The world of gaming is still a male-dominated industry, but things are starting to change. In 2020, 47% of all gamers and 48% of mobile gamers were women. We are starting to see initiatives, projects, and investments that signify a shift. One example came after #GamerGate, when Intel pledged $300 million for a program titled ‘Diversity in Technology.’ Online harassment, exemplified by GamerGate, led women to demand a more inclusive gaming culture, while also raising awareness about a problem repeatedly seen in the industry. Another example of progress is the Women in Games Ambassador program, a worldwide program that supports women and girls gain a greater understanding of the industry, with the goal of doubling the number of women in gaming. #RaisetheGame asks companies to create inclusive working environments. Globant’s own Emerald Team is another effort to accelerate the culture change for women gamers, centered on inclusiveness, diversity, and inspiration. 2021, the year the Globant Emerald Team came to be The Emerald Team is the esports division of Globant, a professional gaming team that encourages gaming talent to start a path towards an esports career. It includes professional coaches and players who competed in the online game, League of Legends (LoL), throughout 2021, in the latest season of the Liga de Videojuegos Profesional (LVP) in Argentina. Camila Paludi and Valentina Ortells, Emerald Team women Camila Paludi is 21 years old and was recruited for the Globant Emerald Team in 2020, leading her to become the first woman in Latin America to be an esports Mid Laner. Training 10 to 12 hours a day, her dream is to become a professional esports player. Valentina Ortells learned to play LoL by streaming. She is building her career as a professional esports player while also finishing her bachelor’s degree in law. Below, they share their experience, perspectives, and obstacles in becoming part of a male-dominated industry. Entering the world of gaming Camila: I turned down the opportunity to be on other teams because by being the only woman I felt there could be a lot of pressure and judgment. I felt more comfortable starting in Isurus, an all women’s league, which is where I was before Globant. Valentina: I started in female leagues to increase my level. The professional world is male-dominated in a way, but organizations like Globant acknowledge talent and provide a safe space for women to develop and grow, creating inclusion between men and women instead of division, so women can showcase their skills. Becoming part of a joint team Camila: The performance level is higher in a team with men because women’s talent is still underdeveloped, so you have to focus on yourself to keep up. When starting on the Emerald Team, I was very anxious, and had to nurture my mental, emotional, and physical health to be the best player I could be. Globant allowed me to have free access to mental health support. Valentina: Sometimes in the gaming world, you get harassed just because you are a woman. Fortunately, there has been a lot of progress during these past 2 years. Globant represents a safe haven where you can just focus on playing and receive full support […]
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