This week in Chinese esports: eStar, Malaysia

As part of our partnership with China Electronic Athletics, we’re bringing you the biggest headlines from the esports industry in China every week. This week in Chinese esports saw eStar acquire a franchise spot in TJ Sports’ LPL and the Malaysian government release a five-year esports plan.

eStar acquires LPL franchise spot

Chinese organisation eStar acquired a franchise spot in the LPL. The LoL franchise is jointly owned by eStar, Chinese former LoL player Mou “PDD” Liu, and the Wuhan Tourism Development & Investment Group. eStar’s home venue will be established in Wuhan in 2020.

eStar was established by Chinese former Warcraft Ⅲ and Heroes of Storm player Liwei “xiaOt” Sun in 2014. It currently competes in Honor of Kings and Speed Drifters, and soon, League of Legends.

Read the full article here.

China Electronic Athletics says: Although eStar didn’t reveal details about the team’s roster, it’s still being recognised as a dark horse due to its investors. It’s evident that the two senior esports practitioners’ efforts to attract public attention has worked and we’re looking forward to seeing its performance in 2020 LPL.

Malaysia government releases five-year plan to develop esports

The Ministry of Youth and Sports in Malaysia released a five-year strategic plan to create a sustainable esports ecosystem in the country. The plan includes 25 key initiatives and five prioritized strategies for maintaining a sustainable esports ecosystem. In 2020, the Malaysia government will allocate RM 20 million (£3.66 million) to develop esports.

The five prioritized strategies include standardising the contracts for esports players and formulating plans for players’ health and esports careers, supporting competitive integrity and gender equality, establishing national esports venues and academies, encouraging the development of esports talent and investment,  and providing licenses for esports players, referees, and training centres.

China Electronic Athletics says: With the rapid development of esports in China and South Korea, the development of the whole Asian esports industry is being accelerated. Although Southeast Asia has become a new area for domestic esports companies to test esports projects, the local esports industry has been developed in the background. Maybe it’d a wise approach for domestic esports companies to invest in Southeast Asia when the Chinese market is close to saturation.

Contact China Electronic Athletics:
Wechat public account: china_ea
Contact Name: Xiang Shi
Email: [email protected]

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