In an unexpected yet impactful move, Activision Blizzard has made the decision to significantly reduce its esports division. The downsizing occurred just one day following the conclusion of the Call of Duty League's Major I tournament, a premier event in the competitive Call of Duty calendar. This decision has led to a diminutive team of approximately 12 individuals remaining to manage the Activision Blizzard esports operations.
The Call of Duty League, which has endured its share of hurdles including challenges and delays, is directly affected by these layoffs. It's a development that seems all too familiar for those keeping a close watch on the company's esports endeavors. In the previous year, nearly 50 employees were terminated from their roles at Activision Blizzard, which took its toll not only on the Call of Duty League but also on the Overwatch League.
The aftermath of these layoffs brought the dismantling of the once-celebrated Overwatch League and spurred the creation of an entirely new esports ecosystem within the company. This move, emblematic of the volatile nature of the esports industry, has fueled speculation among fans and professionals alike on the potential upcoming changes to the framework of Call of Duty esports competitions. These rumors only compound the concerns of a community already grappling with the Call of Duty League's franchise structure, which has stirred controversy among long-time fans.
Adding to the complexities are the additional layoffs that have taken place at Sledgehammer Games, one of the developers of the Call of Duty series. The company experienced a significant workforce reduction, with layoffs impacting 30% of its staff, a move that appears to be entwined with the broader restructuring activities of Microsoft following its acquisition deals.
The Call of Duty League's transition from its traditional streaming platforms to YouTube also did not go unnoticed, meeting resistance from fans and encountering viewership challenges. Despite this rocky transition, Activision Blizzard secured a deal with Google, granting YouTube exclusive streaming rights for their esports content. The Call of Duty League, despite the headwinds, is making efforts to expand its reach and engage new audiences, all while attempting to maintain its core viewer base on the new platform.
Amid these sweeping changes and strategic shifts, the league pushes forward with its scheduled events. The next tournament is already on the horizon, set to take place on February 16. Meanwhile, speculations mount about what adjustments may lie ahead for the Call of Duty League once the current season reaches its conclusion.
Industry Reactions
The recent layoffs have not only affected those directly employed by the company but have also sent ripples throughout the competitive gaming community. Industry professionals and insiders are voicing their concerns on the state and future of Call of Duty esports. Josh Lee, a respected figure within the community, expressed his dismay at the decisions:
"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 stated, encapsulating the sentiment of a pivotal moment for the industry.
These changes denote not only a significant reduction in personnel but symbolize a deeper shift within the esports landscape. As Activision Blizzard restructures its esports division, questions arise about the long-term viability and direction of the competitive Call of Duty scene. The impact of key personnel departures and strategic realignments may forge a new path for the league, one that both industry insiders and fans will be watching closely. The coming months promise to be decisive as Activision Blizzard and its Call of Duty League navigate through the complexities of a rapidly evolving esports ecosystem.