Following the recent Microsoft layoff shock, numerous employees from Blizzard’s esports segment unveiled on Tuesday that they have been terminated.
A week ago, we discovered that Microsoft has decided to dismiss 1,900 of its gaming workforce. Today, it was confirmed that several individuals from the esports departments and operations were among the layoffs. An X/Twitter update from CharlieIntel, a trusted source for Call of Duty news, implies that most of the esports crew has been laid off. The account predicts only 12 members are left in the entire esports team.
The layoffs in Activision Blizzard and Microsoft continued today, with a significant number of the esports team being let go. Currently, around 12 people are left in the esports department.
Only after the CDL staff returned from the Boston Major event over the weekend, were they informed of the layoffs.
— CharlieIntel (@charlieINTEL) January 30, 2024
Not just the Call of Duty esports group has been impacted, but also the entire esports fraternity under Microsoft, including the Overwatch League. Those who were laid off used social media platforms to express their sentiments.
“After working for 7 years at Blizzard, I just got laid off. I’m devastated that this dream job ended so abruptly,” stated Soe Gschwind on X/Twitter. “(I had prepared myself for this over a bottle of champagne… some way to celebrate the remarkable journey I had) What’s the future? I am available!”
After giving 7 years of my life, I’ve been discharged by Blizzard. I’m heartbroken that such a dream opportunity was severed prematurely.
I was prepared to celebrate the incredible journey I’ve had, despite the unexpected turn of events.
What does the future hold? I’m available! pic.twitter.com/kSbiNG8dCu
— Soe Gschwind (@Soembie) January 30, 2024
I was included in the Blizzard Esports layoffs. I had an incredible stint over six years, during which I produced numerous Grand Finals, got an Emmy nomination, and brought happiness to the fans,” shared Nick Edmonds on X/Twitter. “But what will remain forever in my heart are the talented and passionate people I worked with. They’re exceptional, and they deserved a lot better.”
I was a part of the Blizz Esports layoffs. Over 6 years, I produced multiple Grand Finals, got nominated for Emmys, and entertained fans. However, the passionate, talented individuals I worked with will be missed the most. They’re the most gifted and deserved so much more. pic.twitter.com/ZQBRjHg9jo
— Nick Edmonds (@Nedmundo14) January 30, 2024
Scott Parkin stated on X/Twitter, “They’ve finally done it. They made us work knowing the looming uncertainty and laid us off during our first day off. The unkind treatment is a mockery.”
They did it, indeed. They made us work knowing fully well what was on our mind and laid us off on our first day off. The inhumanity is just absurd.
— Scott Parkin (@aBhorsenn) January 30, 2024
IGN has confirmed that these layoffs are part of the previously disclosed 1,900 – those in the esports department were just informed on Tuesday. According to posts on X/Twitter, Microsoft seems to have waited for many of those laid off to finish their roles at events or projects they were participating in, such as the Boston Major, which took place last weekend.
An insider confirms that these layoffs don’t imply the shutting down of Blizzard’s esports department, despite the reduction in staff. If CharlieIntel’s approximations hold true, however, the number is remarkably diminished.
The pattern of industry-wide layoffs continues, impacting an estimated 10,000 people in 2023 and showing no signs of stopping in 2024. It’s gauged that over 5,600 people have been laid off in the gaming industry in January alone.
Microsoft, worth over $3 trillion at the moment, is the second company to reach such a status, trailing only behind Apple.
IGN has contacted Microsoft for official feedback.
To all, I’ve been laid off from @OW_Esports as of this morning. The last year & a half have been incredible, although I wasn’t able to achieve my goals that I had set when I accepted the offer. On a real note, it wasn’t the best one and half years.
— berry jinhee (@janggwaberry) January 30, 2024
Sadly, along with many other remarkable esports personnel, I have been terminated from Blizzard today. Being part of Overwatch and helping plan behind-the-scenes for the most successful Overwatch Esport years and the upcoming year with the new OWCS, was a dream realization….
— Matt Morello (@MattMrX) January 30, 2024
Despite receiving a promotion 3 months back, I’ve been fired from Activision Blizzard today. I’m still truly proud of the product we carved and I’m melancholic to part ways with the CDL.
Super excited for more opportunities in esports competition/league operations. Open for any offers, share! pic.twitter.com/kiMUPIuKhA
— Cathy (@lolcathy1) January 30, 2024
With today’s shocking news, we now have more available talent in the market.
Each of them is incredibly skilled with a vast range of experience. @ParadoxQJ @JPROSP8 @PiscatorJosh @WaldoRtk7 @TheCleanerHD @Shnard pic.twitter.com/SoDHiisZbR
— Hot Hands Lounge (@HotHandsLounge) January 30, 2024
I will convey more once my mind is clear, but after more than six years with Blizzard Entertainment, I’ve been let go.
— Nate Shanks (ObsJunkrat) (@SHANKUMS11) January 30, 2024
I was a part of Overwatch esports even before OWL began and witnessed the rise and fall of that era. Unfortunately, with the end of this era, my stint at Blizzard also concludes. After six years and some odd months, I’ve been made a customer again.
— Dylan Rode (@Unstopmonkey) January 30, 2024
If my previous post was vague, let me clarify that many of my friends and colleagues who were full time with Blizzard and had been delivering the OWL + CDL broadcasts for the past few years, were let go this morning.
My entire team has been disbanded. I’m truly shattered.
They certainly deserved better.
— Jess / Maka ? (@JessDiPaola) January 30, 2024
Credit for the thumbnail: Sergio Flores/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Will Borger is a freelance writer for IGN. Follow him on Twitter @bywillborger.