Interactive Advertising Bureau Spain announced the creation of a dedicated committee to "boost esports in the digital industry, increase its knowledge on the market, and win the trust of advertisers," according to Thiemo Bräutigam of THE ESPORTS OBSERVER. The IAB is the "leading industry association for the online advertising ecosystem, representing more than 5,000 companies" mainly from the U.S. and Europe. Esports "will now get the same treatment as social media, ad networks, mobile advertising, and many other big topics the IAB has set up committees for." The Spanish esports market "is one of the most flourishing in Europe," with more than 4.1 million esports enthusiasts, according to a Newzoo study (THE ESPORTS OBSERVER, 1/12).
REGULATIONS REVEALED: THE ESPORTS OBSERVER's Ferguson Mitchell reported when Valve "abruptly backed out" of its support of the upcoming Galaxy Battles II Dota 2 Major (now non-Major), "many wondered what specific regulations Valve was talking about as the reason for the demotion." Filipino sports journalist Ren Vitug "discovered and shared the problematic resolution, which requires, among other things, a guaranteed income share of all esports revenue to the country’s government" (THE ESPORTS OBSERVER, 1/12).
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