Mass Layoffs in the Esports Industry – More People Out of Work
In one of the latest reports discussing massive layoffs at Microsoft, many individuals in the Blizzard esports industry have revealed that they have also been laid off. This comes as another wave of layoffs after Microsoft announced a reduction in the gaming division. The impact of this decision has also been felt by employees in the esports department, who were informed about their layoffs today.
According to information published on Twitter by the CharlieIntel account, which focuses on Call of Duty, Microsoft has laid off the majority of its esports team. It is estimated that the current Microsoft esports team consists of approximately 12 people.
However, it’s not just Call of Duty esports that are affected by the layoffs, but also all esports brands under Microsoft, including the Overwatch League. Individuals laid off from this industry took to social media to announce that they have been affected by the job reduction.
“I have just been laid off by Blizzard after 7 years of work. It has been a dream come true to be able to work there, and I am sad that my time has been cut short,” said Soe Gschwind on Twitter. “What now? I am available!”
Nick Edmonds also shared on Twitter that he has been laid off and expressed that he will miss the talented and passionate people he had the opportunity to work with.
The number of laid-off employees is part of a larger reduction action that has been previously reported – 1,900 people at Microsoft. This means that the esports department has also been affected, although it doesn’t necessarily mean that the entire Blizzard esports team has been dissolved. However, according to estimates presented by CharlieIntel, the number has been significantly reduced.
This situation is part of a general trend of mass layoffs that have impacted around 10,000 people in 2023, and it doesn’t seem to be slowing down in 2024. In January alone, over 5,600 individuals were laid off in the gaming industry.
Microsoft is currently estimated to be valued at over $3 trillion dollars and is the second company to reach such a milestone, right after Apple.
IGN attempted to reach out to Microsoft for an official comment but did not receive a response.
