Valve announced via blog post that it is rescinding its sponsorship for the Defense of the Ancients (DotA) 2 Galaxy Battles 2018 tournament. According to the company, this is “based on what we feel are unreasonable infringements on the privacy of the players, as a condition to enter the country.” This is in line with Philippine regulations that treat e-sports gamers as athletes, and as such, require them to acquire sports licenses before being allowed in the country. The tournament, which will take place in Bocaue, Bulacan on January 15, was intended to have a prize pool of 1-million USD.
Government Requirements for e-sports Athletes Entering the Philippines
According to the Games and Amusement Board of the Republic of the Philippines, the following documents are to be presented when applying for an e-sports permit:
- Two copies of a colored 2×2 ID picture with white background
- Electrocardiogram, X-Ray, drug test, and other medical requirements
- Passport number and/or Community Tax Certificate number
- Income tax return photocopy of promoter
- Assets and liabilities statement of promoter; case-to-case basis
- Certificate of membership from association/club; only required for new applicants.
The Board also states that “licenses must be renewed annually not later than the last day of March of every calendar year. A penalty of fifty percent of the basic license fee shall be imposed on late renewals.”
DotA 2 is the most played video game on Steam, as well as the second most popular online game in the Philippines. The Galaxy Battles 2 tournament will include 16 teams, 2 of which are wild cards and have yet to be declared. The event lost its Major designation, but may proceed without the interference of Valve Corporation and/or the DotA Pro Circuit. The decision to rescind the designation means the tournament must fund its own prize pool. In addition, teams competing in Galaxy Battles 2018 will not receive Qualifier Points for The International 8 tournament from the event.