First Female Overwatch Contender Player Quits Following Online Harassment

UPDATE January 5 1:22pm: New information has come forth that the player named Ellie was involved in an alleged “Social Experiment” meant to somehow be a commentary on toxicity in gaming, you can read on it fully, here.

As reported by PC Gamer, the first woman to be signed by an Overwatch Contenders team has quit following harassment she received and threats of doxxing fueled by doubts she was a woman or good at the game.

Unfortunately, due to some unforeseen reactions, Ellie has opted to step down from the team. We hope you continue to support her in her ventures in Overwatch as we will

— Second Wind (@SecondWindGG) January 2, 2019

An Overwatch DPS player, Ellie was signed by Overwatch Contender team Second Wind in December. After the announcement of her joining the team, there were amass amount of interest in if she was an actual woman or if she was skilled at the game and not just a friend of the team.

The harassment and criticism continued with threats being made to doxx her identity. Second Wind would eventually announce her resignation early today.

(1/2) When we brought her onto the team, people acted like we had brought on a symbol of empowerment. I get that people meant well, but on one side, we had people questioning her legitimacy, issuing threats, etc. while on the other hand, we had people acting like they had found

— Justin Hughes (@SwerteSiJustin) January 2, 2019

(2/2) their Messiah. Between needing a player to live up to huge expectations and having to question their own safety, it seems that the OW community isn't ready to just view a player as just a player. We wanted a player, but it seemed like the public wanted something else.

— Justin Hughes (@SwerteSiJustin) January 2, 2019

Despite what some say, gaming spaces can still be both a dangerous and scary place for female gamers. Esports remain one of the most difficult spaces to enter for female gamers, and it is a shame that a player with the talent to be recruited by team, found herself under this treatment.

(Source – PC Gamer)

(Updated January 5 1:22pm)

To keep up with the latest in news and convention coverage like this and so much more, you can follow us on Twitter and Instagram. You can also like us on Facebook!