A SKE48 Valorant roster is on the horizon as the Japanese idol group announces that they are forming a women’s team comprised of current SKE48 group members.
The full roster and official team name are set to be announced during a press conference on August 19th.
Who are SKE48?
For those uninitiated in Japanese idol culture, SKE48 are an idol group that spans 13 generations of members. The current generation has 40 members and 17 kenkyuusei. Kenkyuusei are trainee members of the group.
The idol group SKE48 was created as a sister group to AKB48. Now, SKE48 has its own sister group, JKT48, which is based in Jakarta.
Japanese idol groups are comprised of performers who usually begin as singers but are also trained in other entertainment forms, such as acting, dancing, modelling, and now competitive gaming.
SKE48 Valorant project aims to challenge idols to take on the role of “serious esports players”
The SKE48 Valorant project will include seven group members. In their press release about the Valorant team’s launch, they stated that the move marked a “fresh new challenge” as idols tackle the task of becoming “serious esports players.”
Two SKE48 members have already been confirmed as part of the Valorant team: Miyo Nomura and Yua Kawamura.
Training facilities have already been locked down for the team. They will be using a dedicated facility in SPASPO Shinuykan, a hot spring inn, to begin their training sessions and start their journey as a professional Valorant team.
As part of this journey, participating idols will share behind-the-scenes content and insights into their day-to-day lives as an esports roster. Fan meetings and interactive gaming events are also planned.
Why is an idol group moving into Valorant esports?
Groups from the AKB48 idol family, of which SKE48 is a member, have ventured into the esports space before. JKT48, SKE48’s sister group, operates a sub-unit named Valkyrie48 that is dedicated to esports.
Notably, Valkyrie48 played PUBG together at the JKT48 Saka Agari Handshake Festival.
The SKE48 Valorant venture aims to dismantle the male-oriented stereotype that they acknowledge is attached to esports. In their press release, they explained that they seek to present a new role model in the form of idols who take esports seriously and spark innovation in the entertainment industry.
SKE48 also plan to grow the Sakae, Nagoya esports system. Collaborations with local governments, tourism boards, and community initiatives are also planned as part of the project.
Despite the enthusiasm of the Japanese idols participating, it is unlikely they will be performing at VCT (Valorant Champions Tour) Game Changers level quite yet. Miyo Nomura explained she is new to the game, but is determined to “see a whole new world through esports.”
Nevertheless, new opportunities are opening for women’s path to pro in Valorant, such as Europe’s BEACONS Game Changers events. The idol team may be able to capitalise on similar progress for the women’s scene.
She is already a passionate gamer, so she likely hopes to transfer her skills over to the Riot Games title.
The official team name and roster are due to be revealed on August 19th. SKE48 will announce these details at the SKE48 Theatre in Nagoya.
Hannah is a writer specialising in the esports, gaming, and technology sectors. Working for outlets such as Dot Esports, Esports Insider, and of course ENUK, she has developed a love for wider esports and Apex Legends, although it may never surpass her drive to passionately beat her friends in every game of Mariokart. You may have seen her at various esports and gaming events, including ESI London, EGX, Discover: Esports and many League of Legends watch parties.