The launch of eSports Players Welfare Association has been a long and pending initiative for the eSports industry in India. More than 400 million people identify with playing online games and a majority of these actually take part in competitions, qualifying to be identified as eSports players.
In an industry with a history of putting the needs of the players virtually last, the introduction of EPWA is like a burst of fresh wind. Players today are encouraged that an independent entity has taken the onus to represent them in important issues such as differentiating eSports from the often stigmatised online gambling companies.
EPWA was launched on 23rd of August and already boasts a membership base of over 12k members, divided between 2 subscriptions of Gold and Silver. While silver membership is generally open to all, gold has a nominal fee of Rs 299. EPWA membership allows members to be part of a community of likeminded individuals who are keen on seeing the Indian eSports scene grow. EPWA supports their members with regular updates on relevant news, education initiatives and career advice for the members.
Today eSports is a misunderstood industry by the larger public, but entities like eSports players welfare association aims to change the narrative. EPWA membership, who’s goal is to create a vibrant community of athletes, will allow the conversation to shift from ill effects of spending hours playing games to the benefits of gaming in general, where the pros far outweigh the cons.
EPWA membership today is offering 3 months of free gold membership to all who sign up till the 31st of October. Gold members, in addition to all the benefits of silver membership also get the more sought after services of legal advice. With many players complaining of the off-hand attitude of tournament organisers and team owners, EPWA offers players who suffer from lopsided contract agreements an outlet to reach out to. An athlete faced with the uphill task of taking on parties that force one-sided contracts or simply turn back on agreed terms, now has a friend in EPWA who will represent them and advice on how to get the best out of a situation.
eSports Players Welfare Association is an exciting new organisation and we will look out for all the good work that they generate in their time. It’s still early days, but the signs indicate that the image that the industry has generated may change for the better after all. Should you become a member of EPWA? Simply put, if you are a pro-gamer or have the aspirations to be a pro-gamer, yes! Consider an EPWA membership as an insurance policy against all the sharks out to get an unfair chunk of your hard-work.
Last question, who should avail of the EPWA membership? Straightforward answer, anyone related to the eSports industry- players, streamers and working professionals in the industry. It’s time to protect what we love - gaming and eSports!
For more information check out their website www.epwa.in .
