ESL and Intel launch eSports diversity initiative
“The need for an organisation such as AnyKey is clear"
Intel and ESL have joined forces to create the AnyKey group which will focus on the issues surrounding diversity in the eSports scene.
The initiative describes its mission on its official site:
"To help create fair and inclusive spaces in esports for women and underrepresented gamers. Provide competitive gamers with resources, support, and opportunities. Highlight positive role-models. Create knowledge and tools to help create more diverse communities and supportive networks."
The scheme's first project was actually a workshop and panel organized for the first TwitchCon in September 2015.
"The need for an organisation such as AnyKey is clear, and with the help of Intel we have been able to make it a reality," said Jesse Sell, the senior manager of Pro Gaming, Business and Strategy at ESL.
"AnyKey initiatives are well under way and with those that will debut at Intel Extreme Masters Katowice and beyond, we hope to be an advocate for positive change. We're looking to broach a subject that most shy away from - it's a daunting road that lies ahead but we have a fantastic team on board and we're confident we can make a difference."
Its a positive step forward for Intel which attracted criticism for removing adds from Gamasutra in reponse to pressure from the hate group Gamergate.
"Intel has pulled its advertising from website Gamasutra," Intel spokesperson Bill Calder confirmed back in October 2014.
"We take feedback from our customers very seriously especially as it relates to contextually relevant content and placements."
It later apologised for the decision, adding that diversity was important to it as a company.