In a move that has sent shockwaves through the esports community, Activision Blizzard has made substantial reductions to its esports personnel. These layoffs, which sharply downsized the team dedicated to organizing and managing professional gaming events, were carried out just a day after the conclusion of the Call of Duty League's Major I tournament. With this recent development, it's reported that merely about a dozen staff members remain committed to Activision Blizzard's esports efforts.
A Troubled League
The Call of Duty League (CDL) has already been experiencing significant challenges, including delays that have disrupted scheduled games and events. A restructuring of the league's professional scene seems imminent, especially given last year's round of layoffs at Activision Blizzard. In that instance, approximately 50 employees were released, affecting both the Overwatch League and Call of Duty League. As a result, the Overwatch League was essentially disbanded, making way for an entirely revamped esports ecosystem, which could hint at the future for the CDL.
Critics, long-time viewers in particular, have taken issue with the franchise structure of the CDL. The approach has proven controversial, departing from the grassroots origins that many fans cherished in the early days of competitive Call of Duty. The league's attempt to modernize and streamline Call of Duty's esports presence has not been met with universal approval.
Developer Downsizes
Coming in tandem with esports-related cuts, Sledgehammer Games, one of the primary developers behind the Call of Duty series, announced a substantial downsizing, with 30% of its workforce being let go. This decision isn't in isolation - it's part of a larger restructuring process spurred by Microsoft's pending acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Such corporate maneuvers are not just reshaping the business side of the gaming giant but are also having a direct impact on the competitive gaming landscape it has fostered.
Shifting Platforms and Fan Resistance
Another element affecting the CDL was Activision Blizzard's partnership with Google, granting exclusive streaming rights to YouTube for esports content. This shift from the previously utilized Twitch platform was met with a rather cold reception from the community, and it brought along noticeable viewership challenges. Fans of the league had grown accustomed to the Twitch ecosystem, and many were reluctant to follow the league over to its new home on YouTube.
Despite these hurdles, the CDL's management is working to not only retain its core audience but also to expand its viewership by targeting new demographics and leveraging YouTube's extensive reach.
The League Marches On
Though facing an uphill battle due to both internal and external pressures, the Call of Duty League persists, with the next slated competition set to take place on February 16. Behind the scenes, however, there's growing speculation about what changes may be on the horizon for the CDL, particularly after the current competitive season comes to a close.
Impact on the Observers
Observers, who play a crucial role in esports by directing viewers to the most interesting and important moments during a live match, have been hit particularly hard by the layoffs. An entire team known as Hot Hands Lounge, responsible for some of the most notable observing work in the Call of Duty esports scene, found themselves without a job following the Boston Major.
Josh Lee, a former observer, lamented the decision stating, "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."
With these dramatic shifts and ongoing challenges, it's clear that Activision Blizzard and the Call of Duty League are at a critical juncture. How the company navigates these changes could well define the future of professional Call of Duty esports. Fans, players, and industry watchers alike eagerly await the next development in what is sure to be a formative period for competitive gaming at large.