In the midst of the esports industry grappling with the daunting challenges of the so-called "esports winter," renowned organizations like 100 Thieves and Evil Geniuses find themselves ensnared in a disconcerting trend of layoffs.
100 Thieves layoffs
This unsettling wave has been recently brought to light by senior graphic designer Gregory “Seso” Ortiz, who took to
Twitter to reveal his own impact amidst the layoffs at 100 Thieves. While the exact scale of these organizational shifts remains undisclosed, the disquieting echoes of this trend reverberate throughout the esports ecosystem.
Evil Geniuses layoffs
Evil Geniuses, another prominent entity in the esports realm, has also succumbed to this prevailing tide of layoffs. Journalist Kevin Hitt
reported a substantial round of cuts, with now former EG LCS data scientist Beora later
noting approximately 20 people affected by the organizational restructuring.
The Esports Winter
Both 100 Thieves and Evil Geniuses, celebrated for their remarkable achievements in various esports arenas, now confront an inescapable reality—most esports organizations struggle to attain profitability. The recent spate of layoffs stands as a testament to the industry's concerted efforts to navigate financial challenges and streamline operations.
This unsettling trend extends far beyond individual teams, marking a systemic issue within the broader esports landscape. The term "esports winter" paints a chilling picture as numerous organizations face the uphill battle of securing sponsors, prompting a necessary wave of layoffs to curtail expenditures. These strategic moves underscore a more profound problem—the existing state of esports fails to generate adequate revenue for organizations to sustainably operate.
Even the illustrious LCS, known for its substantial player salaries, is not immune to the prevailing economic headwinds. Rumors circulate about potential salary cuts, hinting to a likely departure from the league's usual practice of attracting high-profile talents during the upcoming offseason.
The esports community, encompassing both passionate fans and organizational stakeholders, finds itself navigating an difficult period where tough decisions have become commonplace. The cloud of uncertainty regarding revenue streams and financial stability in the esports industry paints a sobering picture. As the esports winter persists, stakeholders must confront the reality that the current state of esports lacks a reliable avenue for sustained revenue, compelling strategic shifts, potential mergers, and regrettable layoffs in a bid for survival.
