Esports, also known as electronic sports involves competitive video gaming. It has gained significant popularity in recent years, with tournaments and leagues being held both online and offline, and even being broadcasted on television. The industry has attracted not just players, but also fans, sponsors, and investors, making it a multimillion-dollar business.
Esports has also made its way into mainstream media, with major networks such as ESPN, TBS, and Disney XD airing esports events and competitions. In addition, many colleges and universities have started offering esports scholarships, recognizing the competitive nature and the potential career opportunities in the industry.
It is a rapidly growing industry, with competitive video gaming tournaments and leagues becoming increasingly popular and often broadcasted online or on television. However, the industry has long been criticized for its lack of diversity and representation, particularly among marginalized genders. One organization working to change this is Riot Games, the developer of the first-person shooting game Valorant.
Introducing the Valorant Game Changers Initiative
The Valorant Game Changers initiative is a platform for marginalized genders to compete and develop as professional players in the game of Valorant. The initiative runs alongside the main competition and aims to foster marginalized talent in a safe environment away from potential harassment. Riot Games’ Senior Brand Manager, Vera Wienken, emphasizes the importance of representation in attracting and maintaining female participation in Valorant and esports as a whole.
Valorant’s Format and Narrative Valorant is a relatively new game, and its format and narrative open itself up to a more diverse audience. The characters in the game do not conform to gender stereotypes, which makes the game more accessible, says Wienken. This is significant because it can help to break down barriers and stereotypes that have traditionally excluded marginalized genders from participating in esports.
Breaking Barriers and Stereotypes
The journalist and Valorant EMEA host Yinsu Collins says she’s developed a thick skin to ignore online harassment but also sees people reflecting on their past actions and apologizing for things they’ve said. This is a positive sign that the industry is working towards creating a more inclusive and diverse environment.
Creating a More Inclusive Environment
In the future, Wienken hopes that the Game Changers initiative will no longer be needed as representation in esports will be a normal thing. The initiative has already had a significant impact on the number of women playing and watching the game, and there are plans to further expand the initiative with the launch of the Game Changers Academy. The academy is a community-driven format that aims to act as a stepping stone for young women who are interested in becoming professional esports players. By creating new entry points for women in the industry, Wienken hopes that there will no longer be a need for female-led projects like the Game Changers initiative in the future.
The Future of Esports
Wienken also hopes that the overall esports industry will become more diverse in the future, with more representation of marginalized communities in pro players, coaches, and managers. The Valorant Game Changers initiative serves as an example for other esports organizations and traditional sports to follow in creating a more inclusive and diverse environment for all participants. The Valorant Game Changers initiative is just one example of how the esports industry is trying to create a more diverse and inclusive environment, although the industry as a whole is still male-dominated.
The Valorant Game Changers initiative is a positive step forward for the esports industry, as it is fostering diverse talent and creating role models for marginalized communities. By breaking down barriers and stereotypes, the initiative is encouraging more people from all backgrounds to participate in esports. This diversity is also a positive for the industry as a whole as it can bring new perspectives and ideas, leading to a more dynamic and innovative environment. It is important for the esports industry to continue to actively promote diversity and inclusion in order to create a more equitable and inclusive environment for all.
