Analyzing Ubisoft’s controversial UAE Major decision and its impact on Rainbow Six Siege esports inclusivity
The Announcement That Sparked Immediate Controversy
Ubisoft’s decision to host the Rainbow Six Siege Stage 2 Major in the United Arab Emirates triggered immediate and widespread criticism from the game’s dedicated community. The announcement came during a period of high anticipation for Year 7 of the tactical shooter’s competitive circuit.
Ubisoft confirmed that Rainbow Six Siege’s second Major tournament would take place in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) during August 2022, a decision that generated significant backlash from players and fans concerned about inclusivity.
The announcement arrived shortly after TSM’s victory at the Six Invitational 2022, creating an awkward transition from celebration to controversy within the competitive scene.
Ubisoft’s esports roadmap for the year included Majors across three regions: the United States, United Arab Emirates, and an Asian location yet to be specified.
While the first Major generated excitement, the UAE location for Major 2 raised immediate red flags, particularly among LGBTQ+ community members who participate in Rainbow Six Siege as players, casters, and fans.
The February 20 blog post confirmation placed the tournament in a country whose legal framework conflicts with the inclusive values many community members associate with competitive gaming.
LGBTQ+ Community Concerns Take Center Stage
The selection of UAE raised immediate questions about tournament accessibility and safety for LGBTQ+ participants. Many community members highlighted the legal environment in UAE, where same-sex relationships are criminalized under federal law.
Several prominent Rainbow Six Siege personalities, including casters Emi ‘CaptainFluke’ Donaldson and Jess ‘JessGOAT’ Bolden, publicly identified concerns about their participation. As openly queer professionals, they faced difficult questions about personal safety and professional compromise.
Caster Geo “Geo” Collins articulated the community’s central dilemma: “So what happens to all of our LGBT talent (and players)? Do we leave them at home? Take the risk? Ask Fluke to present as male and Jess to delete photos of she and her girlfriend?”
So what happens to all of our LGBT talent (and players)? Do we leave them at home? Take the risk? Ask Fluke to present as male and Jess to delete photos of she and her girlfriend?
I’d love to hear an elaboration about this because currently this seems extremely concerning. https://t.co/KorDrL1q4a
— Geo (@geometric) February 20, 2022
The concerns extended beyond professional participants to include fans and amateur competitors who might qualify for the event. This created a situation where competitive achievement could potentially put individuals at legal risk.
Community Backlash Through Social Media
The Rainbow Six Siege community responded swiftly across social media platforms, with criticism focusing on the perceived hypocrisy of hosting an inclusive esports event in a non-inclusive legal environment.
One community member captured the sentiment: “Really good feeling to hear that there are now tournaments being held that many of my friends would be executed for attending.”
Really good feeling to hear that there are now tournaments being held that many of my friends would be executed for attending.
— OMDolton84 (@OMDolton84) February 20, 2022
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Another comment highlighted the visual disconnect: “Having a big rainbow flag in the backround and then going to the f**king UAE.”
having a big rainbowflag in the baground and then going to the fucking uae pic.twitter.com/vgBIHHXNdK
— hehe🏳️🌈🇧🇪 (@simansis) February 20, 2022
The criticism culminated in pointed political commentary: “neat, a facist regime gets a Major,” reflecting broader concerns about sportswashing and ethical tournament hosting.
Neat, a facist regime gets a major.
— Rhiannon (@Rhianno25594476) February 20, 2022
Historical Context: Esports and Controversial Regions
Ubisoft’s decision follows a pattern of esports organizations facing backlash for engagements with regions facing human rights criticisms. The industry has grappled with similar controversies before.
In 2020, Riot Games faced intense criticism for accepting NEOM, a Saudi Arabian company, as a sponsor for the League of Legends European Championship (LEC). The sponsorship lasted only one day before being terminated due to community backlash.
More recently, in January 2021, ESL and Faceit’s merger and acquisition by Saudi-backed Savvy Gaming Group sparked similar debates within the Counter-Strike: Global Offensive community about ethical considerations in esports financing.
These precedents established that esports communities are increasingly vocal about the ethical dimensions of tournament locations, sponsorships, and ownership structures.
Industry Implications and Future Considerations
The Rainbow Six Siege community awaits Ubisoft’s response to the backlash, with several potential outcomes on the table. The company could maintain the UAE location, relocate the event, or implement specific accommodations for at-risk participants.
This incident highlights growing industry tensions between esports’ global expansion ambitions and commitments to inclusive, accessible competition. Tournament organizers increasingly face difficult decisions about venue selection criteria.
Practical considerations for future tournament planning should include: pre-announcement community consultation, clear safety protocols for all participants, and transparent decision-making processes that address ethical concerns proactively.
The Rainbow Six Siege community’s strong response demonstrates that modern esports audiences expect tournament organizers to consider social responsibility alongside competitive logistics.
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