In the pursuit of greater equality and inclusivity in the world of esports, the Danish organization Astralis has firmly endorsed an open letter published by its female Counter-Strike (CS) team. In it, the players called on Valve developers to include default female character skins in the game alongside the 29 male skins currently available. This move showcased Astralis’s commitment to principles of equality both within the gaming space and beyond.
Initiating Inclusivity Movement in CS
The original open letter, signed by all five members of Astralis’s female CS team, called on Valve, the publisher of the iconic game, to include a standard female character skin. Skins in CS2 are cosmetic elements that change the appearance of a player but do not affect gameplay. While male skins are available for free, acquiring female skins requires real money purchases. This letter marked the first step in a campaign for equal representation in the game for all players.
Public Support and Divided Reactions
A week after the open letter, Astralis openly expressed solidarity with its players. The organization posted a blog titled “Equality Beyond and on the Server,” detailing full support from Astralis and its sponsors, as well as commenting on the community’s reaction. The letter sparked numerous debates among CS fans, many of whom opposed it, considering the proposal an unnecessary change. The organization harshly criticized such reactions, stating: “We will never accept such a response to something that means a lot to some and does not harm others.”
Unanimous Support From Various Sides
As a sign of solidarity, Astralis sponsor Netcompany purchased CS2 female skins to distribute to fans who supported the demands. Supplies quickly ran out due to high demand, indicating a significant portion of the community supporting inclusive changes.
While negative voices were loud, the movement also received support from influential figures in the esports scene. Anders Blume, a popular CS2 commentator, publicly spoke in favor of the proposal: “I don’t know if adding free female agents will attract more female players, but I don’t see any downsides to it. Allowing more people to see their reflection in purely cosmetic aspects of the game is fine.”
Strengthening Positions and Plans
While debates in the CS2 community regarding female skins gradually subsided, Valve has not yet announced any plans to add them. Meanwhile, Astralis continues to strengthen its position as an organization advocating for diversity and inclusivity in esports. Recently, the company established a new department, “Communications and Community,” under the leadership of Communications Director Stin Laursen. The department aims to enhance Astralis’s presence in the digital environment, improve PR and media content, and establish closer ties with the fan base.
According to Laursen, Astralis aims to expand and deepen its digital presence through projects such as Astralis Watch – the organization’s own broadcasting platform. Additionally, there are plans for “expanded or new presence on existing external media platforms or new media focused directly on fans.” This move demonstrates Astralis’s commitment to principles of openness, community engagement, and building an inclusive environment for all esports enthusiasts.
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