Overview

This separate research report outlines how the World Esports Artificial Intelligence (AI) Ethics Guidelines (separate document) were created. The guidelines were established through a two-phase mixed-method, cross-sectional research design that combined broad stakeholder input with expert validation.

In Phase 1, an online survey was completed by a purposively and snowball-sampled, globally diverse group of 161 esports, gaming, and AI professionals representing 28 different countries worldwide to gather quantitative and qualitative insights on ethical and unethical AI uses in esports, resulting in a preliminary draft of the guidelines.

In Phase 2, a modified Delphi approach was employed, engaging a panel of 18 subject matter experts in esports representing 9 different countries worldwide to review, refine, and validate the draft guidelines through structured, written feedback. Quantitative survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative data from open-ended survey responses and expert feedback underwent iterative thematic analysis involving open, axial, and selective coding, with reliability supported through member checks and independent coding review.

The final 27 World Esports AI Ethics Guidelines were produced through structured consensus-building among esports researchers and expert industry panelists, integrating empirical findings, stakeholder perspectives, and alignment with relevant literature and international legal and ethical frameworks.

Ultimately, the guidelines aim to educate and raise awareness of AI concerns in esports, protect competitive and governance integrity, promote equitable access, ensure player welfare, and maintain trust among players, teams, organizers, and spectators.

World Esports AI Ethics Guidelines

Use the download button to access the Research Report (PDF) on how the guidelines were created and see the linked post for the Guidelines(PDF).

Project Origin, Coordination, and Funding

This project was conducted by Dr. Seth E. Jenny and Dr. Raymond Pastore, formed part of the World Esports Standardization Development 2025, and was coordinated by the International Esports Federation (IESF), funded by the Busan Metropolitan City, South Korea, and supported by the Voice of Intercollegiate Esports (VOICE).

Recommended Report Citation

Jenny, S. E., &Pastore, R. (2025). Research report of the World Esports AI Ethics Guidelines: Establishing standardized ethical AI guidelines in esports through critical stakeholder input. International Esports Federation. https://iesf.org