The situation was further exacerbated by political exploitation from far-right French politicians, notably Marion Maréchal, who attempted to use the story to push an "anti-woke" agenda.
Setting a troubling precedent, this situation weakens the women's and marginalized genders scene, underscoring the urgent need for an officially sanctioned Game Changers circuit. As reported in January, Riot Games is preparing to launch its League of Legends efforts this year, though uncertainty still surrounds the competition. Sources now anticipate potential delays, a concern that GameWard itself acknowledged and cited as further justification for its decision, with indications that the first year of League of Legends Game Changers may operate on a lower budget than initially agreed upon. With financial instability, teams like BDS Valkyries and MAD Lions KOI pulled back their efforts last year, and GameWard's situation further hinders the growth of the scene, highlighting its extreme vulnerability.
Beyond the economic impact, this move sends a significant blow to the promotion of inclusivity and the acceptance of transgender women in esports. While the majority of those within the scene continue to support transgender women, incidents like this illustrate how fragile their place in esports can be when decisions are driven by external pressures. Investors and sponsors hold substantial influence over the existence of these teams, and their actions—like GameWard's disbandment—serve as a reminder that the livelihoods of transgender players are at risk.
Connected to this news, sources have indicated that Riot Games will prevent non-binary players from competing in the upcoming League of Legends Game Changers circuit, a policy already in place in Webedia's Coupe des Étoiles, despite them having been included in the Equal Esports Cup for the past few years. Furthermore, past whistleblowers have pointed to high-profile organizations and titleholders rejecting transgender women during tryouts. Without continued support for transgender women, there’s a real risk of the scene regressing, further marginalizing these players. What starts with the exclusion of non-binary individuals today could set a precedent that leaves transgender women vulnerable to similar treatment in the future.