EFFECT Retires from Overwatch League in an Emotional Facebook Farewell

Just one stage after returning to the Overwatch League, Dallas Fuel DPS player, Hyeon "EFFECT" Hwang has announced his retirement from the League due to mental health. Warning: the following article contains mentions of both self-harm and suicidal thoughts.

The decision was announced on EFFECT’s personal Facebook page early Saturday morning and has been translated from Korean by Twitter user Swingchip930. Heartfelt and honest, the post reveals just how far the DPS player’s depression had progressed.

“I don't want to foolishly act upon it and commit something like suicide. But no matter how I think about it, I think I need healing. I think I need to consult with doctors,” EFFECT said. “I feel like if I can't stop this, my emotions will become like that of a landslide, and bury me and swallow me up.”

In their post, EFFECT opened up about a life-long battle with depression, recalling a time from their early teenage years where they attended a film with their family. “When my family exited the theater amazed at the CG, I was thinking about suicide.”

Video games soon became their escape from such feelings. The amount of attention and focus required took away the opportunity for negative thoughts to creep in, along with giving EFFECT a platform to shine from. It was no surprise when their amazing DPS skills landed them on the star-studded Dallas Fuel.

However, it wasn’t long before the pressures of the League became too much for EFFECT, forcing them to take several leaves of absence during the inaugural season to travel back to Korea in an attempt to recoup. It was during these times that EFFECT began to identify his depression.

“I couldn't even feel the allure of becoming a star anymore,” said EFFECT. “When I thought to myself, ‘The depression inside of me has become this big,’ I felt afraid. Because I felt like if I continued on like this, I might eventually kill myself in a heated moment.”

After announcing his retirement, EFFECT stated they hope to return to making YouTube videos and streaming, activities where they had found joy in the past. Their retirement marks the second in the past two weeks, with Atlanta Reign’s Daniel “Dafran” Francesca stepping down from the League just before Stage Two.

While EFFECT’s top-tier Tracer plays will be missed on the Overwatch League stage, it should be mentioned that this sort of honesty is nothing short of heroic. Not an easy decision to make, EFFECT’s bravery to share their challenges throughout the years will resonate with many fighting their own battles.

If you find yourself experiencing thoughts of self-harm, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 at 1-800-273-8255.

(Featured Photo Credit: Robert Paul via Blizzard Entertainment)