Darker side of competitive gaming
E-sports event at Filoil Flying V Center in Manila in 2019. — IZZRAFIQ ALIAS/The Star
LIKE traditional sports, e- sports faces its own set of challenges related to integrity and fair play.
From game manipulation to toxic player behaviour, the fast-growing industry is under pressure to clean up its act. The lack of unified regulation, combined with rapid commercialisation, has allowed various forms of misconduct to slip through the cracks.
Here are the five most common e-sports violations, along with a closer look at how cheating manifests in the competitive gaming world.
Match fixing and betting scandals
One of the most damaging issues in competitive gaming is match fixing – when players or teams intentionally lose or manipulate the outcome of a match. This is often tied to illegal betting rings, where insiders place large wagers based on pre-arranged outcomes.
Cheating and use of unauthorised software
The use of third-party software – such as aimbots or wallhacks – remains a persistent problem. These cheats can give players unfair advantages like perfect accuracy or the ability to see enemies through walls. Despite improved anti-cheat systems, players continue to find new ways to circumvent security, especially in online qualifiers and smaller-scale events.
Financial misconduct
There have been reports of alleged financial mismanagement within some Malaysian e-sports organisations. These include unethical sponsorship deals, unclear prize money distribution and financial exploitation of younger players.
In 2023, it was reported that Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission chief commissioner Tan Sri Azam Baki had said that our e-sports industry was under scrutiny for alleged corruption and gambling issues.
Player misconduct and toxic behaviour
While e-sports is a team effort, player conduct off screen is just as important as the performance in game. There have been cases of cyberbullying, harassment and verbal abuse among players, often during livestreams or social media interactions.
Contractual disputes and unfair player treatment
Many professional players, especially in smaller organisations, face unclear or exploitative contracts. Issues range from excessive buyout clauses and benching (known as 'cold storage') to unfair revenue sharing. Some players are prevented from leaving teams or seeking better opportunities, leading to prolonged legal battles and stalled careers.
Unfair advantage
At the same time, cheating in e-sports isn't always black and white – and the terminology can vary depending on the game. Here are some of the most notorious methods used to gain an unfair advantage:
> Aimbotting: Software that automatically locks onto enemies and fires with perfect accuracy – common in first-person shooter (FPS) titles like Counter-Strike or Call of Duty.
> Wallhacking: A cheat that allows players to see through walls or other barriers, revealing the positions of opponents who should be hidden from view.
> Bug exploiting: Using game glitches or unintended mechanics to gain an edge.
While not technically hacking, it is often considered unethical and against tournament rules.
> Doping: Similar to traditional sports, doping in e-sports involves the use of substances like Adderall, Ritalin, or beta-blockers to enhance focus, reaction time, or calm under pressure.
> E-doping: A broader term that includes the use of both software and hardware cheats (like modified controllers or macros) to unfairly boost performance.
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