Shanghai Moonton Technology Ltd, the powerhouse behind global hits like Mobile Legends: Bang Bang, Mobile Legends: Adventure, and Watcher of Realms, has rolled out a comprehensive Code of Conduct that sets a new baseline for all external partners, content creators, and service providers. The move, part of a broader push to safeguard its intellectual property and operational integrity, arrives at a time when digital ecosystems face mounting pressure from data leaks, reputational risks, and regulatory scrutiny.

At its core, the document – quietly published and now binding on all KOLs, moderators, contractors, consultants, and vendors – transforms a patchwork of contractual clauses into a unified ethical and operational framework. Industry observers note that such codes are increasingly common, but the depth and specificity of Moonton’s demands signal how seriously the developer takes the growing influence of third-party collaborators.

No Room for Ambiguity: Compliance and Confidentiality First

The Code wastes no time in asserting that compliance with all applicable laws in jurisdictions where Moonton operates is non-negotiable. Service providers are expected to navigate an increasingly complex global regulatory landscape, from data privacy directives in Europe to evolving consumer protection statutes across Southeast Asia – Moonton’s core market.

Confidentiality forms the backbone of this new relationship rulebook. Any information tied to Moonton’s business operations is deemed confidential unless explicitly cleared for public disclosure. This blanket protection covers user data, trade secrets, internal statistics, game design documents, and even unreleased promotional material. Providers must now use their “best effort” to guard this information and are expressly forbidden from sharing it with third parties without written consent. The agreement goes further: once a partnership ends, all Moonton property must be returned, and system access is immediately revoked. Any lingering possession or disclosure of confidential material is treated as an infringement of Moonton’s legitimate interests, opening the door to formal legal sanctions.

Data Security Red Lines

Perhaps the most detailed section of the Code enumerates a list of forbidden data-handling practices. Moonton is clearly drawing red lines after observing industry-wide breaches and insider leaks at other gaming companies. Providers are warned that even internal systems are off-limits without explicit permission. Scanning networks, downloading source code, accessing servers to manipulate parameters or logs, and implanting backdoors are all classified as immediate violations. The Code also explicitly bars the transfer of internal emails, statistical data, or documents to external storage platforms, personal cloud drives, or messaging apps – a direct response to the rise of hybrid work and the blurring of corporate and personal technology.

What makes these rules especially potent is the tiered punishment structure. Depending on severity, a breach can trigger disciplinary actions, termination of the business relationship, and – where laws are broken – full cooperation with judicial authorities. For content creators and moderators who operate with special in-game recognition – think custom avatar borders, exclusive emotes, and protected account status – the stakes are tangible. A termination of the service relationship wipes all those privileges at Moonton’s sole discretion.

Tackling Conflicts and Corruption Head-On

Moonton’s Code goes beyond tech-centric rules to tackle human vulnerabilities. Conflicts of interest are broadly defined as any circumstance that could cast doubt on a provider’s ability to act objectively. Providers must proactively disclose relationships that might influence Moonton employees or create preferential treatment. Similarly, the anti-bribery and anti-corruption section demands complete transparency in financial recordkeeping. Every expense and work product must be backed by reasonable documentation, and Moonton reserves the right to audit those records on request. For marketing agencies, event organizers, and influencer networks that routinely interact with Moonton staff, this introduces a new level of accountability.

The Public Face of the Brand

For streamers, esports talent, and social media influencers, the rules land with particular weight. Any public statement – a tweet, a livestream comment, or a YouTube video – that could damage or wrongly represent Moonton’s image is off-limits without prior written approval. This extends to sponsorship and advertising deals. Providers are not allowed to partner with a long list of prohibited categories, including account-trading websites, alcohol and tobacco brands, adult-oriented services, gambling platforms, firearm sellers, political campaigns, and crypto exchanges. The goal is clear: Moonton wants complete control over how its brand is associated in the public mind, a lesson likely learned from past influencer scandals that have rocked competitor studios.

Ownership and Post-Termination Obligations

A critical passage clarifies that no matter how much a creator interacts with the Game, Moonton retains full ownership of all artwork, media, in-game accounts, currencies, and proprietary processes. These are licensed for use only during the service period and only in a manner approved by Moonton. Subcontracting is also tightly regulated. No service provider may delegate tasks to a sub-contractor without prior written consent – a clause designed to prevent uncontrolled proliferation of access rights and to keep accountability within a single, identifiable chain.

The Code explicitly warns that violating the Game’s standard Terms of Service can now result in the termination or suspension of a service provider’s personal in-game accounts and the elimination of all virtual currency. This closes a loophole that previously allowed some privileged partners to operate with a sense of impunity in day-to-day gameplay.

Reporting and the Road Ahead

Moonton has opened a direct channel for questions and whistleblowing via its legal team, encouraging providers to report questionable conduct early. The Code is framed as a living document, subject to periodic review and amendment. In case of a conflict between this Code and an existing signed agreement, the executed agreement prevails – but only if it explicitly contradicts the Code’s terms, a high bar that ensures the Code’s principles effectively govern day-to-day behavior.

As the gaming industry matures, third-party service providers – from localization studios to mega-influencers – wield unprecedented power over brand perception and product security. Moonton’s new Code of Conduct reads less as a bureaucratic formality and more as a preemptive strike against the reputational and legal risks that have beset other publishers. For anyone dreaming of a partnership with one of mobile gaming’s biggest names, the message is unmistakable: compliance is now performance, not just paperwork.