The Rainbow Six Siege community was shocked as Ubisoft announced plans to host the second major of 2022 in the United Arab Emirates. This announcement didn’t come in the Year 7 roadmap reveal as viewers only knew it will take place in Europe or the Middle East.
However, Ubisoft’s official blog post confirmed that the Stage 2 Major will take place in August 2022 in UAE. The UAE is one of the countries known for violations of human rights with little tolerance for the LGBT community.
Rainbow Six first gay Operator, Flores came into the game last year. Moreover, Six Siege is also for having a diverse and talented broadcast team. If the major is held in UAE, some members of the R6 broadcast may likely be unable to participate. In response to the news, Trans commentator, Emi “Fluke” Donaldson, posted a meme.
— Emi | Fluke (@CaptainFluke) February 20, 2022
Reactions from R6 Community to Siege Major in UAE
After the announcement, many fans took to Twitter to express their disappointment in Ubisoft’s decision. R6 commentator, Emilio “Geometrics” Leynez expressed her worry for her colleagues.
So what happens to all of our LGBT talent (and players)? Do we leave them at home? Take the risk? Ask Fluke to present as male and Jess to delete photos of she and her girlfriend?
I'd love to hear an elaboration about this because currently this seems extremely concerning. https://t.co/KorDrL1q4a
— Geo (@geometric) February 20, 2022
“So what happens to all of our LGBT talent (and players)?” Geometrics said. “Do we leave them at home? Take the risk? Ask Fluke to present as male and Jess to delete photos of she and her girlfriend? I’d love to hear an elaboration about this because currently this seems extremely concerning.”
Whoever made this decision to hold an event in a country where some of the characters in their own game, let alone their talent, would be executed in for existing, should be fired.
I’m hard to dissappoint, but you’ve fucking managed it 10x over, you moneyhungry tonedeaf swine. https://t.co/VrJLigjxc0
— BikiniBodhi 🇸🇪❤️🇺🇦 (@BikiniBodhi) February 20, 2022
“Whoever made this decision to hold an event in a country where some of the characters in their own game, let alone their talent, would be executed in for existing, should be fired,” content creator Tobias “BikiniBodhi” André said. “I’m hard to disappoint, but you’ve fucking managed it 10x over, you money-hungry, tone-deaf swine.”
Mental that Ubisoft clearly know just how diverse the siege community is from casters to just people who play the game. To then shut it all down by hosting a UAE Major.
No respect for their player base and it’s clear all they want is some princes dough in their pockets.
Vile
— Froosh (@FrooshTV) February 20, 2022
“Mental that Ubisoft clearly know just how diverse the siege community is from casters to just people who play the game. To then shut it all down by hosting a UAE Major.” @FrooshTV, a fan, said. “No respect for their player base and it’s clear all they want is some princes dough in their pockets.”
I was always so proud of Siege being the game with some of the best representation but this decision by @Ubisoft exec's to host a Siege Major in the UAE where their own employees, their own in-game operators, and their own fans would be arrested and punished with DEATH is insane. https://t.co/zPCKvXHMsC
— SexualRhinoceros (@SexualRhino_) February 20, 2022
“I was always so proud of Siege being the game with some of the best representation, but this decision by Ubisoft exec’s to host a Siege Major in the UAE where their own employees, their own in-game operators, and their own fans would be arrested and punished with DEATH is insane,” Another fan, @SexualRhino_ said.
There is also a petition currently ongoing to stop the UAE Six Siege Major. However, it remains to be seen whether the community’s protest will lead Ubisoft to backtrack on its UAE plans.
Published: Feb 20, 2022 03:40 pm