Fnatic announce first-ever esports safeguarding policy

July 9, 2021 

Global esports brand Fnatic has released a new set of safeguarding policies designed specifically for the esports industry to build a safer system that protects current and future gamers. Safeguarding broadly refers to the process of ensuring the health and wellbeing of children, young people and adults at risk. As one of the leaders in esports, it has said that this a first for the industry.  

According to the release, Fnatic’s Global Safeguarding Policies will spearhead ‘the conversation and development of safeguarding in pro gaming to build a safer system that protects current and future gamers’. 

Its two policies include the Children and Young People Safeguarding Policy, which outlines the risks faced by people under the age of 18, and the Adults at Risk Safeguarding Policy, which outlines the risks faced by vulnerable adults. 

As well as pinpointing the risks faced by both groups, the policies also detail how Fnatic will approach safeguarding in the future. The brand have committed to a safeguarding pledge based on five R’s: Rights, Responsibility, Respect, Reporting and Risk. By committing to implementing the five Rs, Fnatic will be able to clearly distinguish between actions that drive gaming performance and those that are abusive. 

(Credit: Fnatic)

Andrew Cooke, General Counsel at Fnatic, commented: “Safeguarding is hugely important for any organisation that connects with or engages with children and young people on a regular basis. But so far there has been limited progress made when it comes to recognising and protecting the rights of young people and vulnerable adults in our industry.” 

The industry’s first safeguarding policies were developed in partnership with safeguarding training consultancy, Safeguarding Today, key advisers to the government's online harms and safeguarding leads at professional sports teams, including various Premier League Clubs. 

Along with announcing their safeguarding policies, Fnatic also shares its latest report that addresses the current state of safeguarding in the competitive gaming industry in a bid to open up the discussion on the issue. Taken from the report, in November last year the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) outlined that 1220 online grooming offences has occurred in the previous three months.

The report ultimately outlines and tackles the unique risks posed in esports and highlights its commitment to reducing the risk of abuse, bullying, harm, harassment and neglect of children, young people and adults at risk. 

“As we’ve seen in many traditional sports, it’s a matter of when, not if, a major safeguarding issue arises in esports so it’s really important that Fnatic has taken a progressive, forward-thinking view to safeguarding in the digital space to better protect those around them. I support their efforts to set standards in this area and I encourage other organisations in the ecosystem to follow their lead,” said Jennie Smith, Founder, and Director of Safeguarding Today. 

Source: Sport Industry Group