As longtime hosts say thanks for the memories, the Overwatch League as we know it is dead—but Activision promises a 'revitalized esports program' is in the works
Activision said in May that its Overwatch and Call of Duty pro leagues were in trouble, and that efforts to turn them around "may prove unsuccessful." And it sure looked like that's how Activision expects it to work out based on a message shared by caster Soe Gschwind at the end of the recently-concluded Overwatch League 2023 grand finals, in which she paid a heartfelt tribute to all the people who helped make the league happen. It had the distinct ring of a final farewell—but in a message posted the following day, the Overwatch League said that plans for a «revitalized esports program» are in the works.
The 2023 Overwatch League grand finals were won by the Florida Mayhem, who defeated the Houston Outlaws 4-0 to claim the trophy and the $1 million prize. But it was Gschwind's message that came after, «look[ing] back at six incredible, unforgettable years,» that really got attention.
«This was not just a show, this was a shared dream that was uniting us across borders, languages, and differences,» Gschwind said. «It was the hard work and commitment of everyone out there who was bringing the teams and the fans alike the best possible experience each and every show, and all of that has been nothing short of remarkable.»
The message, which also included tributes to casters, fans, and Overwatch League teams, could be read as simply a farewell to the 2023 season, but the teary faces on the Overwatch League team members behind her suggest that something more final is afoot. So does Gschwind's choking voice as she approaches the end of her address.
«Now that we close this chapter, I think we should all just look back at this and remember the moments that took our breath away,» she said. «We have to remember the friendships we
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