The emerging legal battle over video game streaming rights

Esports advertisers, consumers, brands, investors, and athletes are congregating around streaming game content, competing for the revenue it generates. Juniper Research reports that esports and streaming video game content will generate $3.5 billion by 2021, up from $1.8 billion in 2016. Technological advances in cloud gaming, virtual reality and cross play could accelerate these revenue projections.

Revenue from live or recorded streams comes from advertisements before and after videos, or video advertisement overlays. Game developers are adjusting their legal policies and adopting new technology to balance monetization of streams with facilitating viewership and creativity. As billions of dollars pour into the industry, game publishers, streaming distribution channels, and esports athletes are working to redefine how intellectual property rights and accelerating technology control this rapidly evolving legal and entertainment landscape.