British Esports says it wants “to represent all identities and backgrounds” following controversy over Saudi Esports partnership
British Esports, a not-for-profit national body which promotes esports in the United Kingdom, has released a new statement addressing “questions and concerns” raised over its partnership with the Saudi Esports Federation, which was announced earlier this week.
On Monday (October 9), British Esports said that it was “thrilled to announce our historic partnership agreement with the Saudi Esports Federation” — a partnership which it stated, “underscores the commitment of both federations to fostering international cooperation and growth within the esports industry and heralds an exciting era of opportunity, investment and development”.
However, as Eurogamer reports, people were quick to share their concerns online, namely in regard to the partnership’s implications for women and the LGBTQ+ community. In Saudi Arabia, same-sex sexual activity remains illegal to this day.
“You have an award-winning initiative for inclusivity in gaming — [Women in Esports], made a point in July that Pride 'isn't just for a month' or a 'marketing ploy', and in one 'historic' partnership it’s been shoved back in their faces of the communities you claim to support?” one Twitter user questioned when the partnership was announced.
“I thought true inclusivity went far beyond surface-level representation and involved creating spaces where LGBTQ+ voices are valued, heard, and empowered every day of the year[,] but I guess October 9 is Pride cheat day,” another commented.
In its latest statement on Twitter, British Esports clarified that it has not “received any monetary contributions of any kind” from the partnership, as it “is not a commercial agreement or sponsorship”. Furthermore, it stated that “inclusivity is fundamental for the growth of esports
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