It ensures content is encrypted, whether in storage, transit or delivery, and delivers the right key and content ID to authenticated users for their playback environment. Additional forensic watermarking can identify the source of unauthorised streams or copies by tracing them back to the last authorised recipient. Once illegal sources are identified, they can be shut down to protect key revenue streams for the service provider. But piracy is not the only threat. Hackers may attempt to bypass in-app purchases, starving the game studio of revenue. Others can be more malicious and distribute modified apps to give others unpaid access. They can replicate an app, distribute to the market and shut it down a month later – but the harm will have been done. And then there’s a whole different type of security issue – and one that affects fans as much as rights holders. Cheats. Once competition rises to a major professional level, with millions of dollars at stake, it doesn’t matter if the playing field is made of grass or computer graphics – it invites temptation to cheat, and therefore requires strict regulations and guarantees that no cheating is taking place. Cheats can modify the game code and use AI
to get an upper hand. Techniques like ‘aimbots’ (which provide automated targeting in shooting games) or ‘wallhacks’ (which make walled surfaces transparent or non-solid) put a game’s integrity at risk. Even just the threat of cheating could result in an exodus of sponsors, spectators and players alike. PIRATES, CHEATS AND HACKERS Luckily there is a solution. Application shielding can stop ‘modding’ and prevent API abuse so the in-game economy is preserved. It can also prevent someone from reverse-engineering the software, gaining detailed technical information and using it to impersonate a player online, while the esports armoury can include dark web scanning to reveal which titles are being hacked or cheated. Real-time monitoring of apps can also alert systems providers to take action as soon as there is a breach. Pirates, cheats and hackers may have moderately different motivations, but they are all threats and need to be dealt with proactively. The value of esports rights might be on the low side now, but as telcos and broadcasters strike deals to compete for the prized youth audience, not only will rights start to boom, but new attack surfaces will open up. Compounding the issue is the complex structure of the esports community. Sometimes it is games manufacturers and publishers that have most to gain from securing their IP. Or responsibility could be the remit of a publishing platform, broadcaster or tournament organiser. Yet those with the biggest stake, and those making the least money, are the esports league and teams. STREAM RIPPING IS ONE OF THE BIGGEST THREATS TO ESPORTS REVENUE
Streaming services have changed the way fans consume content. The distribution of live sporting events is where the money is, but the advantages of streaming have also inadvertently increased the threat of piracy, with droves of bad actors hot on the trail of easy treasure. The threat of piracy is real, and the imperative
to protect business should be urgent. Now is the time for
esports rights holders and broadcasters to make piracy a priority and implement content protection as a key part of their business strategy.
@feedzinesocial
Powered by FlippingBook