Video Gamer is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Prices subject to change. Learn more
Riot Games stated that it will address sexism within Valorant with “long-term solutions” after female players shared their stories (via VG247).
Today’s : It’s like this MOST of the time on solo queue voice comms REGARDLESS of the game I’m playing. I usually don’t give in to this like in the video; I’m silent in an attempt to not incite more. Inevitably you get to a point where you have to mute them. More perspective: pic.twitter.com/7ruWcI78tL
— Tea! (@Evergreenily) April 24, 2020
Riot Greenily, a UX designer for League of Legends, posted a clip of her playing Valorant. One of the male members on her team instigates gendered harassment, verbally insulting her after she refuses his patronising flirtations. “It’s like this MOST of the time on solo queue voice comms REGARDLESS of the game I’m playing,” said Greenily. “I usually don’t give in to this like in the video; I’m silent in an attempt to not incite more. Inevitably you get to a point where you have to mute them.”
Please don’t be this dude who shouted “OH MY GOD IT’S A GIRL” the moment I talked; who called me his “babe”/ acted like I was his girlfriend throughout the whole game. I had to heal this guy because I’m trying to win the game and that SUCKED.
— Tea! (@Evergreenily) April 24, 2020
“I want to live in a world where this guy doesn’t go and ruin other peoples’ games. Where people feel safe to speak up,” continued Greenily. “Please don’t be this dude who shouted ‘OH MY GOD IT’S A GIRL’ the moment I talked; who called me his ‘babe’/ acted like I was his girlfriend throughout the whole game. I had to heal this guy because I’m trying to win the game and that SUCKED.”
Gross, this is creepy as hell. This is why I can’t solo. I’m so sorry. We’re absolutely looking into long-term solutions for making it safe to play VALORANT – even solo queue!
— Anna Donlon (@RiotSuperCakes) April 24, 2020
Thankfully, Riot Games is aware of sexism in Valorant, and executive producer Anna Donlon stated that the team will address this issue comprehensively. “Gross, this is creepy as hell. This is why I can’t solo. I’m so sorry. We’re absolutely looking into long-term solutions for making it safe to play Valorant—even solo queue!” said Donlon.
Valorant is in development for PC, and will launch in summer 2020. If this is enough to turn you away from the game and you’re looking for an alternative, we’d recommend checking out the best laptops for League of Legends.
