In a recent and unexpected move, Activision Blizzard has laid off a significant portion of its esports team. This development comes just days after Microsoft, the parent company, announced the dismissal of 1,900 employees. The layoffs at Activision Blizzard were confirmed shortly after the conclusion of the Call of Duty League's Boston Breach Major I event.
Scott Parkin, a former senior manager of esports operations at Activision Blizzard, took to Twitter to express his frustration, stating, "They did it, they actually did it. They let us work with that over our heads and laid us off on our first day off. The lack of common decency is a joke." This sentiment was echoed by caster Matt Morello, who also confirmed his departure from Blizzard via Twitter.
They did it, they actually did it. They let us work with that over our heads and laid us off on our first day off. The lack of common decency is a joke.
— Scott Parkin (@aBhorsenn) January 30, 2024
The exact number of employees affected by these layoffs remains undisclosed. However, rumors suggest that the esports team within the company has been reduced to about a dozen people. This significant reduction raises questions about the future direction and commitment of Activision Blizzard in the esports arena.
In a related development, Microsoft appointed Johanna Faries, a former Activision executive, as Blizzard’s next president, effective February 5. Her appointment and the timing of these layoffs suggest a strategic shift within the company, possibly aligning with Microsoft's broader objectives following its acquisition of Activision Blizzard.
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