I asked the recruiter directly about the mysterious “culture” of Riot, and why conforming to it was so important. I was initially apprehensive, as I had been told firsthand that Riot could have a “bro” culture at times. I was becoming addicted to League of Legends, Riot had a history of great community-centric initiatives, and I felt that if I turned down the opportunity, I would always ask myself, “What if?” One of their recruiters had reached out to me nearly a year prior, and while I was immensely happy at my current place of work, I had always wanted to work abroad at least once in my life. In 2014, I left a job I loved and colleagues I adored to take up a post at Riot Games in Dublin.

I only lasted six months at Riot before resigning. I’ve been carrying around a heavy weight on my shoulders since 2014, and I feel it is finally time to let it go. The discourse around this conversation and the reticence to believe the women who came forward has stunned me. Cecilia contacted me as a potential source, but I didn’t commit to providing my experience on the record because I was worried about the ramifications of speaking out.

I’ve been up all night after reading Kotaku’s article on the company culture of Riot, and its effect on women in particular.