There's been a lot of curiosity and rumors going around the internet about the particulars of the "Overwatch" League's rulebook. How much does Blizzard-Activision own? What are players not allowed to do during matches or streams? Thanks to eSports broadcaster Richard Lewis, we finally know. He has scanned and published the entirety of the document on his website.

The document contains some shocking information that shows just how much these players are signing away for their $50,000 base salary. In short, Blizzard-Activision owns a remarkable amount of these people's lives.

Not only that, but it forces them to agree to some pretty invasive things.

Two documents, one big problem

The upload is divided into two documents. One is the "Player Streaming Policy" which governs any live streams the players do on their own time. The other document is the rulebook, which is labeled as "version 1.0." The rulebook is the same one that other Blizzard leagues use, but the streaming policy is structured in a question-and-answer format.

The initial pages outline what players can do on their personal Twitch, YouTube, and other channels. One rule, for example, prohibits more than two league players from joining up as it would constitute a "team." Furthermore, they can't stream one hour before or after a League event.

This is difficult, given that "Overwatch" League games run four nights a week.

The rules become even more strict as the document goes on. Players are prohibited from endorsing any games made by publishers other than Activision Blizzard. There's also a wide net cast across any kind of behavior that could result in controversy.

Players are also expected to reasonably curb any negative comments from viewers. We're only on page three and this document is already feeling like it controls every aspect of the players' lives.

Where do we draw the line?

The rulebook continues to ramp up the stakes until the final pages. In the last section, players agree to a potential reality show, if Activision Blizzard decides to make one.

Players would be required to have 24/7 cameras placed in their house. Every hour of their day (besides the bathroom) would be filmed and used for the show.

Players also agree to have their likeness, handles, and even their personas licensed by Blizzard, as they see fit. This also includes any "derivative" works. In these cases, the player won't see a single cent from the spin-offs. Finally, when they sign the dotted line, they waive the right to any prior review or approval of the licensed materials. It's a very invasive contract to sign. Thankfully, players are already taking steps to unionize and fight for fair contracts that will, hopefully, not resemble this one in the slightest.
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