Diversity and Inclusion in Esports: Challenges and Progress
2 min read
Espsorts gaming has presented the industry with a contradictory image. At first glance, games such as League of Legends are full of bizarre champions who prowl around a fantasy landscape. The message the game conveys is one of complete diversity and inclusion for all. Anyone can play LoL at a level that suits their particular gaming skills. However, in practice, esports gaming has gained a reputation for prejudice and misogyny. Developers and organizers such as Riot Games are well aware of the negativity surrounding their games and are taking action to redress the issues.e
Gender Neutrality
A recent report indicated that only 35% 0f professional players are female. They have to regularly contend with insults from male-dominated live audiences. Women regularly face rejection from professional teams by male members who view their talents as inferior. In-built prejudice in esports is difficult to overcome, particularly when combat games present a rugged, macho image.
However in 2022, Riot Games introduced the perfect solution: all-female tournaments named Gamechangers. Women can now compete in games such as Valorant and League of Legends without facing hostility and prejudice from men. Female teams are beginning to flourish as role models such as Júlia “Mayumi” Nakamura and Maria “Remilis” Creveling encourage girls to join esports gaming.
Celebrating Diversity
Research data published by Zippia.com shows that gaming appears to be full of racial divisions. Gaming is dominated by people with white backgrounds at around 78.2%. Only 3.2% of players are African American. Any audiences watching esports matches will be aware that many professionals are from South Korea, yet the study indicates that only 4.1% are from Asia.
The imbalance should quickly be corrected as more young people of African American descent discover famous role models. These currently include professional players such as Dominique “SonicFox” McLean and Zaqueri “Aphromoo” Black. It is through their determination to overcome prejudice and forge lucrative esports careers that the industry will surely achieve widespread racial diversity in the near future.
Photo by Yan Krukau
Education and Esports
Educational programs in schools and colleges are helping improve the image of gaming. Educators now recognize the value of gaming skills, prompting them to create the United States Academic Esports League. The program aims to introduce students of all ages, abilities, and racial backgrounds to take an interest in espsorts.
Playing games such as LoL in a positive, all-inclusive atmosphere is crucial to the future of the industry. Education helps to overcome basic prejudices and attitudes for all. Within a generation, esports can surely achieve total inclusion and diversity. No longer will esports be viewed as a male-dominated pastime for only a limited group of people.
International Tournaments
Games such as League of legends have developed a reliable network of regional tournaments. Teams competing in the LEC are constructed from global players who display amazing skills. Check out www.1337pro.com/en/lol/tournament-schedule/LEC to see them in action.
