ADR IN ONLINE GAMING & E-SPORTS DISPUTES: A NEW FRONTIER FOR ODR
AUTHOR – TUSHAR RAUT, LLM STUDENT AT NAVLMAL FIRODIA LAW COLLEGE
BEST CITATION – TUSHAR RAUT, ADR IN ONLINE GAMING & E-SPORTS DISPUTES: A NEW FRONTIER FOR ODR, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 5 (11) OF 2025, PG. 67-76, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.
Abstract
The rapid growth of online gaming and e-sports has transformed the digital economy, evolving from casual entertainment into a global industry involving professional players, sponsors, publishers, and streaming platforms. With this expansion, disputes have become inevitable ranging from contractual disagreements between players and organizations, sponsorship conflicts, and intellectual property violations to issues of cheating, unfair trade practices, consumer protection, and cyber security breaches. The transnational nature of gaming communities makes such disputes particularly complex, as parties are often located in different jurisdictions, creating challenges of enforceability, cost, and delay when relying on traditional court systems.
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) offers a promising solution to these challenges by providing faster, more confidential, and flexible mechanisms such as arbitration, mediation, and negotiation. When integrated with technology, ADR evolves into Online Dispute Resolution (ODR), which is especially suited for the gaming ecosystem. ODR allows disputes to be addressed through digital platforms, utilizing tools like video conferencing, AI-assisted processes, and block chain-based evidence management. These innovations align naturally with the online environment of gaming, making dispute resolution accessible, efficient, and adaptable to the fast-paced demands of tournaments and virtual marketplaces.
This paper explores the role of ADR and ODR as a new frontier in addressing online gaming and e-sports disputes. It examines the nature of conflicts arising in the industry, evaluates why traditional litigation often fails, and analyses how ADR mechanisms can be tailored to meet sector-specific needs. Comparative perspectives from jurisdictions such as India, the United States, the European Union, and leading Asian markets are discussed, along with institutional models and private ODR platforms. The study concludes that ADR and ODR not only provide effective remedies but also contribute to the legitimacy, fairness, and sustainable growth of the global e-sports industry.
Keywords:-
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR); Online Dispute Resolution (ODR); E-sports disputes; Online gaming industry; Arbitration and mediation; Cross-border conflicts; Intellectual property in gaming; Digital consumer protection