sector. The still topical theme of LAN rooms was then analysed, pointing out how, in order to reach a resolution of the regulatory vacuum that has decreed several closures, it is possible to identify a dedicated state authority, capable of going beyond the stalemate in which operators currently find themselves.
Another fundamental matter which was discussed is that of employment relationships in Esports and the need for a contractual framework that gives greater protection to gamers, and which has its own delimitations to the peculiarities of the sector (for example the age of access and the working hours). In general, therefore, it is the whole sector that needs regulation, in particular, the need to regulate sports competitions was highlighted, today heavily penalized by the rules which apply in a contradictory way to gambling activities with cash prizes.
As reported in several interventions, a first step can be taken through the recognition of virtual sports, transferring to them some protections provided for traditional sports. The urgent need to consider regulating also the Web-related trends3, as they are closely connected with gaming. In fact, blockchain technology is now used in various video games and this intersection is destined to acquire more and more importance. There was also talk of casual gaming, a phenomenon that today involves 22 million Italiansdemonstrating how gaming is now a social issue that affects all demographics and territories, and not just professional gamers.
Space has also been reserved for developers independent video games, highlighting the urgency of support from the institutions, which must protect those who carry out this profession independently, through incentives to bring the younger generations closer together. Finally, the theme of the full inclusion of women in the dynamics of gaming appeared to be no longer postponeable. In fact, women are often marginalized by the gaming community and receive bullying. This cultural problem will necessarily have to be overcome for full development of the market.
The balance that can be drawn from these two days of conference is more than positive. Potential, limits and difficulties were underlined, through a choral listening to all the souls that compose it, a factor that represents an absolute novelty for the sector. Above all, strategic actions have been suggested to pursue the full social and legislative recognition of Esports and gaming in our country. Precisely in this regard, the idea of the first Esports and Gaming White Paper was launched, with the aim of extending this constructive work to as many operators as possible.
Esports and Gaming in Italy: statements after the convention in parliament
The Italian Esports Observatory will launch a call to action in which everyone can participate with proposals and ideas. Once the reports have been collected, the White Paper will be delivered to the representatives of the 5 Star Movement, so that a legislative proposal process can be created in the parliamentary halls that has the support of the entire sector concerned. Valentina Barzotti group leader of the M5S in the Labor Committee in the Chamber said:
These two days of work represented a further and fundamental opportunity for study, analysis and sharing. Already in the last legislature we promoted a fact-finding survey on digital content creators and later, with an amendment to the Competition decree, we managed to introduce the first protections for these workers. The Movimento 5 Stelle has positioned itself as a privileged interlocutor for an entire sector, collaborating with stakeholders and with the Italian Esports Observatory. With a participatory and inclusive approach, and starting from the excellent work done during this conference, we will begin to trace a direct path to the regulation of a market that has enormous potential for growth and development, with the aim of supporting and encouraging it
Antonio Casoalso a deputy of the M5S says:
They were two important days for the entire Esports world. We immediately perceived the need to start a dialogue with the various players in the sector. For this reason, with the Italian Esports Observatory we have organized, for the first time in Parliament, a conference on Esports that touched on all the main aspects, critical issues and proposals of an ever-expanding ecosystem. We need to start thinking about the measures to put in place as soon as possible. In Italy we have a regulatory, cultural, legislative and gender gap to fill. As M5S we are ready to involve all political forces on the issue.
Louis Caputohowever, founder of the Italian Esports Observatory:
We are extremely satisfied with this convention, we have opened a new era for Esports and gaming in Italy. The choral, constructive and participatory approach that we have proposed represents the stylistic code of a profound change for the development of the sector. We believe the time has come for operators to unite and collaborate. Only their encounter with politics can solve the many existing problems. In this sense, the OIES was the enabler of the system. The support of the deputies of the 5 Star Movement who wanted to be an active part of this process was also commendable. Their very high degree of commitment was not obvious, and demonstrates how concretely politics can be close to citizens, unlike the many stereotypes we are unfortunately accustomed to. The launch of the White Paper will be an ambitious project of which we are happy to be able to share the journey with the deputies who supported the convention.
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