Esports has always presented a dream to the world: anyone can become a champion if they possess the skills. Regardless of a player's origin, language, or skin color, the stage is set for competition. However, once the lights dim and discussions transition to social media, this dream often turns into a harsh reality.
Today, esports has evolved into one of the most global entertainment industries. Teams from Southeast Asia can challenge Chinese giants, European organizations can recruit Korean talents, and Latin American players can compete fiercely on the world stage. Unfortunately, the rapid globalization of esports has also brought along a dark side, including excessive nationalism, xenophobia, and racism that continue to plague the competitive community.
Recurring Issues of Racism
This issue is not new; it is a recurring wound that manifests in various forms. One of the most notorious incidents occurred in 2018 within the Dota 2 community. Filipino professional players Andrei "Skem" Ong from compLexity Gaming and Carlo "Kuku" Palad from TNC Predator used the racial slur "ching chong" in a public match targeting Chinese players. This incident ignited a massive backlash from the Chinese community, flooding the Steam page of Dota 2 with negative reviews.
Valve released an official statement condemning discriminatory behavior, emphasizing that it has no place in Dota 2 and that professional organizations must take appropriate disciplinary actions against their players. Kuku's situation escalated into an international controversy when he was unable to participate in the Chongqing Major due to concerns over safety and entry into China. This incident serves as a stark reminder of how discrimination can emerge from any community when competitive rivalry turns into personal hatred.
Racial Stereotypes in Different Games
Racial discrimination and stereotypes have also affected other games such as League of Legends. This issue stems from cultural misunderstandings regarding nicknames or memes circulating within communities. Years ago, the Chinese League of Legends community referred to the champion Lucian as "Obama" solely based on the character's skin color. While some players viewed this nickname as a harmless visual joke, it drew significant criticism from the international community for being reductive and offensive.
The developments in Honor of Kings also reflect similar challenges. As competition escalates, friction among supporters from various countries becomes inevitable. In international tournaments, especially when teams outside the KPL begin to defeat Chinese representatives, derogatory comments emerge on social media based on players' national origins. For instance, Bigetron Esports player BTR Bal faced nationalistic backlash after competing against KPL teams. This emphasizes that as the Honor of Kings ecosystem expands globally, the challenges of maintaining sportsmanship outside the matches also grow.
The Role of Community in Shaping Esports Culture
It’s vital to recognize that negative comments typically stem from a minority of internet users and do not represent the entire community's view. Players from China also face racism from the international community, indicating that the issue transcends national borders and is rooted in a toxic culture that exploits internet anonymity to attack opponents' identities.
Rivalries and competition are essential elements that make both traditional sports and esports exciting. Football has El Clásico, Formula 1 has manufacturer rivalries, and esports showcases fierce battles between regions like KPL vs. global teams in League of Legends or Southeast Asia vs. China in Dota 2. However, problems arise when these rivalries shift from strategic and skill-based contests to personal attacks against someone's identity.
Moving Towards a Positive Change
As esports ecosystems grow, so does the potential for conflicts at the fan level. Social media and algorithms often amplify provocative content that triggers emotional responses rather than fostering healthy discussions. Over the years, game publishers and tournament organizers have worked to implement stricter codes of conduct and penalties for players who engage in discrimination. However, enforcing rules alone is insufficient without cultural improvements within the community itself.
The audience has a significant role in shaping the future of esports culture. Supporting one's favorite team does not have to involve belittling other countries, and criticizing a player's poor performance should never justify attacking their race or background. Esports originated from the idea that anyone can compete on the same stage under equal rules. If victories depend on mechanical skill and strategy, losses should be accepted with sportsmanship. Ultimately, the future of this industry will not be determined by the loudest cheers from the audience, but by how mature the community is in respecting opponents as fellow human beings.
Source: https://www.esports.id/read/rasisme-dalam-esports-ancaman-yang-terus-menghantui-kompetisi-global-19190
