eUnited Closes, More Layoffs at 100 Thieves

The esports industry experienced significant instability in mid-January 2023, characterized by organizational closures and workforce reductions. The Los Angeles-based esports organization eUnited officially ceased operations, while 100 Thieves implemented a round of layoffs affecting approximately 30 employees. These developments highlight a broader trend of contraction within the sector, contributing to an increasingly saturated job market for industry professionals.

Beyond these closures and layoffs, the industry saw various structural shifts and corporate movements. Notable events included the finalized merger between eStar Gaming Victory Five and Ninjas in Pyjamas, as well as new commercial partnerships, such as Team Vitality’s three-year apparel deal with Hummel International. Additionally, major stakeholders like Riot Games provided updates regarding their 2023 competitive formats and sponsorship structures for the League of Legends ecosystem.

The period also saw a high volume of personnel changes across the gaming and esports landscape. Key leadership transitions included the departure of the CEO of Immortals, the resignation of the COO and CFO of Esports Entertainment Group, and the promotion of Jasmine Skee to CEO of Guild Esports. These movements, alongside numerous hires and departures at companies such as Riot Games, XSET, and NetEase Games, reflect a period of significant organizational restructuring. The data is derived from industry reporting and professional tracking of personnel shifts as of January 14, 2023, covering a wide range of global esports organizations and gaming developers.