Guild Esports PLC (LSE:GILD, OTCQB:GULDF) said it has launched a campaign with Sky UK to raise awareness of gender-based verbal harassment faced by female gamers.
Sky, the lifestyle brand's official premier partner, has provided funding to support the campaign that will run across Twitter and TikTok, as well as other social media platforms.
According to a statement, funding will also be provided to procure influencer talent and is additional to Sky’s existing contractual commitments.
Influencers, including Elz the Witch, will begin releasing content across their social media channels today to raise awareness.
A survey conducted by Guild, which is co-owned by David Beckham, and Sky of more than 4,000 gamers uncovered the volume of abuse women face as well as the mental health impacts.
Findings showed nearly half (49%) of female gamers face abuse, rising to two-thirds for women aged between 18-24.
Of those surveyed, 35% said they had received violent messages, and 80% of those are often sexual in nature.
More than a quarter (27%) feared being attacked in real life, and a quarter said the abuse led to depression, with one in ten becoming suicidal.
“We hope that by raising awareness of the abuse affecting female gamers through our #NoRoomForAbuse campaign, alongside a collective effort of support and education, we can make real progress in creating a better gaming experience for all,” said Guild’s CEO Jasmine Skee.