League of Legends Esports: Lack of Support for Women’s Organizations
After the success of VALORANT‘s Game Changers, many expected a structured esports league for women and other marginalized genders in competitive League of Legends. However, it seems that these hopes have been dashed as Riot Games has abandoned the communication on this project, according to Team Vitality.
Team Vitality’s Efforts to Support Women in Esports
Team Vitality, along with several other European esports organizations, has invested heavily in their women’s League of Legends rosters. The “Rising Bees” team under Team Vitality currently boasts full-time contracts for its players. In an interview with ESN.GG, team captain Velouria “Viki” Baty expressed her belief that these contracts have greatly helped the players improve their skills.
Despite the support from Team Vitality, both Viki and Team Vitality Director of Esports Anne Banschbach have expressed their frustration at the lack of support from Riot Games.
The Success of VALORANT Game Changers
The VALORANT Game Changers initiative has been a trendsetter in esports, providing a full schedule of official tournaments for women and marginalized genders. The 2022 Championship of Game Changers broke records as the most viewed tournament for a PC-based women’s esports event, indicating a bright future for women’s esports across different titles.
However, recent layoffs at Riot Games have affected the VCT Game Changers team, which could potentially have negative implications for women’s esports. Anne Banschbach has suggested that there might not be a similar system for League of Legends in the future, leaving women’s teams like Team Vitality disappointed.
The History of Game Changers in League of Legends
Game Changers in League of Legends was first discussed and planned in 2023. Major teams, including Vitality, were involved in these plans to create a comprehensive Game Changers program. However, Team Vitality has not received any communication from Riot Games regarding the progress of these plans. Anne Banschbach expressed concerns about the lack of funds for women’s esports and emphasized the importance of joint focus from organizations and publishers.
In 2023, a small-scale attempt was made in North America with the LCS Game Changers program. Unfortunately, it was significantly underfunded and undersupported, with only three partnered rosters participating in the tournament.
The Need for Women’s Esports Spaces
Incidents like the signing of an underqualified all-female team by Vevictis Esports in 2019 have raised doubts within the industry about the commercial viability of women’s esports. However, Team Vitality believes that women’s esports spaces are necessary for female players to develop and overcome the unique challenges they face. Viki emphasized that female players need more visibility and experience, serving as role models for young girls interested in esports.
Riot Games had the opportunity to showcase female League of Legends players with Game Changers, but Team Vitality believes that these plans have been abandoned.
Frustration with Riot’s Attitude
Both Anne Banschbach and Viki expressed frustration with Riot Games’ inconsistent opportunities for women in esports. They stressed that women’s esports should be seen as a crucial investment rather than a profitable task. The organizations are ready to support women and gender minorities, but whether Riot Games will meet their demands remains uncertain.
The Future of Women’s Esports
Despite the lack of support and communication from Riot Games, Team Vitality is keeping its women’s roster on a full-time basis in the hopes of future support. Other esports organizations such as G2, Galaxy Racer, and BIG have also invested in women and gender minority-only rosters, showing that there is a growing desire for inclusivity in the industry.
As the future remains uncertain, it is clear that more efforts and collaboration are needed to ensure the growth and success of women’s esports in not just League of Legends, but across all titles.