Despite a threat of strike action for a Neom sponsorship in 2020 the messaging around participation in the Esports World Cup in Riyadh has changed drastically
That first Slack message with fielding a team of 5 queer characters on a team in a game is so mind fucked I had to re-read it to make sure I read it right. It's jaw dropping how delusional some people are
A corporation is an entity, it does not have values and it is irrational to expect it from them. Those in leadership positions must be the ones who bear the values and the associated responsibilities. The Saudi moves make a lot of sense from the Saudi perspective, so I don't know if I criticize their attempt to "take over" Esports (although I do, of course, criticize any regime that strips away liberal rights from people). However, to see Riot change their entire perspective on how Esports ecosystems should work, with the only benefit I can see being cash, would be extremely dissapointing (although as long as the decision wasn't made - they get the benefit of doubt).
I would, however, point out that almost all corporations (and especially those based in North America) only promote "LGBTQ Tolerance" in regions where they believe it will have a positive financial or branding impact for them. Actual values do not play a role in those decisions. This practice won't be unique to Riot.
Edit: I re-read the article with the full slack messages. To say that a team playing with TF, Graves, K'Sante and some other queer characters is promoting the agenda in Saudi is complete bullshit. So much so, I almost don't believe a person working there actually says it. I wasn't even aware of these champs being "queers" and I play League every day. Will a spectator become suddenly aware of this agenda by tuning in to a broadcast where no one is allowed to mention it or talk about it? This is a perfect example of how the "Rainbows" (in this instance) match their agenda to the business goals of the company.
This is comedic gold from Riot...
That first Slack message with fielding a team of 5 queer characters on a team in a game is so mind fucked I had to re-read it to make sure I read it right. It's jaw dropping how delusional some people are
A corporation is an entity, it does not have values and it is irrational to expect it from them. Those in leadership positions must be the ones who bear the values and the associated responsibilities. The Saudi moves make a lot of sense from the Saudi perspective, so I don't know if I criticize their attempt to "take over" Esports (although I do, of course, criticize any regime that strips away liberal rights from people). However, to see Riot change their entire perspective on how Esports ecosystems should work, with the only benefit I can see being cash, would be extremely dissapointing (although as long as the decision wasn't made - they get the benefit of doubt).
I would, however, point out that almost all corporations (and especially those based in North America) only promote "LGBTQ Tolerance" in regions where they believe it will have a positive financial or branding impact for them. Actual values do not play a role in those decisions. This practice won't be unique to Riot.
Edit: I re-read the article with the full slack messages. To say that a team playing with TF, Graves, K'Sante and some other queer characters is promoting the agenda in Saudi is complete bullshit. So much so, I almost don't believe a person working there actually says it. I wasn't even aware of these champs being "queers" and I play League every day. Will a spectator become suddenly aware of this agenda by tuning in to a broadcast where no one is allowed to mention it or talk about it? This is a perfect example of how the "Rainbows" (in this instance) match their agenda to the business goals of the company.