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Riot Games under criticism for partnership with Saudi-backed Esports World Cup
Riot Games has now come under fire within the last 24 hours after news of their partnership with the upcoming Esports World Cup has come into public eye. Yesterday, it was reported that Riot Games’ popular MOBA IP League of Legends was announced as the first title for the Esports World Cup. Set to run in July 2024, it is organized and funded by the Saudi Arabian government, fuelling controversy as the Saudi government continues to increase the investment and influence into the esports scene.
The Esports World Cup
Announced as the successor to the Gamers8 event, the Esports World Cup was officially unveiled in October 2023. According to reports, several game developers and tournament organizers have already created partnerships with Saudi Arabia. Therefore, Riot Games’ decision to join appears to align with the emerging industry standard. However, for Saudi Arabia, this Esports World Cup simply functions as part of a larger plan to further integrate themselves into the global esports scene.
Moreover, last night Strafe Esports reported on Riot Games reaching an agreement with the organizers of the Esports World Cup. Making League of Legends the first esports title to be confirmed as a game for the Saudi-backed tournament. Furthermore, reports by Jacob Wolf also indicated that Riot has shown interest in further collaborations with third-party tournament organizers like the ones for the Esports World Cup, with intentions of integrating within the pre-existing tournament circuit for League of Legends. The reason for this is that they acknowledge a growing demand for more international tournaments and believe this is a way to deliver it.
Community Backlash
Upon hearing the news of Riot Games’ involvement with the Esports World Cup, many in the League of Legends community were quick to take to social media. They underscored their discontent and disapproval of Riot for reportedly partnering with the event. Due to the Saudi government being the primary funding source behind the event, many have connected associations with any Saudi-led project with the human rights violations that the government has allegedly carried out. The general sentiment from the community was a call to Riot for a swift and immediate cancellation of the reported deal.
Furthermore, this deal Riot has reached with the Saudi-backed event organizers, feels similar to many loud critics. In 2020, the LEC had reached a deal with NEOM. The controversial city-building project in Saudi Arabia was set to be the primary sponsor for the League of Legends European Championship. However, due to heavy outcry and criticisms from the community, Riot pulled out of the partnership deal shortly after.
Sportswashing
The term ‘sportswashing’ has been gaining swift traction in recent times. With a poor record for human rights and a myriad of controversies and allegations levelled against the government, many in the esports industry (most of them relegated to the fanbase section) have strongly opposed the inclusion of Saudi Arabia or any Saudi-related businesses into the scene. For a company such as Riot Games - who prides themselves on inclusivity in content and users, who has even hosted one of the most successful competitive leagues for oppressed and underrepresented individuals - the Game Changers League - this feels almost like a slap of betrayal. However, Riot has had a long history, much like many of the largest game publishers, of making controversial moves with questionable entities. Thus, efforts from Riot to appease the community come off more as pandering in opportune moments rather than genuine reflections of a desire to foster better communities.
No Right Answer: A Clash of Continuing Legacy and Ethics
As the ‘esports winter’ continues to plague the entire industry, Saudi Arabia has consistently remained the only major player still investing large sums into the industry. This has left many at an ethical crossroad between the future of the scene or the importance of ethics and integrity.
Despite having existed for decades, the esports industry continues to remain a fairly niche industry. As a result, the search for investors, global partnerships, and funding, continues to be of paramount importance for not just the survival but the growth of the industry.
During a time when so many organizations are pulling out operations, the fanbase demand for larger and larger venues, the players need for sustainable and liveable salaries, and organizations desire to not become loss leaders, the arrival of the Saudi Arabian cash flow seems almost providential. Almost.
Saudi Arabia’s reputation thus flies in contrast to many esports purists, who are increasingly alarmed at the concessions that esports industry entities are making in an effort to remain within the space and still remain profitable. Driven by long-term sustainability concerns, the motives are understandable. However, it does bring into question the shortening timeline before Saudi influence grows into a notable portion of the esports industry.
Credit: Lol Esports // Riot Games
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