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    Things you didn’t know you shouldn’t do when watching the MPL as live audience

    You probably didn't know it's not allowed to bring your professional camera to the venue.
    Jul 19, 2023
    Audience Etiquette in Esports: Dos and Don'ts When Watching an Esports Match
    PHOTO: Moonton, MSC

    Esports culture in the Philippines is very different from traditional sports culture, particularly when watching matches as part of the live audience. Unlike traditional sports, esports was born and cradled through the internet. When esports boomed in the Philippines in 2020, everything was online. Fans engaged their favorite teams, players, and other fans through social media, which tend to be chaotic and difficult to regulate. This culture of hype is often reflected in the offline matches where a live audience is present.

    With the goal of keeping things lively and interesting yet safe and respectful, audience at live MPL matches are encouraged to drive the hype but not to cross certain lines.

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    Here are some things you should NOT DO when watching an esports match as part of the live audience.

    MPL Philippines

    1 | Don’t wave large placards, flags, banners, or other large paraphernalia.

    Unlike in traditional sports in which fans are encouraged to bring their team’s flags or large placards to wave or flash during the match, in esports, it is discouraged, especially if you are seated in the front. The space in an esports venue is relatively small, and your big flag, banner, or placard will likely obstruct the view of the cameras and audience behind you. Although these may not be confiscated, you will be asked to refrain from raising or waving these while inside the venue.

    2 | Don’t attend a live match if you’re pregnant.

    I had a guest listed as VIP not knowing she was pregnant. While accompanying her at the registration area, the eagle-eyed staff straightforwardly asked, “Maam, buntis po ba kayo?” I didn’t even notice. She answered yes, and was barred entry. When I asked why, the staff explained that broadcasting equipment inside the venue emit radiation that is harmful for pregnant women and the babies inside their womb. It is the number one prohibition listed in their rules.

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    3 | Don’t bring food and drinks inside the match hall.

    Food and drinks are allowed in traditional sports and inside cinemas, but usually not at esports venues, particularly inside the hall where the match happens. Food and drinks tend to spill especially with a very lively audience, and there is no time for cleanup in between matches when the audiences change. You don’t want to arrive in your seat to find it messy or soiled, so to make things easier, food and drinks are banned. Make sure to eat and have a drink before watching the matches.

    4 | Don’t livestream the match.

    It’s quite unethical for anyone to livestream a broadcasted match while part of the live audience. Chances are you will be sent out for doing so. It is also illegal because it violates copyright laws. The game developer or the league holds the copyright to broadcasting and distributing the match through any media and may prevent anyone from doing so. If you livestream a match, you are stealing from the copyright owner and taking away opportunities from the owner to profit from views.

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    5 | Don’t bring cameras and tape recorders.

    There were instances when fans were prohibited from using their professional cameras inside the MPL Philippines venue. But taking videos and photos using your smartphone is encouraged.

    6 | Don’t stand and walk around while the broadcast is ongoing.

    Since the MPL Philippines is a broadcast show, the audience cannot simply stand and get out of the premises unless it is break time. At any given time, you are seen on cameras when you stand, and this could disrupt the broadcast, especially when the cameras are pointed toward the casters, who are located beside the audience.

    7 | Don’t wear hats or objects that would obstruct other people’s view.

    Don’t wear anything that will block the view of the person behind you.

    8 | Don’t bring your tumblers.

    Tumblers, water bottles, and other drink containers are not allowed inside the match hall to avoid spills. You will be asked to surrender them at the entrance, and your drinking vessel will be put on a table at risk of being taken by others. If you don’t want your expensive tumbler to disappear, just leave them at home.

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    9 | Don’t stalk.

    Esports players are very gracious when their fans ask for shoutouts or photos at the venue but there’s a line fans shouldn’t cross. Off-limits areas include the players’ lounge, media area, backstage, and back exits. There were instances when teams had difficulty accessing certain parts of the venue because fans gathered in off-limits areas.

    10 | Don’t come if you’re unvaccinated.

    They still ask for vaccination cards or other proof of vaccination against COVID-19.

    11 | Don’t vape.

    Vaping is strictly prohibited inside the venue, especially in the main hall. Vaping poses a health risk to the people around you who could inhale the vapors that came from inside your body. Besides, you have to wear a face mask while inside the venue, so vaping is not possible.

    12 | Children below 13 or senior citizens are prohibited from the venue.

    If you are a senior citizen or below 13 years old, you will be denied access to the venue even if you are a ticket holder.

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    The event strictly prohibits unvaccinated persons, pregnant women, children below 13 years old, and senior citizens will be prohibited from the premises.

    There are other obvious things fans shouldn’t do such as trash talking, bashing, getting into altercations with other fans, and other forms of toxic and violent behavior. Even esports teams have now significantly toned down on hyping matches through trash talk in a bid to professionalize the esports industry.

    To make your experience enjoyable, you are encouraged to DO the following.

    1 | Arrive early.

    Make sure to arrive at least an hour before the scheduled match. Since the event is on a free-seating basis, coming early to register could help you secure a better seat.

    2 | Listen to the floor director and marshals.

    You are part of the broadcast when you watch at the venue. Sometimes, the floor director will give instructions through the hosts on audience participation. On the other hand, the marshals help people get to their seats and prevent unpleasant incidents.

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    3 | Take videos and photos with your smartphone.

    Taking videos and photos through smartphones is allowed as long as this won't be intrusive to the broadcast and other fans' viewing experience. You are encouraged to post your content on social media to promote the esports industry.

    4 | Bringing your cheering materials.

    Cheer for your team by bringing your cheering materials. Cardboard cutouts of your favorite players’ heads, glow sticks, and even team merch are all welcome at the venue.

    Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph

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    PHOTO: Moonton, MSC
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