This is Not Overwatch Best Friends League
By Matt Buchholtz ·
Trash-talking has taken center stage in the Overwatch League, but where is the line between competitive banter and bullying?
There’s a fine line between competitive fun and being toxic, and some fans believe the recent trend of trash talking in the Overwatch League is encouraging fans to go too far.
This year, the Overwatch League has seemed to officially embrace trash talking. From Dogman’s “Feeder” callouts to Bumper’s post-game shade, these antics have been highlighted if not celebrated by the League and given screen time, and it’s not hard to see why. Actions such as these can help elevate the personality of a team—for instance, Vancouver Titan’s heel-like approach to Season 2—and help encourage fans to engage, supporting or defending their team. Segments have even been devoted to banter on pre-post game shows, highlighting some of the most devastating comments.
Yet, as can often happen, sometimes things can go too far and create a sense that one team is bullying the other. During the Battle for Los Angeles last week, the Gladiators attempted to start some banter with the Los Angeles Valiant. What could have laid the opportunity for a fun back and forth on social media quickly became a murder scene. Where the Valiant could have played with the fact that they had nothing to lose, they instead issued a tweet that made viewers feel like the Gladiators were kicking someone when they were down.
If you think this was really necessary then go off. pic.twitter.com/TqZALdnBkZ
— Los Angeles Valiant (@LAValiant) April 9, 2019
Where some are beginning to get concerned is on trash-talking’s greater effect. The Los Angeles Gladiators and LA Valiant are both brands, but there are people both playing and rooting for the teams. The thin line of competitively fun trash talk can be hard to navigate, and how actions are celebrated by the League will influence how viewers feel they should act in similar situations.
Some fans have taken it upon themselves to lead the charge into sportsmanship, acknowledging that there is a great value to competition and rivalry, but that respect is paramount.
Casual reminder that in this house we love and respect our Valla friends
— Maddie (@ZeldaErt) April 17, 2019
Banter is one of the most fun aspects of any sport, and it's best when it's organic, from the players+fans, before/during the game. The game is now over.
We're on to Florida and Chengdu— let's act like it. pic.twitter.com/FSqAMkMFxL
Teams are also getting on the positive messaging bus; especially first-year Chinese teams, Chengdu Hunters and Hangzhou Spark. Using creative illustrations and animations, they have been able to both build excitement for upcoming matches and deliver quality social media content.
Our games are this weekend, try not to miss us too much until then! ? Gives us some time to enjoy some poultry-free dinner together, first.
— Chengdu Hunters (@ChengduHunters) April 4, 2019
?4/6 - vs. @WashJustice?? ?
?4/7 - vs. @ParisEternal? ?
5:15PM PDT / 8:15PM EDT#OWL2019 #LetsGoHunt pic.twitter.com/2jV0pLeL8q
Competition between Master Chefs has begun! The day should belongs to Zhejiang Cuisine rather than Canton Cuisine! ┗|｀O′|┛ @GZCharge #bang #feelthecharge #owl2019 pic.twitter.com/ZLA1VmpfNT
— Hangzhou Spark (@Hangzhou_Spark) April 19, 2019
Where do you think the line lays? What delineates fun trash talking from something more mean-spirited? Let us know in the comments below!
(Feature photo credit Robert Paul for Blizzard Entertainment)