Colombia has initiated procedures to implement a regulation that seeks to recognize eSports as a sports discipline, establishing a regulatory framework for its organization, promotion and development in the country.
The bill was published on February 25, 2025, prior to its final debate in the Colombian Congress, and it is expected to be approved before the end of the first half of 2025.
Project Content
The main aspects of the bill include:
- Updating regulations under the Ministry of Sports to govern eSports practices, as well as the creation of leagues, clubs, and the organization of official competitions.
- The participation of academic institutions, the video game industry, developers, and publishers in updating these regulations.
- Assigning responsibilities to the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Sports, and the Ministry of Information Technologies to promote eSports and the digital ecosystem.
- Collaboration between the Ministry of Information Technologies and the Ministry of Education to design plans and programs that encourage the development of software, hardware, and technology applied to eSports.
- Funding these projects with resources from the national budget.
The eSports Industry in the World and Colombia
The global eSports market has experienced exponential growth in recent years, establishing itself as one of the most lucrative entertainment industries worldwide. According to the Esports Market Research Report 2025-2029, published by GlobeNewswire in February 2025, the market was valued at $1.97 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $5.18 billion by 2029, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.48%.
Similarly, the video game industry in Colombia has shown sustained growth. According to the article Video Games, a Business That Generated Over $500 Million in Colombia in 2023, published by La República in February 2024, the national market generated $502 million in 2023, with projections to reach $594 million by 2025.
The video game development ecosystem has also expanded significantly, with 80 studios dedicated to game development and 10 companies maintaining commercial ties with international publishers. The highest concentration of these companies is in Bogotá (57%), followed by Antioquia (23%) and Cali (12%).
The Role of the Public Sector in Promoting eSports
According to the GlobeNewswire report, government investment in eSports has become a key strategy for many countries seeking to leverage the industry’s rapid growth and economic potential. Examples such as India and Japan stand out for their initiatives to integrate eSports into education and technological innovation. In India, the government has officially recognized eSports and implemented development programs for video games and applications. In Japan, eSports have been incorporated into high schools, universities, and even senior centers for educational and health purposes.
Video Games and Intellectual Property: The Importance of Legal Protection
The development and publishing of video games heavily rely on the protection and commercialization of intellectual property (IP). According to the report Understanding Intellectual Property in Video Games, written by Gaetano Dimita for the WIPO Committee on Development and Intellectual Property in November 2023, the industry’s growth has led to investments that surpass film production budgets in terms of time and resources. As a result, legal protection against competition and piracy has become crucial.
Video games are complex creations that combine multiple elements protectable under copyright, such as software, concept art, original music, storyline, virtual world design, middleware, and graphics. Additionally, other protection mechanisms exist, such as industrial design, which safeguards the appearance of Graphical User Interfaces (GUIs), and trademark protection for names and other distinctive signs.
Another fundamental aspect of video game development is the management of licenses for third-party rights, allowing the incorporation of intellectual property-protected elements. This includes copyrighted works such as soundtracks, characters, and narrative elements, as well as the use of registered trademarks of products and services represented in the game. Proper negotiation and acquisition of these licenses not only ensure legal compliance but can also enhance player experience, add realism, and strengthen the relationship between the video game industry and other entertainment and advertising sectors.
Unlike cinematographic works, which are protected as a whole under copyright law, video games do not receive this protection as a unified work. Instead, each of their components is protected individually based on its nature and applicable legislation. This unique characteristic makes the legal protection of video games a complex process requiring a comprehensive approach to safeguard developers’ and creators’ rights in an ever-evolving market.
Conclusion
The recognition and regulation of eSports in Colombia represent a strategic opportunity to strengthen the digital ecosystem, attract investment, and position the country as a competitive global player. To achieve this, it is essential to implement policies that foster creativity and technological innovation while protecting the rights of video game creators and developers. A solid regulatory framework that upholds intellectual property rights will enable the industry’s sustainable growth, generating economic, cultural, and social benefits.
