Alden Richards says sexism ‘unfair side of online gaming’

Alden Richards has shared his expertise on online gaming and addressed the prevalent sexism in the industry.

During the “Bawal Judgmental” segment on “Eat Bulaga” on Tuesday, Alden interviewed champion online gamers who joined the show as contestants.

One of the contestants, Chantelle, shared that despite winning professional Mobile Legends tournaments, she took home prizes that had lower value compared to her male counterparts.

As male players bagged up to Php1 million in cash prizes, female gamers like her won only free shirts, credits for in-game purchases, or Php1,000.

Chantelle said she eventually decided to become a shoutcaster, or someone who acts as a host or commentator during games.

Host Vic Sotto then asked Alden: “Bakit naman ganoon, parang iba pagtingin sa lalake at sa babae, ’di ba dapat pareho lang?”

Alden, who’s also known for his gaming skill, said: “’Yun nga po ’yung medyo unfair side ng online gaming. Minsan mas maganda na hindi mo talaga nakikita yung mga kalaro mo, mga heroes lang na ginagamit nila, kasi parang, ganoon pa rin po, may hierarchy pa rin siya eh.”

The actor, however, also said that people’s perceptions on female gamers had been changing.

“Pero sa panahon po ngayon bossing, marami na pong mahuhusay na babaeng online gamers, so dapat ’yung binibigay na respeto ng mga players sa mga lalakeng gamers versus mga babaeng gamers, pantay lang po. Kasi ’yung skills po, halos pantay na. Marami na pong mahuhusay na babaeng gamers diyan,” he said.

Alden trended Tuesday afternoon as netizens commended his expertise on the topic and how he raised the issue of sexism in local esports.

Because of Alden’s knowledge on the subject matter, Vic said he should try out pro gaming.

“Paano na ang pag-aartista bossing?” the actor replied.

“Iwanan mo!” host Wally Bayola joked.

“Pwede pagsabayin ’yan,” Vic pointed out. 

Alden then asked Chantelle if she had experienced online harassment or trash talk.

The gamer answered yes, saying people told her things such as, “ano ba ito nakakairita itong nagsasalita na ito,” among other negative comments. 

“All along ginagawa ko ’yung best ko lagi pero parang kulang pa rin,” she said.

On the verge of tears, Chantelle also said that the comments sometimes bordered on sexual.

“I give you the respect, sana kami din na mga gamer o kahit caster, same ’yung tingin,” Chantelle told the viewers.

“Hindi deserve ng pamilya ko ’yung comments na binibigay,” she added.

She advised fellow gamers to be careful with their words and think of their female relatives.

“Hindi lahat ng bagay na kaya natin sabihin pwede natin sabihin kasi gusto natin,” she said. – RC, GMA News