By Olivia Johnson ‘24
Released in 2020, Valorant is a first-person shooter game (fps) which showcases commendable gameplay mechanics, but its appeal is undercut by the toxic players within its gaming community. Despite its visually appealing aesthetics and engagingly designed maps, the persistent toxicity, particularly evident in harassment towards female players by younger counterparts, casts a shadow over the overall gaming experience.
With a target demographic of teens and young adults, Valorant successfully captures attention with its vibrant color palette and well-crafted maps. However, the influx of unsupervised younger players, referred to as “iPad kids,” presents a substantial challenge, necessitating more severe measures beyond the options to mute and report the disruptive behavior.
The game’s central objective revolves around planting or diffusing a bomb, known as the spike, in designated sites. You are introduced to a diverse selection of 19 agents, each endowed with unique abilities to use in game. The fast-paced, skill-demanding gameplay against the unexpected influx of less-experienced players raises questions regarding the intended target audience of the game.
Navigating the predominantly male-dominated FPS landscape as a female player proves to be a challenging endeavor, marked by gender-based harassment. Beyond the anticipated frustrations tied to silent teammates who hinder your chances to win due to no communication, and unexpected headshots from across the map, the persistent offensive commentary from younger players adds an unfortunate layer of complexity to the gaming experience.
While Valorant offers an engaging gaming experience, the prevalent toxicity within its community necessitates urgent attention from its creator, Riot Games. Addressing and rectifying these issues is imperative to maintain a balance between the game’s commendable mechanics and the awful dynamics unfolding within its player base. Achieving this should be the main objective for the long-standing success of Valorant.