Vice president of talent Heather Garozzo to head up new ‘_FE’ service.
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- A recent WomenInGames survey found women are not represented enough in the industry
- _FE platform will act as resource for female gamers and content creators
- Includes women’s esports digital service and events series
Professional esports organisation Dignitas has launched a new platform dedicated to the growth of female gaming, headed up by vice president of talent Heather Garozzo.
The new initiative, called ‘_FE’, will provide a resource for female esports players and content creators, including a digital service dedicated to covering female-focused gaming.
As part of the launch of _FE, Dignitas – which fields professional esports teams across various titles including Counter-Strike and Rocket League – has also announced plans to begin hosting live female gaming events at its headquarters in New Jersey and Los Angeles.
Other events in the programme include virtual media, content and branding seminars.
Dignitas is hoping _FE will provide a gateway for brands to partner with women’s esports events and burgeoning female gamers. The esports organisation is also introducing a new _FE clothing line.
According to a study carried out by WomenInGames.org, 71 per cent of respondents say women aren’t represented enough in esports and gaming. Research carried out by Momentum Worldwide also cites 62 per cent of female esports fans do not believe brands market to them.
“As a former professional player, broadcaster and now executive, I’ve witnessed the significant growth of females in gaming over my 20 years in the industry,” said Garozzo, a two-time Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) world champion.
“Despite a significant increase in female gamers, streamers and fans, there is still a lack of representation in media, on live streams and in competition.
“Through our ‘_FE’ platform, we look forward to building a diverse community of passionate female gamers, and providing educational resources both for casual and competitive gamers and streamers to broaden their reach and expand their brand.”
Dignitas is owned by the New Jersey-based Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment group, which also owns the National Basketball Association’s (NBA) Philadelphia 76ers and the National Hockey League’s (NHL) New Jersey Devils.
