The DeanBeat: EA’s esports tragedy, Riot’s sexism, and Cyberpunk 2077’s awesomeness

Violence came home to the video game community this week with the shootings at a Madden esports competition in Jacksonville, Florida. A mentally disturbed Madden player went to the Madden NFL Championship Series with a gun. He killed two competitors — Taylor Robertson and Elijah Clayton — injured a dozen, and then turned the gun on himself.

The blame started immediately, with some saying EA and the NFL’s event security was lacking. On Fox News, a host blamed video game culture for the violence. EA expressed its sympathies for victims of the “horrible situation.” EA CEO Andrew Wilson flew to the Madden studio in Florida and canceled further qualifying for the Madden esports tournament. EA will review safety protocols for competitors and spectators. On Thursday, EA said it would set up a $1 million fund to support the victims of the shooting and set up a way for others to contribute as well. It also held a livestream tribute for the victims, “uniting in play.”