As the mobile game development industry continues to grow and evolve, it's essential to recognize the challenges faced by women in this field. In an effort to shed light on these obstacles and promote positive change, we're excited to share this interview with Maya "Caltys" Henckel, a professional League of Legends player for G2 Esports.
Despite the prevalence of sexism in esports, Caltys remains committed to her craft, dominating as AD Carry G2 Hel's franchise player. Her impressive career spans over three years, with a notable win at the inaugural League Game Changers tournament. At just 23 years old, Henckel is a veteran of the professional League of Legends scene in Europe.
When asked about her early days in gaming, Caltys reminisces about starting to play League of Legends at age 12. "I had been playing League for about two years when I had the thought of [going professional]," she recalls. Her passion and dedication eventually led her to compete professionally, with a first women's team experience at Excel Ladies.
As we delve deeper into Caltys' career, it becomes clear that she has faced numerous challenges. "I was definitely too young to be on the internet," she admits. "Looking back on it, I don't think the online gaming community is a good place for a 13-year-old girl, and I definitely just faced hate in general sometimes… in Discord communities when that started getting popular, or just on social media." Despite these obstacles, Caltys has persevered, competing across both women's and mixed scenes.
The lack of representation and opportunities for women in esports is another significant issue. "You need a lot of contacts," she explains. "I have a lot of reach; everyone sees my looking-for-team posts. At the same time, I am reaching out to a lot of teams… and you're only getting a handful of tryouts or less." Caltys' experiences echo those of many women in the mobile game development industry, highlighting the need for greater support and resources.
The "hidden" sexism in esports has also been a major talking point recently. When asked about her thoughts on the subject, Caltys shares her disappointment with League of Legends professional Gabriël Rau's comments about menstruating players. "At first, I was confused. I thought it was satire," she says. "When I realised he was being serious, I was very disappointed."
Through her own experiences and those of her peers, Caltys emphasizes the importance of creating a more inclusive environment in mobile game development. By sharing her story and promoting positive change, she hopes to encourage more young women to pursue careers in this field.
As we continue to push for greater diversity and representation in the mobile game development industry, it's essential to recognize the challenges faced by women like Caltys. Her dedication, passion, and perseverance serve as a beacon of hope for those seeking to make a mark in this exciting and ever-evolving space.