Activision cuts jobs amid Microsoft takeover deal: Divisions affected, number of employees and more – Times of India

Microsoft is yet to seal the deal to take over Call of Duty maker Activision which was announced in early 2022. According to a report by Verge, the gaming studio has reportedly laid off around 50 employees from its esports division amid the acquisition turmoil. The report also mentioned that the sacked employees have already been informed about the layoffs. As per the report, Activision Blizzard is also planning major changes to the Overwatch League (OWL).The franchise’s city-based tournament format may also come to an end.
A member of the OWL team who has now been laid off has said that the layoffs came out of nowhere. He also suggested that the company may use a skeleton crew to close out the OWL and World Series of Warzone seasons. The now former employee also noted in my eyes, they are completely unequipped to internally support anything esports after that.” In March 2021, Activision Blizzard also laid off around 50 people from its esports teams.
Activision’s new agreement with Overwatch League team owners
In an earnings report, the company announced that it has modified its agreements with Overwatch League team owners in Q1 2023. “According to the amended terms, following the conclusion of the current Overwatch League season, the teams will vote on an updated operating agreement. If the teams do not vote to continue under an updated operating agreement, a termination fee of $6 million will be payable to each participating team entity” the report highlighted. Activision also noted that the total revenue generated from OWL accounts for under one per cent of the company’s consolidated net revenues.

What Overwatch League commissioner said about the tournament
“I want to be clear on one thing in particular, that Overwatch remains committed to a competitive ecosystem in 2024 and beyond. And we’re building toward a revitalised global scene that prioritises players and fans. We are doing all we can to make the player experience and the fan experience one that people want to return to, want to be a part of and get excited about to turn on,” OWL commissioner Sean Miller said.