Activision Blizzard's esports division is now reportedly left with a mere 12 employees after a recent wave of layoffs. The promising future of Overwatch esports has taken a hit, with long-standing members of the OWL broadcast and talent teams being affected.

Among those laid off are Matt “Mr. X” Morello, a familiar commentator, and Salome “Soe” Gschwind-Repp, a well-known host/analyst. Both have been prominent figures in the OWL since its inception in 2018. Morello, who was actively involved in planning the new Overwatch Champion Series, expressed his desire to remain connected with Overwatch in some capacity. Soe, while saddened by the abrupt end to her time, hinted at an expectation of the news, jokingly mentioning being "ready for [the] call with champagne."

The impact extends beyond Morello and Soe, reaching a reported 60 individuals laid off from Blizzard’s esports divisions, affecting both Overwatch and the Call of Duty League. Notably, this includes broadcasters, observers, and CDL employees, some of whom were informed of their status shortly after returning from the Boston Major.

According to CDL reporter Jacob Hale, the entire esports division at Activision Blizzard now operates with just 12 full-time employees. This downsizing follows Microsoft’s recent layoffs of approximately 1,900 gaming division employees, contributing to a broader trend of mass layoffs within the gaming industry at the outset of 2024.

Also read: TSM Reportedly Left With Nine Employees Following Recent Lay Off

For those who dedicated their efforts to Overwatch, the news is undoubtedly disheartening. The layoffs come merely a week after the exciting announcement of the Overwatch Champion Series, introducing a new open circuit system that injected vitality and enthusiasm into a scene that had experienced dormancy for months.