Riot Faces Backlash After Excluding Gen.G From MSI Victory Message

Michael

3 min read

Post on Jul 18, 2025

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Riot Faces Backlash After Snubbing Gen.G in MSI Victory Message: A PR Disaster?

Riot Games, the developer and publisher of League of Legends, is facing significant criticism following the exclusion of Gen.G from their official MSI 2023 victory message. The omission, perceived by many as a blatant oversight and disrespectful snub, has sparked outrage across the League of Legends community and ignited a heated debate about Riot's public relations strategy. The incident highlights the importance of meticulous attention to detail, especially when celebrating significant achievements within a passionate and dedicated esports fanbase.

The controversy erupted after the conclusion of the Mid-Season Invitational (MSI) 2023, where Gen.G triumphantly claimed the title. Riot's celebratory post, intended to highlight the tournament's conclusion and champion's victory, notably failed to mention Gen.G's name. Instead, the message focused on broader aspects of the tournament, leaving many fans feeling that their beloved team was unfairly disregarded. This sparked immediate backlash across social media platforms like Twitter and Reddit, with numerous fans expressing their disappointment and anger.

<h3>A PR Nightmare Unfolds: The Impact of the Omission</h3>

The lack of acknowledgment has been interpreted by many as unprofessional and insensitive. The MSI is a highly prestigious international tournament, and Gen.G's victory represents a significant achievement for the team, its players, and their dedicated fanbase. The omission, therefore, felt deeply disrespectful to a community that pours immense time, energy, and emotional investment into the game and its competitive scene.

This isn't just about a simple missed name; it’s a potential PR disaster with far-reaching consequences. The incident has:

• Damaged Riot's Reputation: The oversight fuels existing criticisms about Riot's communication and handling of esports events.
• Alienated Fans: The perceived lack of respect has left many Gen.G fans feeling unheard and undervalued.
• Opened the Door to Speculation: Some are speculating about underlying reasons for the exclusion, leading to further negativity.

<h3>Riot's Response (or Lack Thereof): Adding Fuel to the Fire</h3>

So far, Riot Games has remained largely silent on the matter. This silence, unfortunately, has only exacerbated the situation, allowing the negative sentiment to fester and spread. The lack of a swift, apologetic response has been interpreted as further evidence of a disconnect between Riot and its community. A timely and sincere apology, coupled with a clear explanation (if there is one), would likely have mitigated much of the damage.

<h3>Looking Forward: Lessons Learned in Esports Public Relations</h3>

This incident serves as a valuable – albeit costly – lesson for Riot Games and other esports organizations. Maintaining positive relationships with teams, players, and the broader community is paramount. Thorough planning, meticulous attention to detail, and a swift, sincere response to criticism are crucial aspects of effective esports public relations. Ignoring the sentiments of your audience can have devastating consequences, as evidenced by the widespread negative reaction to this seemingly small error. It's a reminder that in the highly emotional world of esports, even seemingly minor oversights can have significant repercussions.

What are your thoughts on Riot's handling of this situation? Share your opinions in the comments below!