A Guide To Mobile Legends Bang Bang Ban Appeals Incl. Template - Esports Legal N
A Guide To Mobile Legends Bang Bang Ban Appeals Incl. Template - Esports Legal N
COMPETITION DATA PROTECTION LITARB DOPING & CHEATING LABOR & IMMIGRATION
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Table of Contents
Common Reasons for MLBB Account Bans
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Cheating: Using unauthorized software or hacks to gain unfair advantages
Toxicity and Offensive Behavior: Inappropriate content involving racial slurs, political or religious
any other explicit or offensive material
AFK and Game Disruption: Repeatedly abandoning matches or intentionally disrupting gameplay
4. Provide your in-game ID (found in your profile) and all relevant information, including your appeal
5. Alternatively, access the FAQ page by clicking on the chat support icon on the game’s main page
⌃
Method 2: Email Appeal
In addition to in-game appeals, you can also email Moonton’s customer service team:
4. Explain why you believe your account should be unbanned, providing supporting information
5. Wait for Moonton’s customer service team to respond (may take several days)
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Manage consent
7. If approved, they will send a confirmation email about your account being unbanned
Please be aware that the circumstances outlined in the template must be tailored according
details and needs of your situation. The effectiveness of your appeal largely depends on the
relevance of the information you provide.
Any text enclosed in brackets [example] should be replaced with your individual data and specif
relevant to your case.
I am writing to formally appeal the ban imposed on my Mobile Legends: Bang Bang account (
ID]), effective [Date of Ban]. This correspondence seeks a review and possible revocation
ban, which I believe was issued under mistaken circumstances.
Introduction:
I, [Your Full Name], with the in-game ID [Your In-Game ID], wish to appeal against the sa
to my account as of [Date of Ban]. My intent is to clarify the circumstances that led to
of the ban and to present evidence countering the rationale for such action.
To the best of my knowledge, my account was suspended for violating Mobile Legends' terms
specifically under the category of [Specify the Reason for Ban if known, e.g., "Suspected
Software Use"]. The notification received did not provide a detailed explanation of the i
led to this decision, thereby limiting my understanding and ability to rectify the situat
[Provide specific details about the incident or situation that may have triggered the ban
concise.]
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[If applicable, describe any steps you took to remedy the situation or prevent it from ha
Additionally, I have always strived to uphold the community standards set forth by Moonto
incident being an isolated case in an otherwise exemplary record, as demonstrated by my p
and positive interactions with the community.
I am fully committed to adhering strictly to Mobile Legends' Community Code and terms of
understand the importance of maintaining a respectful and fair gaming environment and her
uphold these principles diligently moving forward.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
[Your In-Game ID]
[Your Server ID/Zone]
3. Be Detailed: Provide specific information about your account and the circumstances of the ban
4. Be Patient: The review process may take several days depending on the complexity of your case
5. Follow Up: If you don’t receive a response within a week, consider sending a polite follow-up
DISCLAIMER: We cannot guarantee that your account will be unbanned, as the final decision re
Moonton’s customer service team. They may decide to continue the ban based on the severity
If your Moonton account has been banned, follow the steps outlined in this guide to attempt an
you provide all necessary information requested by customer service and remain patient as the
case. While there are no guarantees, a well-crafted appeal increases your chances of a favorab
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Author
Leonid Shmatenko
Founder of Esports Legal News, Leonid Shmatenko, stands at the forefront of legal inno
esports domain, crafting pathways through its unique regulatory and technological land
rich tapestry of experience in esports and blockchain, Leonid provides astute legal guida
associations, clubs, and entities, ensuring they navigate through regulatory, data protect
technology law with finesse and foresight. Leonid’s expertise is not merely recognized w
confines of his practice but is also celebrated in the legal community. Who’s Who Legal e
innovative thinker and an expert in CIS and esports disputes,” further describing him as a
arbitration practitioner with diverse experience and a broad network.” These accolades u
adept ability to navigate complex disputes and regulatory challenges, particularly in the
evolving esports industry. At Esports Legal News, Leonid is not merely a founder but a p
ensuring that the esports industry is navigated with strategic legal insight, safeguarding
and propelling it into a future where legal frameworks are not just adhered to but are als
in shaping its evolution and growth. View all posts
✉
RELATED TOPICS: # APPEAL MLBB SUSPENSION # APPEAL MOONTON BAN # FIX BANNED MLBB ACCOUNT
# HOW TO RECOVER BANNED MLBB ACCOUNT # MLBB ACCOUNT APPEAL PROCESS # MLBB ACCOUNT RECOVERY #
# MLBB APPEAL TEMPLATE # MLBB BAN REMOVAL # MLBB BAN SOLUTIONS # MLBB UNBAN REQUEST # MOBILE LEGENDS
# MOBILE LEGENDS ACCOUNT RECOVERY GUIDE # MOBILE LEGENDS ACCOUNT RESTRICTIONS # MOBILE LEGENDS ACCOUNT
# MOBILE LEGENDS APPEAL BAN # MOBILE LEGENDS BAN APPEAL # MOBILE LEGENDS BAN TEMPLATE # MOBILE LEGENDS
# MOONTON SUPPORT APPEAL # RECOVER MOBILE LEGENDS ACCOUNT # UNBAN MOBILE LEGENDS ACCOUNT
〈 A Guide to Valorant Ban Appeals incl. A Guide to Call of Duty Ban Appeals
Template Activision Ban Appeals incl. Templat
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Published 2 weeks ago on 13 May 2025
By Leonid Shmatenko
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Table of Contents
What Is an Emulator and Why Use One in Esports?
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Intellectual Property Rights and Licensing Issues
For Players
Larger Screen and Higher Resolution: Playing a mobile game on a PC monitor means a much big
Most modern smartphones have at least Full HD resolution (1920×1080), so an emulator can ren
a full monitor without quality loss. A larger display can make it easier to spot details and enemies
hard to see on a small screen.
Improved Comfort and Controls: Using a PC can improve a player’s posture and reduce strain com
hunching over a phone. More importantly, emulators allow the use of peripheral devices – keyboa
game controllers – instead of touch controls. Physical keys and mouse aiming are typically faster
than tapping a touchscreen. Players can react quicker, execute complex maneuvers more easily, a
of their own fingers blocking the view on a small display.
Macros and Scripting: Some emulators enable automated input sequences (scripts or macros). W
keypress, a player could trigger multiple in-game actions via the emulator. For instance, a comple
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keypress, a player could trigger multiple in-game actions via the emulator. For instance, a comple
repetitive task could be performed instantly, giving the emulator user a significant edge in efficien
thus can alter the gameplay experience by speeding up or simplifying control inputs.
These advantages explain why some competitive players have been tempted to use emulators
“mobile” esports tournaments. In a fair match, however, these same advantages raise serious f
concerns. An emulator user competes with an effectively superior setup, potentially overwhelm
on actual phones.
Esports, like traditional sports, expect a baseline of competitive equality – the game’s rules and
should apply evenly to all competitors. When one player uses an unofficial tool that isn’t equally
intended for all, it calls the integrity of the competition into question. For this reason, the use o
competition is highly controversial. Many game publishers and tournament organizers consider
cheating or rule violation, even if the emulator itself is not a hack or cheat program in the tradit
Beyond competition fairness, the use of emulators also implicates legal issues: Does using an e
the game’s terms of service or license agreement? Could it infringe the game developer’s intelle
rights? Are emulator developers exposed to liability for enabling such use? And how do general
– like anti-cheating laws or unfair competition law – view this scenario? We address each of th
below, starting with the fundamental issue of cheating and rule enforcement in esports.
From a game publisher’s perspective, the end-user license agreement (EULA) or terms of servic
or indirectly ban the use of unauthorized platforms or tools. For example, if the terms state tha
only be played on approved devices (i.e., actual mobile devices) or that players shall not use thir
programs to gain advantages, then using an emulator would breach those terms. In fact, many
companies explicitly prohibit emulators in their user agreements or player policies.
Supercell (developer of Clash of Clans and other mobile titles) updated its Terms of Service to fo
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Supercell (developer of Clash of Clans and other mobile titles) updated its Terms of Service to fo
use, asserting its right to ban players for using them. Likewise, Call of Duty: Mobile (CODM) allo
official emulator (Tencent’s “GameLoop”) and threatens account bans for players on any other e
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German courts, for example, have taken the view that even a broad prohibition of cheating in TO
unreasonably vague – players generally understand what “cheating” entails. In the German “W
II” decision, the Federal Supreme Court (BGH) noted that an end-user clause banning “cheats, b
automation software” in an online game was clear and valid, as the average player comprehend
So, if a game’s terms of service ban the use of external programs or devices to gain advantages
reasonably be expected to know that includes PC-based tools like emulators.
But what if the game’s rules do not explicitly mention emulators? Many terms of service simply
“cheating software” or “unauthorized third-party programs.” Does an emulator count as a chea
This can be debatable. On one hand, one could argue that any software or method that provide
beyond the intended mobile experience is prohibited – which would include emulators. On the o
counter-argument is that such a broad interpretation gives the publisher too much discretionar
“unwritten” ability to declare anything an unfair advantage), potentially upsetting the balance o
Ultimately, however, the prevailing view favors a broad definition of cheating in competitive con
publisher is entitled to set the rules of their game and define what tools are allowed or disallow
of clarity and fairness, it is advisable that they spell out specific prohibitions – e.g. a clause that
game on PC emulators is not permitted” – but even without naming every possible tool, genera
provisions can cover emulator use.
If a dispute arises, an arbitrator or court might consider whether emulator use violates the imp
expectation among players. The expectation of one’s opponents (especially in ranked or tourna
typically that everyone is playing under the same conditions and limitations. Using an emulator
level playing field that competitors assume, much like an athlete using specialized equipment t
in a sporting event. Thus, in the absence of explicit language, emulator use could still be deeme
and a breach of the implied fair play obligation in the game’s terms.
In summary, from a player’s standpoint, using an emulator in esports is almost always consider
the relevant rule-makers. The consequences for a player can include in-game bans, disqualifica
tournaments, forfeiture of prizes, and reputational damage. Notably, while a player caught usin
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tournaments, forfeiture of prizes, and reputational damage. Notably, while a player caught usin
unlikely to face civil liability or a lawsuit from the publisher (absent other violations), they will h
their contract with the game provider.
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This breach gives the provider the right to sanction the player (e.g. terminate the account licens
could even void any license the player had to use the game software, meaning further use of th
constitute copyright infringement (more on that below). Players should also be aware that gam
continually improving emulator-detection and anti-cheat systems. High-profile ban waves hav
instance, Activision’s crackdown on COD Mobile players using BlueStacks emulator led to nume
bans, citing unfair advantage and violation of the terms of service. In competitive play, tournam
often require competitors to use designated devices under supervision, precisely to prevent any
emulator use.
If a player uses an emulator to run the game on a PC contrary to such terms, two things happen
breaches the contract (license/EULA), and (2) the act of loading the game into the emulator’s m
become an unauthorized reproduction of the game’s code, since the license’s conditions were n
Under copyright law (e.g., German Copyright Act, §69c), even temporary copying into RAM is a p
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Under copyright law (e.g., German Copyright Act, §69c), even temporary copying into RAM is a p
reproduction requiring the rights-holder’s consent. Thus, playing the game on an unapproved p
viewed as a form of copyright infringement (though this is typically enforced through contract r
bans rather than lawsuits for damages in the consumer context).
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It is worth noting that many EULAs include a clause that effectively terminates the user’s licens
certain key rules (often referred to as a resolutive condition in legal terms). For example, using p
software or violating an anti-emulator rule might trigger an immediate revocation of the licens
player.
In the words of one legal analysis, using cheat software (by extension, any comparably serious
usage terms) “not only constitutes grounds for extraordinary termination; as a rule, the grant o
the software is subject to the condition subsequent that the user abide by the terms”. In short,
badly enough and you lose any lawful right to use the game at all. After such termination, if you
access the game (e.g., by creating new accounts or ignoring a ban), you could indeed be infringin
Conversely, if a game publisher chooses not to restrict platform usage, the situation can be diff
mobile games are actually made available on PC through official channels, or on multiple form f
Android game might also run on Android-based TVs or PCs via an official emulator). If the publis
the game in a manner that supports play on other hardware, one could argue the user has an im
use it that way.
Daniel Trunk, a German IP-lawyer, suggests: if the provider makes the game available for other
(say, an Android TV or a desktop Android environment) in an authorized manner, the user can as
playing on those devices is allowed. But if the provider only offers the game via mobile app stor
provide any PC version, then playing on an emulator is likely outside the intended license (and t
permitted).
As a practical example, Tencent officially released PUBG Mobile on PC through its own “Tencent
emulator (now GameLoop). In that case, emulator play was authorized – but only using Tencen
emulator, which matched emulator players only against each other to preserve fairness. Using
emulator or trying to mix with mobile players was still against the rules. The bottom line for pla
license and terms of the game dictate what’s allowed. Unless a publisher explicitly authorizes P
(which is rare, and usually in a controlled way), players run a high risk of license violation and po
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(which is rare, and usually in a controlled way), players run a high risk of license violation and po
infringement by using emulators.
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Thus, creating and distributing an Android emulator is not per se illegal. This was an important
Trunk’s 2022 analysis of mobile esports emulators – he posited that developing/providing an A
is basically permissible, and the focus should be on how game content is used within that emul
Unauthorized Game Distribution: If an emulator provider goes beyond just providing the softwar
also supplies game files (APKs) without permission, that likely infringes the game publisher’s exc
rights. Some emulator packages in the past have bundled popular game files or facilitated their d
unofficial sources. This crosses a clear line – the emulator company would effectively be pirating
Legitimate emulators avoid this by requiring the user to obtain the game from the official app sto
source. As long as the user is using their own legally obtained copy of the game, the emulator com
directly distributing the game.
should not count as creating a derivative work of the game. (This is distinct from cheat tools that
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should not count as creating a derivative work of the game. (This is distinct from cheat tools that
alter game files, which clearly do create unauthorized modified versions.)
A noteworthy historical parallel is the legality of console emulators. In the landmark case Sony
Entertainment, Inc. v. Connectix Corp. (2000), the Ninth Circuit in the U.S. held that Connectix’s c
PlayStation emulator (Virtual Game Station) was protected by fair use, even though Connectix h
significant reverse-engineering of the PlayStation BIOS to make it work. The court emphasized
and using an emulator served a legitimate purpose (enabling interoperability) and did not infrin
copyrights on the games themselves.
Connectix did not use any of Sony’s actual code in the final product (it wrote its own BIOS after
the emulator was an independent, lawful program. This case shows that emulators per se can
provided they don’t copy protected code or assets. For mobile game emulators built on open-so
this precedent is reassuring. The emulator developer is mostly in the clear on copyright so long
clear of including game content or proprietary code in their software.
In summary, on IP matters: Players risk stepping outside their game license (and into infringem
they use emulators against the terms. Emulator developers must avoid facilitating piracy (no un
distribution) and respect the boundaries of copyright (no unauthorized code use, and beware of
circumvention issues). The core creative elements of a game (graphics, code, etc.) are the publis
how the game is used by third parties is generally up to the publisher to authorize. As we’ll see,
competition law as well, when emulator use affects the publisher’s business.
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To apply competition law, one must first establish that the emulator provider is a competitor to
publisher. This might seem odd – they are not selling a game themselves – but under German l
of Mitbewerber (competitor) is interpreted broadly for “individual protection under unfair comp
Essentially, if one company’s product or service could affect the market for another’s, they migh
competitors. An emulator, while not a game, is a service that interfaces with the game’s ecosys
potentially affects the user base and experience of the game. If the emulator use undermines t
integrity or the publisher’s monetization, the publisher could claim the emulator developer is un
in their business.
The “World of Warcraft II” case in Germany provides a critical precedent. In that case, a compan
offered “buddy bots” – programs that automated gameplay in Blizzard’s online games (World o
Blizzard sued, alleging both IP infringement and unfair competition. The BGH held that merely i
to breach the game’s terms of service was not by itself enough to constitute an unfair act unde
law.
In other words, just the fact that the bot maker caused players to violate the EULA didn’t autom
the bot maker’s conduct unfair in the competition law sense. This is an important point: a third
emulator or bot developer) isn’t automatically liable just because their product results in users
contracts with the game publisher.
However, the court went on to say that additional circumstances can make it unfair. The key fac
was the undermining of fundamental game rules in a multiplayer environment, in a way that ha
experience and the publisher’s business model. The BGH noted that in multiplayer games, com
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experience and the publisher’s business model. The BGH noted that in multiplayer games, com
assumes all players abide by the same rules – just as in sports, everyone plays by the agreed ru
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If a subset of players use bots to gain automated advantages with no effort, the playing field is
This not only frustrates honest players (who may quit the game in disgust, affecting the game’s
effectively subverts the game that the publisher is trying to market. In WoW II, the court found
bots was an unfair commercial practice because it severely disrupted the game’s balance and h
consumer experience and the developer’s legitimate interests.
How does this translate to emulators? The WoW II principles can be applied by analogy. The qu
whether the emulator software gives players an advantage that materially undermines equal c
“chances”) in the game and thereby excessively impacts the opponent’s experience and the gam
integrity. If yes, then the emulator provider could be seen as engaging in an unfair practice by ta
obstructing the game publisher’s business (§ 4 Nr. 4 UWG in German law).
The law prohibits willful acts that specifically aim to hinder a competitor’s operations. Enabling
emulator use in a competitive game could qualify, especially if the emulator maker advertises it
players an edge (some emulator websites have indeed touted how you can get better aim or co
even using game publishers’ trademarks to attract users – which raises separate issues of mis
and trademark infringement.
It’s notable that the German court required more than just “violating the terms” – they required
harm to the game’s ecosystem and fairness. In many cases, using an emulator may indeed cau
harm: if emulator players dominate the leaderboards or ruin the balance, honest mobile players
competing or spending money, damaging the publisher’s revenue and reputation.
On the other hand, if an emulator is benign (say, it is mostly used for casual play and the publish
mind), it might not meet the threshold of unfairness. The context matters. But in esports scena
fairness is paramount, a third-party emulator encouraging competitive players to circumvent th
to be seen as facilitating unfair competition.
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Thus, an emulator developer faces a real legal risk under unfair competition law if their softwar
ways that undermine a game’s competitive integrity. They could potentially be sued for injuncti
distributing or supporting the emulator for that game) and even damages, under theories simila
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distributing or supporting the emulator for that game) and even damages, under theories simila
against cheat and bot makers. For instance, Blizzard obtained injunctions and damages against
makers (e.g., Bossland) in various jurisdictions, not only on copyright grounds but also on the ba
competition and tortious interference with contract. Emulator makers occupy a comparable pos
product becomes a vehicle for violating game rules at scale.
In summary, while competition law may vary by country, the general principle is that knowingly
intentionally enabling players to gain unfair advantages in a competitor’s game can be deemed
competitive act. This adds another layer of deterrence for emulator creators, beyond IP concern
them to cooperate with game publishers (as Tencent did by officially partnering on an emulator
ensuring it did not mix with mobile players) rather than working at cross-purposes.
Tournament rulebooks are essentially contracts among the organizer, the participants, and ofte
publisher (if the publisher sanctions the event). They typically incorporate the game’s EULA by r
then add extra requirements to ensure competitive integrity. For mobile esports, it is standard f
mandate that all players compete on the official platform (the designated mobile device or an o
tournament device) without unauthorized accessories.
For example, the official PUBG Mobile Official Competition Rulebook states: “Players may not u
to play on a PC or other device that is not a handheld device.” This kind of clause leaves no amb
emulator is a punishable offense in the competition. Major tournament organizers go to length
in live events, players compete in person on provided devices; in online qualifiers, software mig
detect emulator signatures, and suspicious players can be asked to provide device logs or video
setup.
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These specific esports rules operate in tandem with general legal rules:
Private Rules vs. Law: A rulebook prohibition on emulators is enforced through sporting sanction
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Private Rules vs. Law: A rulebook prohibition on emulators is enforced through sporting sanction
forfeiture, prize stripping). It does not carry direct legal penalties by itself; it is not illegal per se to
tournament rule (unless it involves cheating that is also a criminal offense, which emulator use is
the rulebook is binding on participants by contract. If a player violates it, the organizer has the con
impose the agreed penalties. In extreme cases, if cheating (including emulator use) causes quanti
(say, loss of sponsorships due to a scandal), an organizer or other players might have legal claims
cheater, but this is rare and hard to prove. More commonly, the legal consequence is simply that t
removed and perhaps forfeits any winnings per the contract.
Alignment with Publisher Policies: Tournament rules are usually consistent with the game publi
Publishers often supply model competition rules or have approval rights for official events. If a pu
bans emulator use in its terms, any official tournament will uphold that ban. Even if a publisher is
organizers will still ban emulators to avoid controversy and ensure fairness. Trunk’s analysis note
mobile esports titles, the norm at major competitions is to require play on actual mobile devices w
controls, even if the game itself might allow controller support outside of competition. In other w
tournaments tend to be stricter than regular gameplay to preserve competitive equity. For instan
normally lets users choose between touch or Bluetooth controller, a tournament might still mand
no one has a potential hardware advantage – and by the same logic, emulators (which could conf
advantage) are disallowed across the board.
Rulebooks vs. Legal Remedies: Sometimes, tournament rules can bridge gaps that the law migh
example, while a publisher might struggle to directly prevent a player from trying an emulator at
by banning their account), a tournament organizer can require participants to consent to device c
specific software. They can also require participants to sign acknowledgments that violating the r
disqualification or bans. These measures, albeit contractual, bolster the enforcement of anti-emu
without needing to involve courts. Essentially, the competitive ecosystem self-regulates through
which is generally efficient. Only if someone were to legally challenge a disqualification (which is
a court possibly get involved, and it would likely uphold the rule provided it was clear and the proc
It is also worth noting that esports rulebooks exist in a space influenced by general principles lik
good sportsmanship. Concepts such as the “fair play” obligation can appear in both legal discus
sporting rules. For example, one might find a rulebook clause like, “Players shall refrain from an
unfairly advantages themselves or disadvantages others, consistent with the principles of fair p
emulator when it is against the intended rules could be seen as violating such a clause even if n
listed, reinforcing the organizer’s ability to act.
In sum, esports-specific regulations reinforce the prohibition of emulator use and provide pract
enforcement mechanisms. They operate alongside the publisher’s terms (not replacing them –
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enforcement mechanisms. They operate alongside the publisher’s terms (not replacing them –
have to abide by both sets of rules). Tournament organizers essentially echo the rights-holder’s
dictate allowed equipment, as noted in Daniel Trunk’s article: the power to decide what aids or
permissible lies with the rights-holder and the tournament organizers, and any uncertainties sh
eliminated by clearly stating the rules in the terms of use and the competition regulations.
Organizers are even encouraged to impose stricter conditions than everyday play to ensure com
footing. This approach has been widely adopted in mobile esports, resulting in a de facto conse
emulator use is off-limits in serious competition.
BGH “World of Warcraft” Decisions (Germany, 2014-2016): The German Federal Court of Justic
series of cases involving third-party software (bots) for World of Warcraft. In WoW I, the court ad
copyright issues – notably, it opined that creating bot software could, in some circumstances, be
software interoperability exception (a nod to EU’s software directive) and fair use concepts, despi
prohibitions. However, in WoW II, the focus shifted to unfair competition: the court confirmed tha
software which gave players an unfair edge in an online game was an unlawful act because it und
game’s level playing field and harmed the business (honest players’ enjoyment and willingness to
were negatively affected). The WoW II case is often cited to support the enforceability of anti-che
to justify legal action against cheat tool providers – a category that emulator providers might fall
product is used similarly to cheats.
MDY Industries v. Blizzard (USA, 2010): This U.S. case (9th Circuit) also involved a WoW bot (“Gli
found that while running the bot did not necessarily infringe Blizzard’s copyright (the copies loade
the bot were considered authorized until Blizzard revoked the license), the bot maker was liable f
of contract (tortious interference) and for violating the DMCA’s anti-circumvention provisions (bec
bypassed Blizzard’s Warden anti-cheat software). MDY was a wake-up call that EULAs can be ind
through other legal theories even if copyright doesn’t directly apply. It suggests that a company m
circumvent a game’s protective measures or rules can face multi-faceted liability. Emulator make
this, as a determined publisher could accuse an emulator of similar interference or circumvention
Sony v. Connectix (USA, 2000): Discussed earlier, this case is a landmark for emulator legality. Co
PlayStation emulator was initially banned by a lower court, but on appeal the ban was overturned
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PlayStation emulator was initially banned by a lower court, but on appeal the ban was overturned
holding that intermediate copying of the console BIOS for the purpose of developing a non-infrin
fair use. The emulator itself did not infringe Sony’s IP once developed, and it allowed legitimate P
to be played on a new platform (a benefit to consumers and competition). This case is a favorite c
proponents of emulators, establishing that emulation technology has lawful purposes. However,
commercial emulator for single-player use; it did not involve multiplayer cheating concerns. So w
emulator development in principle, it doesn’t give cover to using emulators in ways that break ga
Nintendo v. Emulator/ROM Sites: While not directly about esports, it’s worth noting that console
have aggressively pursued websites and tools that distribute game ROMs or enable piracy via em
instance, Nintendo has won lawsuits against ROM hosting websites for copyright infringement. T
highlight that distributing game software without authorization is clearly illegal – a relevant poin
provider were to also distribute mobile game files (as mentioned earlier, that would violate distrib
emulator software without pirated games is generally legal; the trouble comes when emulation c
facilitating unlicensed content.
Esports Incidents: There have been instances of players being caught and banned for using emul
ostensibly mobile-only competitions, though such incidents are often handled quietly by organize
in online community tournaments for games like Free Fire, there have been disqualifications whe
found to be on PC. Another anecdotal example: in early PUBG Mobile tournaments, rumors circula
top players were secretly using emulators or mouse-and-keyboard adapters; rules were tightene
started to be checked to prevent this. The industry has learned from traditional esports that stric
hardware rules are needed – just as console esports often require default controllers (no modded
etc.), mobile esports require mobile devices only.
In all these examples, the recurring theme is the protection of the game’s intended competitive
enforcement of the developer’s rights. Courts and organizers alike are reluctant to allow behavi
give an unsanctioned advantage, especially when it threatens the overall health of the competi
Emulators, if used against the rules, fall squarely in that category.
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– players, emulator developers, and tournament organizers – must navigate these rules carefu
provide practical recommendations for each group:
ADVERTISEMENT
For Players
Read the Rules and Terms: If you are competing in a mobile esports title, assume that using an e
non-standard hardware/software) is forbidden unless you have clear, written permission otherw
game’s terms of service and the specific tournament rulebook. Most will explicitly ban emulators
a defense; getting caught will likely result in a ban or disqualification.
Weigh the Risks vs. Rewards: Using an emulator might give you a short-term competitive edge,
risks – permanent account bans, being disqualified and shamed publicly, or even losing sponsors
money – far outweigh those benefits. The competitive scene and fellow players also frown upon
as a cheat can be irreparable. It is simply not worth it if you aim for a legitimate esports career.
Utilize Official Options: If you strongly prefer playing on PC, see if the publisher offers any officia
authorized emulator. For example, some games have PC versions or developer-sanctioned emula
PC users only against each other. Playing in those segregated environments can let you enjoy the
without harming others or breaking rules. However, note that even official emulators are usually
cross-platform competitive play – they are meant for casual enjoyment.
Maintain Fair Play: Embrace the spirit of fair competition. Esports is ultimately about skill under
Just as using aimbots or hacks is cheating, using an emulator to get better controls and vision is v
by most of the community and the rules. If you have any doubt about a certain tool or method, er
fair play and ask organizers for clarification. It’s better to be safe (and fair) than sorry.
Avoid Encouraging Rule-Breaking: Be mindful of how you promote and design your emulator. If
a way to “dominate” or gain unfair advantages in specific competitive games, you are painting a t
from a legal standpoint. Such messaging could be used as evidence that you are intentionally und
competitor’s product, opening the door to unfair competition lawsuits. Instead, position your emu
legitimate uses – such as allowing people to play mobile games on PC for convenience or accessi
competitive settings. Discourage or prevent features like input macros that clearly facilitate chea
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competitive settings. Discourage or prevent features like input macros that clearly facilitate chea
Collaborate and Comply Where Possible: Consider seeking cooperation with game publishers ra
against them. Tencent’s strategy of officially partnering with an emulator for COD Mobile (to crea
environment for emulator players) is one example of a collaborative approach. If you can obtain a
status or at least ensure your emulator is compatible with the publisher’s policies (perhaps by de
competitive modes and advising users accordingly), you reduce legal risk. Also, stay updated on a
developments – if a publisher’s software actively blocks your emulator or treats it as a threat, co
circumvent that could escalate the conflict legally (possibly implicating anti-circumvention laws).
Legal Preparedness: If you do end up in a legal dispute, know the defenses. The Sony v. Connecti
making an emulator can be lawful and even beneficial for competition and consumers. Emphasize
software is a general-purpose platform and that any misuse by players is against your terms (you
EULAs for your emulator prohibiting use in violation of game rules, to show good faith). That said
the reality that courts and sympathies often lie with the game creators when competitive integrit
Legal battles can be costly even if you have a strong case, so prevention (via the above steps) is t
Enforce Diligently: It is not enough to have rules on paper; enforcement is key to maintain compe
online tournaments, implement measures to detect emulator use – for example, require all playe
gameplay or use anti-cheat software that flags emulator signatures. In live events, physically ins
devices and control the equipment allowed in play areas. Promptly investigate any allegations of
emulator and be consistent in your response. This not only ensures fairness but also builds trust
community and game publishers.
Coordinate with Publishers: If you are an external (third-party) tournament organizer, work close
game’s publisher on anti-cheat and anti-emulator policies. Publishers often have resources or gu
enforce rules. They may even have a say in your rules if it’s an officially sanctioned event. Aligning
(which almost certainly ban emulators for competition) is crucial. Also, consider the license under
operating the tournament – many games have a clause that public competitions require the publ
permission. Part of that permission might entail abiding by their competitive integrity standards.
risk your relationship or license by being lax on emulator enforcement.
Educate and Communicate: Ensure that players (especially those coming from a casual backgrou
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Educate and Communicate: Ensure that players (especially those coming from a casual backgrou
why emulators are banned. Sometimes amateur players might not realize the gravity and think “i
way to play.” Communicate that it is about fairness – equate it to using any other cheat. This fost
compliance. If someone is caught, handle it transparently if possible, so it is clear that rules are be
uniformly. This transparency will deter others and show stakeholders (sponsors, fans, publishers
competition is legitimate.
In conclusion, emulator use in mobile esports sits at a crossroads of technology and law. While
impressive tools that broaden how games can be enjoyed, in the competitive arena they presen
the notion of a fair contest on equal footing. Legally, the game publishers and event organizers
authority to restrict emulators, and they are backed by contract law (terms of service), intellect
(ensuring authorized use of their software), and even unfair competition law when third parties
from undermining the game’s ecosystem.
The safest path for all involved is to respect the intent of the game’s platform: if it is a mobile
on a mobile device. Emulators can remain a fun way to experience games in other contexts, but
rankings, and legal rights are on the line, deviating from the established rules is a high-risk mov
continues to grow, we may see even clearer industry standards and perhaps technological solu
cross-platform support) that address these issues. Until then, the advice remains – compete cl
the rules, and save the emulator for single-player fun.
This article is based and inspired by Daniel Trunk’s work: “Die rechtliche Zulässigkeit von Emula
mobilen eSport,” published in SpoPrax 2022, pp. 216 et seqq.
Author
Leonid Shmatenko
Founder of Esports Legal News, Leonid Shmatenko, stands at the forefront of legal inno
esports domain, crafting pathways through its unique regulatory and technological land
rich tapestry of experience in esports and blockchain, Leonid provides astute legal guida
associations, clubs, and entities, ensuring they navigate through regulatory, data protect
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associations, clubs, and entities, ensuring they navigate through regulatory, data protect
technology law with finesse and foresight. Leonid’s expertise is not merely recognized w
confines of his practice but is also celebrated in the legal community. Who’s Who Legal e
innovative thinker and an expert in CIS and esports disputes,” further describing him as a
arbitration practitioner with diverse experience and a broad network.” These accolades u
adept ability to navigate complex disputes and regulatory challenges, particularly in the
evolving esports industry. At Esports Legal News, Leonid is not merely a founder but a p
ensuring that the esports industry is navigated with strategic legal insight, safeguarding
and propelling it into a future where legal frameworks are not just adhered to but are als
in shaping its evolution and growth. View all posts
✉
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