Connect with us
MARE BALTICUM Gaming & TECH Summit 2024

iGaming Industry

Sexism in eSports

Published

on

about sexism in eSports

If you haven’t heard of eSports, you’re not alone. It’s largely a niche culture, but since the late 2000’s it has seen a large growth spurt particularly as professional gamers and spectatorship in these events saw a large surge in popularity. While organized online and offline competitions have been a popular part of videogame culture, now more than ever we are seeing more and more tournaments, live broadcasts and prize money for champion competitors.

eSports, by definition, are a form of competition facilitated by video games. According to various articles compiled by Wikipedia, “labeling video games as sports is a controversial point of debate. While some point to the growth in popularity of eSports as justification for designating some games as sports, others contend that video games will never reach the status of “true sports”. However popularity is not the only reason identified: some have argued that “careful planning, precise timing, and skillful execution ought to be what classifies an activity as sport, and that physical exertion and outdoor playing areas are not required by all traditional or non-traditional ‘sports’.”

In 2013, it was estimated that approximately 71.5 million people worldwide watched eSports. Demographically, Major League Gaming has reported viewership that is approximately 85% male and 15% female, with a majority of viewers between the ages of 18 and 34. Despite this, several female personalities within eSports are hopeful about the increasing presence of female gamers.

Team Digitas – made up of six top female gamers – are considered the best women’s team in North America and second best women’s team worldwide. In 2014, they joined together for a tournament in Paris without sponsors, paying out of their own pockets for the opportunity to compete. They all knew they wanted to compete professionally, so joined forces and came in second in that first tournament. Their next tournament, they came in first and have been seen as a serious force ever since. In 2016, they became the first U.S. eSports team to ever be backed by a professional sports team when the Philadelphia 76ers came calling. Team leader Emmalee “emuhleet” Garrido said that the fact that the 76ers didn’t once discuss them being a team of females was groundbreaking. She said, “that attitude, which promotes a passion for being perceived as a professional gamer first and foremost and a female second, is the big takeaway from this team.”

Despite the advancements being made, many female gamers don’t have such a positive experience. Oftentimes, women gamers hide their gender online so as not to experience pushback or discrimination from their male counterparts. While it does appear to be getting better as more and more women join in, it’s unacceptable for these professionals to be harassed because of their gender. According to an article on Compete.com, “Pro gamer Sherry Nhan also described the persistent harassment she has received online, such as gendered insults and disparaging comments about her looks. However, Nhan says that the fighting game community has always been welcoming to her when it comes to in-person interactions. Rachel “Seltzer” Quirico, a former pro gamer and current esports host, echoed that sentiment: “Whether you’re a sister or a brother in this scene, it’s very much a family feel for me.”

Advertisement

Anna Prosser – a former Miss Oregon USA – has been rising to the top of the field in recent years. She describes the eSports community as “intelligent forward-thinking, and well-meaning,” but also with “an undercurrent of sexism that often springs up in very destructive ways.” While male-dominated sport spaces is nothing new, Prosser and many others see a great future for women in eSports as long as the cultural awareness of the community continues to grow. And playing isn’t the only role within the eSports space either. There are opportunities for women to cast, create content and even run the business – all areas for women to break the glass ceiling in yet another up-and-coming sport.

The global eSports market generated $325 million of revenue in 2015 and is expected to make $493 million in 2016; the global eSports audience in 2015 was 226 million people. With this amount of success, eSports is certainly something to keep an eye on, but especially to root for more and more women in get involved – and succeed – in all aspects of the business.

*Source

The post Sexism in eSports appeared first on Eastern European Gaming – News – Interviews – Legal Market Updates – Premium Reports – Events – Directory.

Advertisement


Source: EEGaming.

American iGaming

Supremeland Gaming Gains Interim License Approval in West Virginia

Published

on

supremeland-gaming-gains-interim-license-approval-in-west-virginia

 

Supremeland Gaming, the emerging brand in American iGaming, announced the approval of an interim Supplier License in West Virginia, further solidifying its position as a key player in the rapidly expanding iGaming industry. This milestone marks the company’s third approval following the successful acquisition of the first approvals in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Supremeland Gaming is approved to operate under this interim license and is now authorized to offer its cutting-edge innovation to the Mountain State.

Supremeland’s game portfolio has garnered international appeal since its debut in November 2023. The innovative brand promises cutting-edge slot play, combining immersive storytelling, state-of-the-art graphics, and impressive bonuses.

Rickard Öhrn, CEO of Supremeland Gaming, said: “The acquisition of our interim Supplier License in West Virginia is a pivotal step in our journey, reflecting on our dedication to delivering innovative experiences to a broader audience. As we expand our footprint, our commitment to excellence remains unwavering, and we look forward to contributing to the vibrant gaming landscape in the Mountain State.”

Advertisement

​​Supremeland is gaining traction for its emerging portfolio of top-notch games, including Red Panda Rising and the international debut title, Munition Mine, underscoring its commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation in the iGaming industry.

Continue Reading

Albert Bellavista

Pragmatic Play Expands LatAm Reach with Betsala Deal

Published

on

pragmatic-play-expands-latam-reach-with-betsala-deal

 

Pragmatic Play, a leading content supplier to the iGaming industry, is continuing its momentum in the Latin American market, after signing an agreement to take its three biggest products live with Betsala.

The agreement will see Pragmatic Play’s full portfolio of award-winning Slot content go live, including recently released Slot titles Loki’s Riches and The Big Dawgs in addition to familiar player-favourites such as Sugar Rush and Gates of Olympus.

Betsala customers will soon gain access to Pragmatic Play’s Live Casino products upon integration being completed. The sector has been a focus for the provider over the previous 12 months with releases such as the dynamic Treasure Island game show which complements Pragmatic Play’s comprehensive range of casino classics such as Roulette, Mega Roulette, and Blackjack which are also available on the platform.

Completing the product offering is Pragmatic Play’s cutting-edge 3D renderings of popular sports such as horse and greyhound racing, football, and motorsports.

Advertisement

The latest LatAm development for Pragmatic Play sees it further boost its profile across the region where it has cemented its status as a leading supplier of casino experiences.

Victor Arias, Vice President of Latin American Operations at ARRISE powering Pragmatic Play, said: “Proving LatAm is still a key source of growth, Pragmatic Play is delighted to now count Betsala as another valued partner in the region.

“Pragmatic Play’s three leading products will soon be on the platform, and we look forward to even more players discovering its robust and engaging offering.”

Albert Bellavista, CEO at Betsala, said: “Pragmatic Play has built a stellar reputation across Latin America for its high-quality experiences, and we welcome them as our latest partner to bolster our offering and provide more thrills than ever.

“Most iGaming enthusiasts worldwide are already familiar with Pragmatic Play’s titles and we know the upcoming addition of its content will come with a great response from our players.”

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Conferences

Pragmatic Play Gears Up for SAGSE LATAM 2024

Published

on

pragmatic-play-gears-up-for-sagse-latam-2024

 

Pragmatic Play, a leading content supplier to the iGaming industry, is set to make another appearance at a Latin American summit, at SAGSE LATAM in Buenos Aires.

Taking place across two days from March 20th-21st, the event sees iGaming professionals gather at Buenos Aires’ Hilton Hotel for the 32nd edition of the iconic exhibition.

SAGSE LATAM marks the second summit attended by Pragmatic Play in Latin America in 2024, with its new immersive proposal Pragmatic Play Experience, after an extremely successful exhibition tour in 2023, which saw the provider make inroads across the continent and impress industry representatives.

The gaming provider will be at Stand 120 to showcase its diverse portfolio, including Slots, Live Casino, Virtual Sports and Bingo content, alongside its brand-new Sportsbook solution.

Advertisement

In addition, Pragmatic Play will be a platinum sponsor of the event, highlighting the importance of such industry exhibitions and the vital role the leading provider plays in them.

Victor Arias, VP of Latin American Operations at ARRISE powering Pragmatic Play, said: “Pragmatic Play is proud to be a platinum sponsor of SAGSE LATAM and to be influential in shaping the future of the Latin American iGaming market. With a comprehensive multi-product offerings and solutions, it is poised to capitalise on the immense opportunities that the region presents.

“With an exciting range of panel discussions and interactivities that the conference brings, it is set to be yet another momentous date in the LATAM gaming calendar.”

Continue Reading

Trending