Two notable organizations, Freaks 4 u Gaming and Diversity in Esports (DivE) have joined forces to promote further inclusiveness within the global esports community. The two companies are spearheading a new Valorant tournament within the European, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region.
DivE is a non-profit association working towards increasing gender diversity in esports. Riot Games had previously selected DivE as the official tournament organizer of the VCT Game Changer Series EMEA. Freaks 4U Gaming, an esports-focused marketing, and communications company, recently announced that it will be partnering with DivE for this upcoming event. Freaks 4U Gaming will provide complete broadcast production and media coverage during the entire tournament. This new partnership will also allow DivE to tap into the marketing expertise of Freaks to achieve broader goals of inclusivity within gaming and esports.
First introduced in February 2021 by Riot Games, VCT Game Changers is a new initiative in the competitive season to create opportunities and exposure for women within VALORANT esports. The publisher has been increasing efforts to build a more inclusive VALORANT Champions Tour representative of its diverse and global community. Following the successful launch in North America earlier this year, Riot Games announced VCT Game Changers EMEA, consisting of three tournaments from September 27 to November 21, 2021.
Vera Wienken, Brand Manager at Riot Games, commented: “If we want to inspire more women to pursue their esports dreams, we need to take direct action to make these games more accessible, and create a level playing field for them to enter in years to come. We want VCT Game Changers EMEA to be that stepping stone for women, in the EU to show off their VALORANT skills and compete in a fair, safe environment but still within the ecosystem. With DivE as the experienced diversity tournament organizer and Freaks 4U Gaming, our long-term partner for high-quality broadcasts and production, we have set up the perfect team to support women in esports and create safe spaces to shine!”
“Freaks 4U Gaming commends DivE for spearheading the important cause of gender diversity in esports and we are incredibly proud to take part in this movement supporting both Riot Games and DivE,” said Matthias Remmert, Senior Vice President of Product, TV, and Media Production, Freaks 4U Gaming. “Inclusion is and has always been part of our DNA shaping our company culture. Whether it’s our gender identity, sexual orientation, cultural background, or gaming preference, we embrace and celebrate both our commonalities and differences. Because Freaks has built a diverse community, it is our responsibility to pay it forward by supporting the representation of women within our ecosystem and helping the industry evolve.”
“A close and direct work with the communities, paired with a strong focus on high-quality production and visibility, are key to ensure a safer and better environment for women and encourage everyone to be part of the game-changers. We truly believe in allying our efforts and forces to thrive the representation of women players on VALORANT and more generally in esports.” said Servane Fischer, President of DivE.
