eSports operator Unikrn rolls out self-regulatory framework
Firmâs Competitive Integrity Certification Program aims to legitimize the fledgling industry Â
Unikrn has introduced what it claims is the first ever competitive integrity certification program for the fledgling eSports betting industry. [private]
The Seattle-based firm, which offers real-money and virtual currency wagers on eSports contests around the world, said the program is being immediately adopted through a partnership with FACEIT.
FACEIT, the leading platform for online multiplayer games, will promote industry-wide best practices that âensure the legitimacy of match resultsâ in events organized by Unikrn and its partners.
Unikrn said participating leagues will be ranked along different tiers of competitive integrity based on the extent to which they satisfy different requirements of the program.
The program will look at player code of conduct, standards for investigating possible violations, and specific rules tailored to both land-based and online events.
âAs eSports reaches a tipping point in mainstream acceptance, the legitimacy of match results in more paramount than ever,â Unikrn CEO Rahul Sood, said.
âAdvertisers, investors, and fans depend on it, and thatâs why we are launching a collaborative system to ensure competitive integrity and anti-cheating across all major competitions.
âThe key here is getting all key stakeholders to the table, engaging in proactive discussions to set industry standards,â he added.
FACEIT will play a lead role in the development and rollout of the initiative acting as the first certified partner organization, and offering on-the-ground feedback on its functionality.
âThis partnership ensures that both players and fans can be confident in the results of Unikrn events,â FACEIT co-founder and COO Michele Attisani, said.
âWeâre happy to work with Unikrn to begin the important work of making eSports as fair as possible. This means players and spectators can focus on seeing game play at the highest level of skill.â
The launch of the framework comes after the self-regulatory model used by the daily fantasy sports industry has come under intense scrutiny following the DraftKings data leak scandal.