Activision Blizzard Moves Forward with Significant Esports Team Reductions
In a move that reverberated through the esports community, Activision Blizzard, the company behind some of the most notable esports leagues, has orchestrated a considerable downsizing of its esports team. The cutbacks took place in the wake of the Call of Duty League's Major I tournament, leaving behind a skeleton crew to manage ongoing operations.
According to inside sources, only about a dozen individuals retained their positions on the esports team, a drastic reduction that suggests a significant shift in the company's strategy moving forward.
Recent Troubles in the Call of Duty League
The Call of Duty League has not been immune to hiccups, having faced recent challenges and scheduling delays that have disrupted the usual cadence of events. This disruption, coupled with the layoffs, raises questions about the future of the league and the direction Activision Blizzard might be taking.
Prior layoffs had a profound impact, with approximately 50 employees being terminated from the company last year. These layoffs affected key franchises, including both the Overwatch League and the Call of Duty League. As a result, the Overwatch League was dismantled, giving birth to an entirely new esports ecosystem. With the recent changes, there is now speculation about what the future holds for the structure of Call of Duty esports.
Franchise Structure Under Fire
The franchise model adopted by the Call of Duty League has not been without its detractors. Long-time fans of the series have voiced their criticisms over the approach, expressing a preference for the legacy system that was in place prior to the league's existence. It's worth noting that this structure is not the only facet of the Call of Duty scene under scrutiny.
Further highlighting the climate of change, Sledgehammer Games, one of the studios responsible for developing the Call of Duty series, recently dismissed 30% of its workforce. The layoffs come amidst Microsoft's broader structural reorganization following their ongoing acquisition deals and have undoubtedly sent shockwaves across the subsidiaries, including Activision Blizzard.
Streaming Struggles and Viewership Dilemmas
The Call of Duty League's switch to YouTube was met with staunch opposition from fans, which, in turn, led to a decline in viewership. As part of the deal with Google, Activision Blizzard agreed to grant exclusive streaming rights to YouTube, a move away from the Twitch platform where much of the audience was previously concentrated.
In an effort to introduce the league to new viewers while retaining its original fan base, the Call of Duty League has been experimenting with different strategies on the YouTube platform. However, the community's response to these efforts remains mixed, and it is unclear how the league plans to address these challenges in the long term.
Despite the upheaval, the Call of Duty League is set to continue with upcoming events, including one scheduled for February 16. This gives rise to the possibility that Activision Blizzard is working behind the scenes to pivot strategies or explore new opportunities for growth.
Potential Reformation on the Horizon
With all eyes on the Call of Duty League, industry experts and fans alike are speculating about potential restructuring or fundamental changes that could be introduced after the current season concludes. These could range from alterations in the league's operational model to a complete overhaul of how the tournaments are conducted and broadcasted.
Commenting on the recent layoffs, Josh Lee, a former member of the Call of Duty League's observation team, expressed his distress: "There are no longer any more full-time observers for the CoD League as the remainder of Hot Hands Lounge was let go after the conclusion of the Boston Major. All of those years of work and development the team put in has just been wiped. CoD esports will never be the same again."
Lee's words echo the sentiments of many who have been closely tied to the league, suggesting that the cutbacks are not just a reduction in manpower but also a fundamental shift that could reshape the landscape of Call of Duty esports forever.
As the community braces for what's next, all stakeholders—from players to fans, to the remaining team at Activision Blizzard—await the unfolding of the next chapter in what has been a tumultuous time for esports within the company.