Esports Community Rattles After FlyQuest Player's Comments on Women in Esports
In a shocking turn of events, FlyQuest top laner Bwipo (Gabriël Rau) was suspended for one series of the League of Legends LTA playoffs after making derogatory comments about women and their ability to play esports during a livestream earlier this week.
Bwipo's remarks sparked widespread outrage within the esports community, with many calling for greater support and inclusivity for female players. "I think there's just not enough support for female pro players... women's anatomy and their monthly cycles are just extremely different from males, and there's no proper support system for women to go through what they're going through," Bwipo said during the livestream.
The comments were met with swift backlash from fans and fellow players alike. "It's unacceptable that someone in a position of influence would make such hurtful and inaccurate statements about women in esports," said Liu Yi, a prominent figure in the League of Legends community. "Esports is a meritocracy, and every player should be judged on their skills, not their gender."
According to Riot Games, the developer of League of Legends, Bwipo's suspension was a result of his comments violating the game's code of conduct. "We take all allegations of harassment and discriminatory behavior seriously," said a spokesperson for Riot Games. "We will continue to work towards creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for all players."
The esports community has long struggled with issues of sexism and inequality, with women making up only about 5% of professional League of Legends players. However, in recent years, there have been efforts to increase diversity and inclusion within the industry.
FlyQuest's decision to suspend Bwipo was seen as a step in the right direction by many fans. "It's a start," said Liu Yi. "But we need to do more than just punish individuals for their behavior. We need to create a culture of respect and inclusivity that values every player, regardless of their gender."
The incident has sparked a wider conversation about sexism and inequality in esports, with many calling for greater support and resources for female players. As the esports industry continues to grow and evolve, it remains to be seen how this incident will impact the community as a whole.
In the meantime, FlyQuest has announced that they will be conducting an internal review of their policies and procedures to ensure that all players are treated fairly and respectfully. The team also released a statement condemning Bwipo's comments and reaffirming their commitment to creating a welcoming environment for all players.
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the esports industry. As the community continues to grow and evolve, it is essential that we prioritize creating an environment where every player feels valued, respected, and supported.
*Reporting by Engadget.*