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Video Games & Esports

Legal and strategic support across the video games and esports lifecycle, including transactions, operations and disputes

Video games and esports are reshaping global entertainment. CMS combines sector insight with legal precision to support businesses navigating growth, innovation and dispute risk.

The games and esports sector is expanding rapidly, driven by technological innovation, global audiences and increasingly complex commercial models. Video game developers, publishers, platforms and event organisers face growing legal and operational pressure - from building and scaling digital platforms, to running international esports tournaments, managing global workforces and navigating dispute risk.

CMS supports clients operating across the games and esports ecosystem with practical, sector focused legal advice. Our lawyers combine deep experience with a clear understanding of how regulation, intellectual property and commercial strategy intersect in this fast moving market. We help businesses manage complexity without slowing momentum.

We work alongside clients at every stage of growth - advising on game and platform development, esports events and commercial transactions, and helping organisations anticipate and mitigate risk early. Where disputes arise, we manage matters from pre action advice through to resolution, including complex and cross border disputes, with a focus on protecting value and supporting long term success.

Advising on the development of video games and digital platforms, including platform models and technology solutions used across the games and esports ecosystem.

Supporting the organisation and operation of esports tournaments and events, including agreements with publishers, organisers, teams, sponsors and media partners.

Advising on intellectual property issues in the gaming and esports sector, including protecting and managing rights, resolving IP related disputes and addressing commercially sensitive issues.

Advising on employment and people related matters, including workforce strategy, disputes and issues that arise in fast growing and international teams.
 

Helping organisations navigate evolving regulatory and compliance challenges, particularly those linked to innovation, new business models and cross border operations.

Advising games and esports businesses across the corporate lifecycle, including growth, change and strategic transactions, from early stage financing through to exit.

Advising on disputes across the sector, from early pre action advice through to the management and resolution of claims, including complex, cross border and high risk matters such as fraud, class actions and AI driven disputes.

Highlighted experience

  • Esports World Cup Foundation

    on all legal arrangements for the 2024-2026 Esports World Cups.

  • Esports Nations Cup

    on the establishment of a new gaming national tournament known as the Esports Nations Cup, the first multi-title, national team based esports tournament of its kind.

  • Large Technology Company

    on the the launch and evolution and regulatory compliance of its video game subcription offering. 

Awards & Recognitions
01
  • Award
    Team of the Year for our work on the execution of the Esports World Cup.
    British Legal Awards
  • Quote
    "Working with Sam Oustayiannis has been nothing short of exceptional. They are not only incredibly knowledgeable and experienced, but their passion for the industry, strategic mindset, and collaborative approach make them true standouts in their field."
    Legal 500: London: Media – Video Games, 2026
  • Quote
    "The practice brings a deep, hands-on understanding of the gaming industry, particularly from both an events and publisher perspective. This dual insight is not only rare but incredibly valuable - it allows us to anticipate our needs, navigate complex stakeholder environments, and deliver tailored solutions that reflect the unique dynamics of the gaming ecosystem."
    Legal 500: London: Media – Video Games, 2026

Explore more

Regulation nation?

15 Jan 2026 1 min read

Events

  • United Kingdom
    21 May 2026

    Navigating Global Uncertainty: Practical Insights for In-House Teams

  • United Kingdom
    28 May 2026

    CMS International Crypto Forum 2026

  • United Kingdom
    03 Jun 2026

    IP Insights webinar series 2026

  • United Kingdom
    08 Jun 2026

    Skills for Future Facing Teams: Presenting as a Leader

  • United Kingdom
    09 Jun 2026

    CMS Consumer & Retail Conference 2026

  • United Kingdom
    09 Jun 2026

    UPC Case Law webinar series 2026

  • United Kingdom
    11 Jun 2026

    Class actions in Scotland: Will Scotland become a litigation hotspot?

  • United Kingdom
    18 Jun 2026

    Cross-Border Financial Services 2026 webinar series

  • United Kingdom
    22 Jun 2026

    Skills for Future Facing Teams: The Leader Who Advocates Legal Value

  • United Kingdom
    30 Jun 2026

    On the Pulse webinar series 2026 - Spring/Summer

  • United Kingdom
    06 Jul 2026

    CMS Skills For Future Facing Teams: The empowering leader

Local market knowledge. Global outlook

We provide future-facing legal advice to help your organisation thrive. Combining local market knowledge and a global perspective, and with lawyers in locations worldwide, your organisation benefits from the expertise it needs, even across borders.

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