#1 - Feb. 26, 2022, 6 p.m.
The first-ever Overwatch Empowerment Cup is here! Tune in to support your favorite players and teams.
The Overwatch Empowerment Cup: A community pursuit of equity, inclusion, and competitiveness
#114 - March 1, 2022, 10:32 p.m.
Let’s discuss the difference between equality and equity here, in the context of this discussion.
Equality indicates that everyone has the exact same opportunity presented to themselves, irrespective of the inherent biases they may face if they’re a member of an under-represented or under-voiced community. This means people who have inherent societal advantages are usually several steps ahead of folks who may be viewed as other.
Equity indicates that everyone has the exact same opportunity presented to themselves, however it also takes into account societal disadvantages, and by doing so compensates for said disadvantages through mechanisms that are designed to remove or lessen the likelihood of both conscious and unconscious biases affecting the final outcome.
As it relates to the Empowerment Cup
- As a note, the Empowerment Cup was run by a community organization, and we chose to feature it in the client because it aligns with our values as a team
- Women, LGBTQIA+, and POC players receive more targeted harassment than players who are not part of those communities. This is demonstrable through many, many studies
- Because of that targeted harassment, women especially often forgo in game comms or even mask their gender, just to feel safe in these environments
- Because of inherent biases, statements like “if they’re just as good as the men, they should be competing with them” often neglect the myriad other pressures that are put on women/non-binary folks in a competitive environment that cis-gendered men never face. Those pressures add up, and disincentivizes women/non-binary folks from participating in the competitive space
- Creating spaces that are as free from gender based harassment and discrimination as possible are the logical first step towards building equity in the esports space.
- Here at Blizzard, we have a phrase we often use: crawl, walk, run. In order to cultivate and foster the women’s competitive scene within the Overwatch community, we need to create spaces, develop programs, and foster community efforts towards building that talent pool up and increasing their visibility and stature within the community
I’d also like to quash the fallacy of “lost opportunity” here. Community events like the empowerment cup do not take any opportunity away from any player who identifies as a man. These events likely wouldn’t exist without the clear need to do so from a community standpoint.
I know that many of you, like me, were attracted to Overwatch because of the world it promises: hopeful, optimistic, and inclusive. I would encourage anyone who may have disgruntled feelings about this topic to employ empathy, and understand that the best thing you can do to support equity in our space is to be enthusiastic fans and to take the competition in any future women or non-binary only events as seriously as you would other community tournaments, or even Contenders.
This is how we build towards a future where we see equitable representation at the highest levels of play.
#116 - March 1, 2022, 10:49 p.m.
We’re working on improving our anti-toxicity measures for the future. We’ll definitely update everyone when we have details ready to share.
#121 - March 1, 2022, 11:13 p.m.
I saw this study last year, and there’s a few aspects of it you’re neglecting to share here:
- This study covered all kinds of online interactions, including social media platforms
- The statistics that delve specifically into online games paint a starkly different picture
- This study does not account for the overwhelming number of women who choose to not communicate via in-game communication methods, which leads to a bit of confirmation bias
- The study also indicates that the reported instances of women being harassed online has more than doubled since 2017
I would strongly encourage anyone sharing polls and statistics to avoid cherry picking only the specific blurbs that defend your viewpoint. This topic is far more complex than a single statistic.
#125 - March 1, 2022, 11:20 p.m.
The team is very aware of the current conversation happening here on the forums. When we have more to share regarding those other matters you’re alluding to, we will.
Keep in mind that addressing the biggest concerns on the forums (namely OW2 WHEN, game updates WHEN?) require massive coordination, both in terms of development, publishing, and approvals all the way up the chain.
I know that it stinks to want more information, any information, and for us to not have anything to say in the moment. We want to share what we’re working on with you, and we want to do it in a way that’s respectful of the work the team is doing behind the scenes, and will leave all of you feeling informed, and brought along for the journey.
#129 - March 1, 2022, 11:26 p.m.
It’s can’t.
For Jodie or I to come to the forums and provide any additional insight that’s not been thoroughly vetted and approved by the teams would be disrespectful to the work of the hundreds of people behind our announcements
#138 - March 1, 2022, 11:40 p.m.
I get this, and usually go out of my way to avoid being tease-y or leading anyone on.
It’s perfectly understandable to be skeptical of us right now. Were I in your position, I’d be similarly guarded, and reserving judgement until you learn more. All I’ll say is we look forward to re-earning your trust.