In-Game Memorial: Valorant Pays Tribute to Pro Luie, Who Recently Passed Away

Riot Games recently paid tribute to the late Gizem “Luie” Harmankaya, in the Episode 6 Act 3 Valorant Battle Pass. The Turkish Valorant pro had passed away following the earthquakes that devastated her home country in February. Luie had competed in a number of teams in the Valorant Game Changers scene including Galaktiucos Sirens, Vivace Vista, and Unknownpros Female before her untimely demise.

The Valorant community mourned her death by paying tribute to the pro player with multiple Turkish esports organizations like Istanbul Wildcats and Papara SuperMassive offering their condolences. Riot Games also offered its condolence through its official Turkish Twitter handle and now the developers have immortalized her as a ‘Player Title’ through the recently released Battle Pass.

Players Can Pay Tribute to Luie

Fans and players can obtain the player card title for free by reaching Tier 5 in the Episode 6 Act 3 Valorant Battle Pass that went live on 25th April.

This addition was first revealed by Riot’s VALORANT global community manager Jo-Ellen Aragon, who stated that this was “a very special tribute in memory of Gizem “Luie” Harmankaya in the new Battlepass.”

Player Titles, which appear below a player's in-game name in the lobby and match loading screen, are earned through various means such as Battle Pass progression, Agent contract progression, code redemption, or by winning major official Valorant tournaments.

Even after winning these tournaments, it is usually the organizations that receive player card titles. Luie is the first individual Valorant professional player to have their name added to Valorant in any capacity.

Jo-Ellen Aragon’s tweet unveiling the tribute to Luie in Valorant was met with heartfelt appreciation from many players, who expressed their gratitude with "W" and heart emojis. 

In addition to this gesture, Riot Games had previously extended support to victims of an earthquake. The company donated $100K USD to Ahbap, and further committed to matching player donations up to $125K to the organization. Riot Games also encouraged players to contribute directly to the relief efforts, demonstrating their commitment to assisting those affected by the disaster.