The Esports Integrity Commission (ESIC) announced a new competitive integrity initiative in partnership with MOONTON Games, establishing a formal integrity framework requirement for organisers seeking approval to operate official third-party Mobile Legends: Bang Bang (MLBB) tournaments.
Under the framework, prospective Third-Party Tournament Organisers (TPTOs) applying through MOONTON Games' official licensing process will be required to adopt and implement key components of the ESIC Integrity Program within their tournament operations. This includes license conditions requiring TPTOs to incorporate ESIC integrity provisions and model clauses into tournament rules, Tournament Participation Agreements, general terms and conditions, and related competition documentation.
To support implementation, ESIC has deployed a dedicated MOONTON Games integrity portal for licensed organisers, available on the ESIC website. The portal provides access to ESIC model clauses, integrity guidance, and supporting resources designed to help tournament operators embed integrity protections into their competition documentation and operational processes.
This initiative marks a significant step in publisher-led integrity governance, with MOONTON Games integrating formal integrity compliance infrastructure into its third-party tournament licensing ecosystem. By doing so, MOONTON Games is taking a proactive approach to strengthening competition integrity across externally operated MLBB events and establishing a consistent integrity standard for licensed third-party competitions.
As part of the framework, licensed tournament organisers will be required to ensure participating teams, players, coaches, managers, and other relevant stakeholders acknowledge and comply with ESIC's Codes, including the ESIC Code of Conduct and associated integrity policies. Tournament organisers will also be expected to recognise and enforce ESIC sanctions, suspensions, and disciplinary outcomes connected to relevant conduct.
Stephen Hanna, Chief Executive Officer of ESIC, stated: "This initiative represents a major step forward for integrity governance in esports and reflects the shared commitment between ESIC and MOONTON Games to protecting the integrity, credibility, and long-term sustainability of competitive gaming.
"By integrating ESIC's proven integrity infrastructure directly into MOONTON Games' third-party licensing framework, integrity standards become embedded into the operational foundation of competition itself. This partnership sets a strong benchmark for how publishers and integrity bodies can work together to build safer, more trusted, and scalable esports ecosystems.
"MOONTON Games should be commended for its proactive approach to ecosystem-wide integrity, and their acknowledgement that competitive integrity is a shared responsibility. ESIC welcomes the opportunity to support MOONTON Games through the deployment of dedicated integrity infrastructure that can assist licensed tournament organisers in meeting clear and consistent compliance expectations."
Ray Ng, Head of Esports Ecosystem at MOONTON Games, added: "Trust is fundamental to long-term success of any esports ecosystem. As MLBB Esports continues to expand and grow globally, third-party tournaments play an important role in creating opportunities for players, engaging grassroots communities, and broadening the competitive landscape. Our collaboration with ESIC represents an important step in strengthening the foundations of the MLBB esports ecosystem. By aligning licensed tournaments with internationally recognised integrity standards, we are helping create a more professional, transparent, and sustainable competitive environment for our global community."
