Activision Blizzard Esports Hit With Layoffs As Overwatch League's Future Remains Undecided

gameinformer.com:

Activision Blizzard has laid off around 50 employees, according to a new report from The Verge. 

This news arrives the same day Activision Blizzard released its Fiscal Year 2023 Q2 results, which highlights a murky future for the company’s esports efforts despite an otherwise financially successful quarter for the Overwatch 2 maker. Activision Blizzard’s results show that net bookings grew 50% year-over-year in the second quarter, from $1.64 billion to $2.46 billion, due to a lucrative Diablo IV launch, an increase in revenue from various franchises, mobile growth, and more. But, despite that growth, the company laid off around 50 employees in Blizzard’s esports department, The Verge reports. 

One person laid off told the publication that this round of layoffs “seems like a significant gutting of Activision Blizzard esports,” while another told it, “There was no warning. This was a complete shock to everyone, and none of us who were laid off were offered any opportunity to switch roles or teams.” 

These layoffs precede what might be a large shakeup to Activision Blizzard’s esports efforts, although that will come down to a vote made by esports team owners later this year. Here's what the company's financial results say on that vote: 

It’s important to note that this potential vote does not mean Activision Blizzard esports, primarily the Overwatch League, will end; it just might be a different program following this vote and moving forward, but only time will tell. 

Game Informer has reached out to Activision Blizzard for a statement on the layoffs and the company’s general outlook on esports and will update this story accordingly if a statement or comment is received. Activision Blizzard senior director of global