This week in esports: ESL, Champion, Activision Blizzard, FACEIT Global Summit

This week in esports has been unpredictable, with ESL changing its entire branding to Activision Blizzard laying off an overwhelming number of employees despite achieving record results in 2018. We’ve covered the biggest and best stories of the week for you!

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ESL announces “simpler, more powerful” rebrand

Photo credit: ESL

Event organizer and production company ESL has unveiled its new identity, which aims to “provide a better experience across the board” for those who interact with the brand.

As well as a “simpler, more powerful” logo, the rebrand includes new colours, the company’s own typeface, and a new tier system that clearly marks the level people are competing at.

Read the full article here.

FACEIT hosting first global event in PUBG esports circuit

This week in esports: ESL, Champion, Activision Blizzard, FACEIT Global Summit
Photo credit: FACEIT

Event organiser FACEIT has been tapped to host the very first global event in the newly-launched PUBG esports circuit.

The  FACEIT Global Summit: PUBG Classic will take place at ExCeL London on April 16th-21st, with 24 teams from nine competitive regions battling it out.

Read the full article here.

NBA 2K League partners with Champion ahead of second season

This week in esports: ESL, Champion, Activision Blizzard, FACEIT Global Summit
Photo credit: NBA 2K League & Champion

Expanding its footprint in the esports industry, Champion has been appointed as the NBA 2K League’s official outfitters.

The multi-year partnership will see Champion provide each of the 21 teams with game uniforms and apparel for warming up, travelling, and practicing. In-game avatars will have Champion branding, too!

Read the full article here.

Activision Blizzard announces 8% cut to workforce

This week in esports: ESL, Champion, Activision Blizzard, FACEIT Global Summit

Activision Blizzard hosted a Q4 earnings call and a number of revelations came out of it. One of which being that 8% of its global workforce would be cut.

As per an estimate on the amount of staff at the company, over 750 employees will be laid off despite it achieving record results in 2018.

Read the full article here.

Activision Blizzard confirms Call of Duty franchised league

This week in esports: ESL, Champion, Activision Blizzard, FACEIT Global Summit
Photo credit: Call of Duty World League

Another newsworthy tidbit from the earnings call is that Activision Blizzard is definitely moving ahead with a city-based franchised league for Call of Duty.

The company currently operates the Call of Duty World League, an annual competition that hosts the best teams in the game across numerous tournaments and an ongoing league.

Read the full article here.

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