New Study Reveals Alarming Rates of Sexual Harassment in Valorant and Overwatch

A recent paper from Offenburg University in Germany has revealed concerning statistics about sexual harassment in the popular online multiplayer shooters Valorant and Overwatch.

The study shows that despite efforts from developers Riot Games and Blizzard Entertainment to create inclusive gaming environments, sexual harassment, and abusive comments continue to plague these communities.

The Research at a Glance

Titled “Sexual Harassment in Valorant and Overwatch Voice Chats”, the study involved two separate experiments tracking the in-game experiences of female players. According to a report from Polygon, the findings are disturbing but not surprising to many who are familiar with online multiplayer culture.

In the first part of the study, researchers followed two female players who recorded their voice chat experiences from home.

• Subject P1 played Overwatch at Platinum rank (top ~37%).

• Subject P2 played Valorant at Silver 3 (top ~33%).

In the second, larger phase, four players participated in 30 matches each, covering a total of 120 games. Researchers documented:

• 82 instances of sexual harassment

• 14.17% of matches included sexual comments or insults — nearly 1 in 7 games

• 80.8% of matches contained profanity

• 25.8% included some form of verbal abuse

A Broader Toxicity Problem

While sexual harassment made up a smaller slice of the overall abuse, the frequency and consistency of harassment remain troubling. The study emphasizes that women continue to face hostile environments in gaming spaces that are meant to be fun and competitive.

This is especially jarring given that both Valorant and Overwatch are marketed as accessible, diverse-friendly shooters, complete with inclusive character rosters and lore that celebrate LGBTQ+ representation — including heroes like Killjoy and Lifeweaver.

Despite this progressive intent, developers have struggled to meaningfully reduce harassment in their communities. The study’s authors point out that current moderation tools — such as muting, reporting, and chat filters — are often blunt instruments that don’t address the nuance or persistence of abusive behavior.

A Call for Deeper Solutions

The research calls for more comprehensive studies across a wider range of games, emphasizing that solutions must go beyond surface-level bans or keyword filters. It also raises larger questions about whether developers and esports leagues are doing enough to protect players, particularly younger gamers and marginalized groups.

Even communities known for creativity and positivity — such as Overwatch’s fanbase of cosplayers, artists, and lore enthusiasts — aren’t immune to toxic encounters in voice chat.

This latest study adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that while the gaming industry has made public commitments to diversity and inclusion, the in-game reality often tells a different story. Harassment remains a major roadblock to achieving truly inclusive, welcoming spaces in both casual multiplayer and professional esports environments.