Gender Discrimination in Valorant: The Fight for Change

Gaming’s gender gap in one whisper.

Lynn Bui | Writer

Valorant is a first-person shooter video game created by Riot Games, attracting millions of players. The video game is known for its competitive gameplay and diverse characters. However, gender disparity remains a growing issue in the community. 

According to the International Journal of Novel Research and Development, a study on gender discrimination found that female players often face intolerance from male players, making it difficult for them to enjoy Valorant. As more women join the gaming community, the question remains: how can we address the ongoing gender-based hostility in games like Valorant?

“I’ve had teammates threaten me just because of my gender,” said Azelia Castillo, a Lehigh Carbon Community College (LCCC) alumni sharing her experiences with sexism in online games. 

In the 2020 team-based shooter Valorant game, players select from a roster of agents, each with unique abilities that can aid in combat, defense, or strategy. Matches consist of two teams of five players competing in rounds to complete objectives, such as planting or defusing a bomb (the Spike). While the game’s strategic depth attracts both casual and competitive players, gender-based harassment remains a major issue for female gamers.

Women gamers are speaking out against harassment by sharing their experiences on platforms like Twitter, TikTok, and Reddit. A research studying gender discrimination in online gaming by Michelle G. Ghazzawi highlights this growing advocacy. In Valorant, streamers like Pokimane and Kyedae have addressed gender based toxicity. Through surveys and campaigns, female players continue pushing for a more respectful gaming environment.

Despite the prevalence of gender-based toxicity, male players also experience discrimination. Both genders face challenges due to the malicious behavior of some players. 

“It’s a shame how common gender-based harassment is in male-dominated games,” said Julius Pyle, a student at LCCC. “When I’ve defended female players, the harassment often shifts to me, with people calling me names like ‘simp’ or ‘white knight.’” 

While change is happening, many believe more needs to be done to address the toxic environment for female gamers. They continue to push for greater respect, better representation, and a safer space in games like Valorant.