Open and ongoing dialogue with key eSports stakeholders is crucial for an effective national plan for the development of electronic sports. This is the analysis of Carlos Gama, VP Games and eSports at Assespro/RJ, who advocates for the development of short and medium-term projects as well as measures of transparency and integrity in sports management, to contribute to the growth of the activity in Brazil. For him, all spheres of power should also be involved in the debate.
Open and constant dialogue with the main stakeholders in the electronic sports scenario is fundamental for the development of an efficient and successful national plan. Publishers, athletes, electronic sports organizations, leagues, platforms, confederations and federations, and private companies play essential roles in promoting and growing this sector, and their active participation in the development and implementation of policies and strategies is crucial to ensure progress and sustainability of eSports in Brazil.
By establishing open dialogue with these key actors, it is possible to identify and address fundamental issues, such as regulation, financial support, infrastructure, training of athletes and professionals, and the creation of a legally safe and conducive environment for the development of the electronic sports industry.
In addition, collaboration between the Executive and Legislative branches at the Municipal, State, and Federal levels is essential for the implementation of measures and public policies that encourage the practice of eSports and promote their recognition as a legitimate and relevant activity in the national sports scene.
A National Development Plan for eSports should be built in a participatory and inclusive manner, taking into account the different perspectives and interests of the various segments involved. By promoting open dialogue and cooperation among the different actors in the electronic sports ecosystem, it is possible to create an environment conducive to the growth and strengthening of this innovative and constantly evolving industry.
How to initiate the debate and discussion
To develop a National Development Plan for eSports in Brazil, it is important to use a series of tools and resources that help map, plan, and implement the necessary actions for sustainable and organized growth of this industry. Some key tools that can assist in this process include:
1. Market research and studies: Conduct market research and studies to understand the current panorama of eSports in Brazil, identify trends, demands, challenges, and growth opportunities.
2. Public consultations: Conduct public consultations with the different actors involved in eSports to gather information, suggestions, and feedback on the necessary measures for the development of the sector.
3. International benchmarking: Analyze and be inspired by successful initiatives from other countries in the development of eSports, adapting and applying good practices to the Brazilian context.
4. Working groups: Create working groups with representatives from publishers, athletes, electronic sports organizations, leagues, platforms, confederations and federations, as well as from the Executive branch - Ministry of Sports and Municipal and State Secretariats of Sports and Leisure and Legislative branch - Chamber of Deputies (Sports Committee: Special Subcommittee on Electronic Sports and Parliamentary Front in Support of Electronic Sports and Games) State Assemblies and Municipal Chambers, to debate and develop concrete proposals with local impact for the national plan.
5. Public hearings: Hold public hearings to discuss and present the national development plan for eSports, involving experts, sector entities, government authorities, and civil society.
6. Public-private partnerships: Establish strategic partnerships between the government, private companies, and sector organizations to enable the implementation of the actions envisaged in the plan.
With the proper use of these tools and resources, it is possible to initiate the debate and discussion on the development of a National Development Plan for eSports in Brazil that is effective, comprehensive, and capable of boosting the growth and professionalization of eSports in the country.
Short, medium, and long-term objectives
The National Development Plan for eSports should establish clear and achievable objectives in the short, medium, and long term to boost the growth and professionalization of eSports in the municipalities of Brazil. Some goals that can be considered for each of these periods are:
Short Term (up to 2 years):
1. Creation of incentive and training programs for eSports athletes in municipal schools, with the implementation of school tournaments and related activities.
2. Encouragement to create eSports arenas in public spaces, promoting local events and competitions.
3. Development of courses and training for sector professionals, aiming at workforce qualification and job creation.
4. Establishment of partnerships with local companies and organizations to foster the eSports ecosystem in the municipality.
Medium Term (2 to 5 years):
1. Creation of centers of excellence in eSports, with adequate infrastructure for athlete training, high-level competition hosting, and research development in the area.
2. Implementation of tax incentive policies for the eSports sector, aiming to stimulate investments and the creation of new business opportunities.
3. Expansion of technical and higher education courses focused on eSports, promoting the training of qualified and specialized professionals in the sector.
4. Strengthening of partnerships with national and international leagues and federations, aiming at the inclusion of Brazilian municipalities in the global eSports scene.
Long Term (5 to 8 years):
1. Consolidation of Brazilian municipalities as international references in eSports, with the hosting of major events, competitions, and conferences in the sector.
2. Creation of specific public policies for eSports, ensuring the sustainability and continuous development of the sector in the municipalities.
3. Inclusion of eSports in the official sports calendar of the municipalities, with recognition and institutional support for competitions and athletes.
4. Encouragement of the internationalization of Brazilian eSports, with exchanges and participation in international events and leagues, strengthening the country's image in the global eSports scene.
With the definition of goals in the short, medium, and long term, the National Development Plan for eSports can guide the actions and investments necessary to boost the growth and professionalization of eSports in the municipalities of Brazil.
Transparency and integrity in sports management
The National Development Plan for eSports in Brazil should address issues such as compliance, sports governance, and transparency in cases of public funds rigorously and transparently, aiming to ensure the integrity and sustainability of the eSports sector in the country. Some measures and guidelines that can be adopted include:
1. Implementation of mechanisms for control and oversight of public funds allocated to eSports, ensuring transparency in their application and preventing misappropriation or irregularities.
2. Establishment of compliance norms and policies for eSports organizations, leagues, and federations, with clear rules and standardized procedures to ensure compliance with legislation and good practices.
3. Adoption of corporate governance practices in sports entities, with the creation of boards of directors, ethics and compliance committees, and mechanisms for accountability and transparency in management.
4. Conducting internal and external audits periodically to assess the compliance of sports entities with established norms and guidelines, ensuring fairness and efficiency in the use of public funds.
5. Training and education of managers and those responsible for sports entities, aiming to disseminate a culture of compliance and transparency and strengthen governance practices in the eSports sector.
By incorporating these guidelines and control measures into the National Development Plan for eSports, Brazil can ensure the integrity and credibility of the eSports sector, as well as promote the professionalization and sustainable development of the industry in the country. In addition, transparency and good governance will contribute to building a positive image of eSports among society and investors, stimulating the growth and appreciation of the sector at national and international levels.
National Sports System for electronic sports
To establish a National Sports System for eSports, the National Development Plan for eSports should contemplate some important guidelines:
Firstly, it is essential that the plan clearly and specifically defines the responsibilities of each level of government (Municipal, State, and Federal) in planning and applying public funds allocated to eSports.
This includes the creation of programs and projects that promote the practice of eSports in schools, universities, clubs, and eSports organizations and in gaming communities, as well as support and strengthening of leagues and competitions at various levels of professionalization. Actions that will reduce project duplication, increase the quality and efficiency of initiatives, and promote monitoring and possible adjustments.
In addition, it is important to establish mechanisms for articulation and cooperation among different levels of government, to ensure the integration and complementarity of actions aimed at eSports. This may include the creation of a national eSports council, composed of representatives from all levels of government and civil society, which can guide and monitor the implementation of public policies in the area.
Another relevant point is the need for investments in infrastructure and training of qualified human resources to work in the field of eSports, thus ensuring the sustainability and development of the modality in the country. This includes the creation of training and training centers for athletes, the promotion of courses and training for coaches and team managers, and the encouragement of research and innovation in the sector.
Finally, it is essential that the National Development Plan for eSports be aligned with the guidelines of the National Sports and Physical Education Plan, to ensure the integration and promotion of eSports as a recognized and valued sports modality in the national context. Cooperation and dialogue between different levels of government, educational institutions, national sports administration entities, and civil society are fundamental for the success and sustainability of the National Sports System for eSports.
