@incollection{Friman2022,

title = {Gender and Toxic Meritocracy in Competitive Overwatch: Case “Ellie”},

author = {Usva Friman and Maria Ruotsalainen},

editor = {Maria Ruotsalainen and Maria Törhönen and Veli-Matti Karhulahti},

url = {https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-030-82767-0},

doi = {https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-82767-0_8},

isbn = {978-3-030-82766-3},

year  = {2022},

date = {2022-03-10},

booktitle = {Modes of Esports Engagement in Overwatch},

pages = {135-154},

publisher = {Palgrave Macmillan},

abstract = {This chapter examines toxic meritocracy in relation to gender in competitive Overwatch, asking how gender affects a player’s opportunities for engagement in that scene. It analyzes online news stories and community discussions concerning “Ellie” – a fabricated competitive woman gamer created as a “social experiment” by a man player. The confluences between gender and toxic meritocracy become visible in the assumption there must be an experienced man gamer behind the battletag, the gender-based harassment targeted at Ellie, and the reflections on the importance of setting an example as the first team taking a woman player for Contenders. The analysis shows that despite a strong belief in meritocracy upheld within the community, there are many barriers limiting the participation of those entering competitive Overwatch as women.},

keywords = {Community, Competitive gaming, Gender, Overwatch, Toxic meritocracy, Women},

pubstate = {published},

tppubtype = {incollection}

}