EGX 2023 Tekken tournament interrupted by Just Stop Oil activists

The EGX 2023 gaming expo in London found itself at the center of a highly publicized protest organized by the environmental activist group Just Stop Oil. 

London’s EGX 2023 gaming expo turned into an arena for activism when members of the environmental group Just Stop Oil crashed the Tekken 7 finals. The protesters, dressed as Ghostbusters, pulled off a daring stunt that smeared orange paint all over gaming gear, creating havoc and igniting a heated debate about the intertwining worlds of gaming and climate activism.

Just Stop Oil’s disruptive showdown at EGX 2023

EGX 2023, a gaming industry cornerstone known for thrilling tournaments and groundbreaking tech displays, took an unexpected turn. Just Stop Oil, seizing the moment, infiltrated the Tekken 7 finals, armed with their message against the UK’s coal, oil, and gas licensing practices. Chaos ensued as orange paint splattered gaming screens, monitors, and even the players, putting the £5,000 prize and the reputations of well-known gamers at stake.

Protestors disrupt winners finals during the #EGX2023 @TEKKEN 7 tournament.pic.twitter.com/JEPjaWhYQn

— DashFight 👊 (@DashFight) October 15, 2023

 

The consequences were immediate and substantial. The Tekken tournament, with its sizable prize and the presence of celebrated players, ground to a halt. Organizers were thrust into action, frantically replacing equipment and dealing with the mess left by the protesters, causing significant delays.

While some attendees empathized with Just Stop Oil’s cause, many decried the disruption. Critics saw the interference at a grassroots gaming event as “disrespectful” and counterproductive to the activists’ climate change agenda.

Just Stop Oil’s Manifesto

The protesters timed their actions to align with EGX 2023, aiming to spotlight companies tied to the fossil fuel industry, particularly Barclays Bank, an event sponsor. Just Stop Oil accused Barclays of being a major financier of the climate crisis due to its massive investments in fossil fuels, approximately $167 billion. Their protest also drew attention to Shell’s sponsorship in popular games like Fortnite, raising questions about gaming’s association with fossil fuels.

Full details here — https://t.co/o3OiPqPa4N 🧯

— Just Stop Oil (@JustStop_Oil) October 15, 2023

A spokesperson for Just Stop Oil underlined the need for collective action to combat climate change. They argued that the consequences of our actions on the environment are rapidly becoming dire. The spokesperson urged the gaming community, known for its cooperative spirit, to join forces in civil resistance against new oil and gas production agreements.

The EGX 2023 incident set off a broader conversation about activism within the gaming community and the effectiveness of disruptive strategies in spotlighting climate change. Some contended that the gaming industry increasingly supports climate change initiatives, making events like EGX counterproductive for activists.

The Tekken 7 tournament eventually resumed, with Joka emerging as the champion despite the hurdles posed by the disruption. The EGX 2023 incident remains a reminder of the intricate relationship between gaming, activism, and environmental concerns, raising questions about how future activism within the gaming community will evolve.

Header: Screengrab/Just Stop Oil