Although it is developing quickly and growing at a breakneck pace, the gaming industry is still relatively young, just as most of its members and, especially, its talent. This becomes evident when signing contracts and agreements as we see players close deals clearly not favorable to them. Justin Jacobson believes the lack of legal information, the pressure from those hiring, and players not understanding how negotiations work are some of the leading causes for this to happen. 

Justin Jacobson is an Esports and Entertainment Attorney, VP of The Jacobson Firm, PC, and Author of “The Essential Guide to the Business & Law of Esports & Professional Video Gaming.” His book became a reference in the gaming industry, is used by many universities and was published in several countries. 

We had a fascinating conversation about the legal side of the gaming industry, which has massive importance and it’s often overlooked. We also talked about Justin’s process of writing the book, his initial idea, and how it was for him that it was so well received. We explore some of the most common mistakes young talents make when signing contracts, the red flags they should pay attention to, how contract negotiations should be conducted, and much more. 

Visit The Jacobson Firm website: https://thejacobsonfirmpc.com/

Connect with Justin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justinmjacobson/?locale=es_ES

Follow him on Twitter: https://twitter.com/justinjesq?lang=es

Get a copy of his book: https://www.amazon.com/Essential-Business-Esports-Professional-Gaming/dp/0367675129/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=justin+m+jacobson&qid=1633391960&sr=8-1

Full Episode Breakdown:

1:09 – Justin talks about his journey becoming an entertainment and gaming attorney. 

4:42 – Justin explains some of the legal similarities and differences between the entertainment and gaming industry.

8:25 – Justin points out the first things he noticed needed to change in the gaming industry from a legal perspective.

12:16 – John and Justin talk about the things that still need adjustments in the gaming industry, even though it is an industry that evolved hugely in the last years. 

19:37 – The person that is willing to walk away is the one that wins a negotiation. John and Justin discuss the importance of identifying red flags during a negotiation.

22:13 – Justin talks about why he decided to write his book and his initial thoughts about what he could bring to the table with it.

 26:13 – Justin shares some valuable tips for those interested in writing a book, finding a publisher, and the level of commitment required to do it. 

31:21 – Justin talks a bit about the value his book offers to the industry and what type of help it provides to gamers and companies.

34:17 – Justin talks about the challenge of writing a book about an industry that rapidly changes and what kind of feedback he got after publishing it.

38:51 – Justin explains what was the most challenging part of the writing process.

44:42 – Justin shares his thoughts on what he sees outsiders are doing wrong when approaching the gaming industry. 

47:13 – John and Justin talk about “the influencer dilemma” and how companies and brands deal with having their following base in one platform and their target audience in another.