The clubs had speculated that GOG would be launching a league mode soon.
It was not hard to guess. The esports industry might have many deficiencies in this regard, but some popular sports events had many rules to refer to so they could just copy them directly.
Moreover, the formation of domestic leagues was also very easy. The venue of the world competition could be used directly as the venue of the league. The clubs were concentrated in Jingzhou, and the match schedule could start immediately.
No matter how someone looked at it, it seemed like Boss Pei had prepared in advance, and none of the other regions had such unique conditions.
Zhang Yuan invited everyone over this time probably for the league.
This was also why the club managers vaguely had the idea that Zhang Yuan was taking the lead because everyone knew that Boss Zhang was not only the manager of the DGE club. He was also someone who could talk to Boss Pei directly. If he really wanted to have the GOG league, then Boss Zhang must also be one of those in charge.
Therefore, the managers of these clubs came over immediately after Zhang Yuan notified the clubs today.
They realized that Boss Pei was actually there, sitting quietly beside him, without saying a word after they had arrived.
That confirmed everyone’s suspicion that what they were going to say today must be extraordinary.
Zhang Yuan distributed the new regulations in his hand to the clubs in turn and then went straight to the point, affirming all the requirements put forward by Boss Pei.
“We will start planning for GOG’s domestic league next, which will be named GPL. Everyone present had contributed to the development of the GOG professional circle. You are important participants in the first Global Invitational and have the strongest players in China. Therefore, everyone has the priority to enter the GPL.
“However…
“You still need to accept some official supervision and terms if you want to join.
“Tengda is planning to establish an esports division to coordinate the development of GOG games and the entire esports circle. There are several requirements in it, which I hope everyone can cooperate with.”
The club managers looked at the new regulations distributed by Zhang Yuan.
Manager Su of the H4 Club looked at this page, frowning slightly; and his face became ugly as he read on.
The content was quite general; however, while there were no detailed terms, every one of them looked unfriendly:
Tengda established the Esports Division to manage the GOG League and World Games system in a unified manner.
The esports business department would provide unified standard contracts for the club and the players, only stipulating the basic content such as time, liquidated damages, transfer fees, salary, etc.; and dual contracts were strictly forbidden and various other additional clauses.
During the transfer period, the club and the players can contact each other freely but cannot sign privately. The esports business department must coordinate, and both parties must abide by their promises.
In the event of a dispute, they must first seek mediation from Tengda, which was the Esports Division.
If the above terms are not complied with, the Tengda Esports Division could withdraw the clubs’ qualifications for the GPL League at any time, and the clubs whose qualifications were withdrawn could transfer the GOG Division to a third party or to Tengda, and the Esports Division will find a suitable third-party to take over.
Manager Su subconsciously looked at the others and saw surprise in each other’s eyes.
These requests were a bit excessive in the eyes of these clubs!
They might allow Boss Zhang to take the lead, but that was on the premises that Boss Zhang did not infringe their interests!
Since the emergence of the esports industry in China, the attitude between most game manufacturers and clubs had always been to mind one’s own business.
Most game manufacturers did not have the ability or leisure to carry out such management and requirements on clubs. Moreover, these game manufacturers had to count on the major clubs to join in the competition so they turned a blind eye to the behavior of these clubs in private.
To protect their own interests, the major clubs would more or less play some dirty tricks.
This was actually a problem left over from history. The current esports clubs were basically established by a group of wealthy people. There were one or two rich second-generation heirs behind more than half of them. The management in all aspects was very irregular. There was no need to be too formal in their view.
Why spend so much effort if they were just playing around?
Many clubs were afraid that their players were being poached by other clubs and have their entire team dug away so they had to sign contracts with some harsh terms akin to ‘selling away their life’ with new players.
In other words, they were all now very careful, but because they were scammed by players or other clubs before, they passed this risk to more rookie players so they wouldn’t suffer.
The clubs felt that doing so would safeguard their legal rights.
However, Boss Pei’s request was obviously ‘violating their legitimate rights and interests’ because the set of rules they had set before had been completely invalidated.
Manager Su pursed his lips, but after thinking about it, he remained silent.
He knew that more than half of the clubs present would have opinions on these terms so he didn’t need to be the first to speak.
The conference room fell into a short period of silence.
Manager Li of the SUG club was the first who could not hold back. After clearing his throat, he said: “Boss Zhang, there are some terms that do not seem to be very appropriate…
“Tengda has established an esports division to manage esports competitions. This is, of course, a good thing, and we all support it hands down.
“But… is the standard contract necessary? Different conditions are given to different players when the clubs negotiate with the players. How can a standard contract cover all possible situations?
“I think it is okay to let the club and the players contact and sign contracts by themselves. To put it bluntly, this is a legal issue. Your energy in this area as the official organizer is a little wasted.
“Moreover, this esports industry is maintained by all clubs. We should seek common ground while reserving differences. Tengda has its rules, and our club also has our habit of doing things. Isn’t it good for everyone to respect each other?
“Everyone in this room has supported Tengda. Isn’t it a bit inhumane to kick us out this way?
“So I think this rule should be reconsidered and deliberated; what do you think?”
Manager Li looked at the other club managers after he was done.
“Yes, Manager Li has a point!”
“Yes, Mr. Zhang, this is a bit of a fuss, which is unnecessary. Besides, signing a standard contract will definitely have many other problems, and it will be more troublesome to solve them. What’s more, there is no such precedent in the domestic esports circle…”
“Boss Zhang, everyone is particularly supportive of Boss Pei, which is why we bought players and moved our divisions to Jingzhou. If we are kicked out because we did not accept these terms, then who would dare to cooperate with Tengda in the future?”
“Yes, we were the first group of clubs to support GOG esports competitions. We have worked hard even if we are without merit…”
“It’s not easy for clubs now. Most clubs are purely burning money. We are also a disadvantaged group. If there are no additional terms, the rights of the players are guaranteed. What about our rights?”
Many club managers have expressed similar ideas to Manager Li.
Obviously, it was impossible for them to accept the supervision of Tengda Esports Division without saying a word.
The managers of these esports clubs are all old slippery foxes, and they knew their way around.
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The point was that even if they accept it, the owner of the club would probably not accept it.
They did not dare to make things clear, but they could play favors and create some pressure through both soft and hard approaches without making it absolutely clear.
Generally speaking, game makers would give them some face and would not turn things into a stalemate.
Manager Su did not speak and secretly looked at Boss Pei, who was silently sitting on the sidelines.
He also couldn’t guess what kind of mentality Boss Pei had.
If it’s someone else, that person might be smiling and appease the club managers. This matter could be discussed slowly and long-term.
However, it was Boss Pei. It was not impossible for him to scold all these managers mercilessly. Boss Pei had the confidence to do so.
The regulations given by Zhang Yuan were clearly written out. If they did not agree, they could transfer the GPL access qualifications and even the entire GOG division to a third party.
This showed that President Pei had a strong determination to promote this matter.
However, things were not so absolute. After all, there was always a plan for the worst case, which did not mean that it would be used. Boss Pei had to give a buffer no matter how resolute he was, right?
Manager Su looked at Boss Pei and found that the corners of Boss Pei’s mouth were slightly raised, seeming to carry some… joy?
Impossible?
Was this a soothing smile or a sneer?
Manager Su suddenly felt that something was wrong and did not develop as he expected so he quickly swallowed what he wanted to say.
Zhang Yuan sighed silently; this group of sly old fox would definitely not give in so easily.
They dared not bang the table directly, but they could play emotional cards and pretend to be pitiful.
There was a saying: ‘no one can slap a smiling face’. It would be easier to handle these club managers if they dared to get angry. However, he was afraid that they would continue pretending to be weak. If Tengda handled it too harshly, it would generate some bad public opinion and give other clubs an impression that ‘Tengda is unreasonable’. That would not be easy to deal with.
Zhang Yuan subconsciously looked at Mr. Pei who was sitting at the side.
He would have to depend on how Boss Pei would deal with such a critical situation.
Chapter 707 - Boss Pei's ‘Tai-Chi’
Pei Qian’s smile was sincere.
The voice of protest was much louder than he thought!
That was a good thing!
In fact, Pei Qian never wanted these clubs to come to Jingzhou—let alone for them to buy the DGE Club players, but they understood him wrong which led to the situation today.
It would be a great thing if he could take this opportunity to drive away a few clubs!
It would be even better if Tengda could buy all the clubs.
Spend a few million dollars per club to make losses without doing anything more to them, wasn’t that plan just beautiful?
Facing the seemingly pitiful club managers who harbored evil intentions, Pei Qian smiled and spoke kindly.
“Don’t worry, we understand the difficulties of your clubs.
“We are aware of everyone’s efforts in the development of GOG esports.
“All clubs are disadvantaged and have been losing money. Clubs’ interests are not guaranteed. This is indeed very sad.
“Really, I really understand your feeling.”
Manager Su was at a loss after listening to Boss Pei.
That wasn’t right; that did not seem like something Boss Pei would say?
Something was amiss…?
The other club managers also looked at each other. They did not imagine that Boss Pei would be so easy to talk to; it did not seem very reliable.
Pei Qian smiled slightly and continued: “Since your clubs have been losing money and have been in such a perilous situation, let Tengda take care of sufferings!
“Your GOG divisions are nothing more than paying rent and salaries. The bulk of the cost is on the players’ worth. Such a heavy burden should be handed over to Tengda.
“If you feel that you can’t keep going, just sell the division to Tengda. We can pay a little premium so that you can make a bit. It’s definitely not in vain. What do you think?”
Pei Qian worked hard to make his attitude very sincere and his expression very kind.
It’s great that you didn’t agree with me! I couldn’t wait to take over!
The managers of the clubs turned pale instantly.
Boss Pei might have said with a smile, but it was more uncomfortable than being scolded.
It would be easier for these clubs to handle if Boss Pei were to blast off directly. They would make Tengda wear all kinds of ‘unfriendly’ and ‘kick them to the curb when they’ve outlived their usefulness’, so that other clubs would not dare to approach, and the GOG league qualification would rot in Tengda.
However, Boss Pei was behaving very considerately while refusing to give up. This was equivalent to weird meeting the weird; everyone was weird together. Whoever became serious first would lose.
President Pei kicked the ball back to their court perfectly; how should they return it?
Continue to complain? However, Boss Pei said ‘sell to him if it was so hard for them’.
Stop complaining? What other ways would they have then?
Everyone fell silent for a while.
Manager Li coughed twice: “How about this, Boss Pei, we can’t make a decision in haste on such a big thing. Can we have a two-day grace period for us to talk to our bosses in detail before replying to you?”
Pei Qian nodded: “Of course, I hope that all your bosses can seriously consider it. If you sell the division, you can instantly make some money. This kind of good deal isn’t common!”
Manager Li: “…”
Pei Qian said everything sincerely, but in the ears of various clubs, it had completely changed into another meaning.
They were completely defeated by Boss Pei’s Tai-Chi!
Fortunately, they gained a certain buffer time; the clubs would discuss countermeasures with their bosses.
The managers of the various clubs stood up to leave.
“Everyone, take care. By the way, you can take this paper back and show it to your boss. You must seriously consider it!”
Pei Qian did not forget to remind everyone to bring the new regulations with them.
The managers were stunned.
What did Boss Pei mean? Sending us back with bullets to fire on ourselves?
Boss Pei was not afraid that the above terms would be leaked, causing unanimous resistance from all domestic esports clubs?
The other club owners might not believe it if there was no proof. If they took this piece of paper away, it would force other clubs to the same battle frontline!
The club managers folded this piece of paper and put it in their pockets; they took it with them with an attitude of ‘what a waste if they did not take it away’.
Zhang Yuan was a little worried: “Boss Pei, is this really okay? Let these clubs think about it for two days is to give them time to unite.”
Pei Qian smiled slightly: “Isn’t that better?”
If only one club was going to sell, they might be able to find takers.
If all of them were to sell and could not find any takers, then they could only rot in Tengda’s hands.
Pei Qian couldn’t desire more for it to happen!
…
In the evening, several club managers came to the SUG club and met with Manager Li.
Their expressions were ugly as they came to the conference room.
They had spoken to their bosses this afternoon and shown the paper to the bosses. It was obvious that the bosses could not just accept these conditions willingly.
Why?
GOG was not the first game that these clubs engaged in esports. They were also in esports fo
r games such as ‘Fantasy Battle’ and ‘Starcraft’. Since when were there any game manufacturers that interfered with the club’s contract with players?
Weren’t they meddling too much?
Therefore, the attitudes of the bosses were also very consistent—as much as possible to ‘protect the rights of the club’!
“Manager Li, what should we do?”
The SUG club was the richest of these clubs. The owner has always been tough so it was the most suitable to be the one who headed this.
Other clubs were not willing to be restricted and being held by Tengda so they would naturally spare no effort.
Of course, there were also three or four clubs who felt that the matter was not that serious. Tengda has not harmed the core interests of the club, but they are all present because the interests of all clubs were the same.
They weren’t that determined, but it was above their pay grades.
Manager Li was silent for a moment and said: “Boss Pei has always been tough. It could be seen from the meeting today. That Tai Chi caused us to be powerless.
“However, we can’t just let it go! We have been in the business for so long; when have we experienced such bullying? What can we do if we were to accept it and for there to be more rules in the future?
“Why should we sign a standard contract with the players? It is so hard to cultivate a good seed. What if the player runs after the contract expires; how can our interests be guaranteed?
“Besides, everything else is plentiful, but there are so many internet-addicted teenagers. If we really let the players come and go freely, wouldn’t our club really become a truly disadvantaged group? We cannot allow this to happen!
“We are in esports not for charity so we absolutely cannot compromise on this matter!”
A manager showed a face full of dilemma: “Manager Li, it’s correct to say that, but Boss Pei’s attitude is very firm.”
Manager Li smiled slightly: “Boss Pei is indeed a person who doesn’t care about anyone else, but we are not completely helpless!
“There are other companies besides us in the domestic esports field. It is a very small circle.
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