The Puyo Puyo series has been announced as one of the first game series recognized by the newly created Japan eSports Union. This means that pro licenses can be issued to people who wish to compete in entries in the series. (Thanks, Inside Games!)
The Japan eSports Union (JeSU) was created in order to push eSports, which are still not well-recognized in Japan. To this extent, they define what a ‘Pro Gamer’ is and the requirements to get a license, which are listed below:
Definition for a pro gamer:
- A person who understands they are a professional
- Plays with sportsmanship
- Works hard daily to improve their skill
- Contributes to the development of eSports within Japan
Requirements for a license:
- The person swears that they are a pro gamer as defined above
- They receive high results in titles recognized by JeSU
- They have taken the courses required by JeSU
There are two types of licenses based on age, “Japan eSports Pro License” for 15-year-olds and older and “Japan eSports Junior License”, for 13 to 15-year-olds.
Finally, Sega announced that they will be holding the first recognized Puyo Puyo Cup at Sega Fest 2018 on April 14-15, 2018 at Akihabara, with a one million yen prize. Applications will be open until March 23, 2018.
