Valorant: VCT Game Changers to go women-only after backlash from community

VCT Game Changers, a women's-only circuit, was launched in North America this year to encourage women in esports. Riot has organised three such events in the region and later announced that Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa (EMEA) will be getting their own VCT Game Changers events. 

Similar to NA, there will be three VCT Game Changers EMEA events to be held till December, with one being in October. Earlier it was announced that the event to take place from 25th to 31st October will follow the "ALL IN" format allowing mixed-gender teams with at least three women players.

However, it resulted in an intense backlash from the community questioning the core purpose of introducing the VCT Game Changers series. 

GC by definition is ABOUT inclusivity & creating a safe space for MARGINALIZED GENDERS B/C they are marginalized. Opening this up to men defeats the purpose. All GC competitions can still compete in the main VCTs and other tournaments, there’s no designated male-only tournaments

— Juna (@Junafour) October 3, 2021

A user pointed out that the mixed format will only promote boys and "the 3 girls were ass, but the boys carried them" comments.

it doesnt help girls at all with this LMFAOO I can already imagine all the "the 3 girls were ass but the boys carried them" comments?? This is DEADASS just gonna promote the boys that blah blah carried the egirls I promise you this wont support the way you think

— aurora! 光 (@Australissss) October 3, 2021

In response, Riot has decided to stick with the women's-only format and has agreed that it's too soon to explore the "ALL IN" format.

They will be revisiting this concept in the future which is their ultimate goal of creating a diverse Valorant esports ecosystem.

#VCTGameChangers EMEA ALL IN update. pic.twitter.com/BsFXURMKDc

— VALORANT Champions Tour EMEA (@valesports_eu) October 8, 2021

"Our goal of creating a diverse VALORANT ecosystem remains unchanged. We still strongly believe in the ALL IN concept and plan to revisit it in the future. We are excited to work with the community to refine ALL IN together, and hope you'll enjoy Game Changers EMEA in the meantime." the statement tweeted by Riot said.

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Featured image courtesy of Riot Games.