Exclusive: Belong Gaming Arenas Ceases U.S. Operations

Belong Gaming Arenas has officially suspended its operations within the United States, resulting in the layoff of a majority of its American workforce. The company confirmed the closure in July 2023, citing a thorough evaluation of its business model and strategic alternatives as the primary drivers for the decision. While the organization expressed gratitude toward its staff and partners for their contributions over the preceding two years, the move marks a significant contraction for the gaming center operator.

The closure follows a period of corporate restructuring involving the company’s parent entity, Vindex. In March 2023, Vindex was acquired by the ESL FACEIT Group (EFG). Although EFG absorbed other Vindex subsidiaries, including Esports Engine and the Vindex Intelligence Platform, Belong Gaming Arenas was excluded from the acquisition and designated to operate as an independent entity. This separation ultimately preceded the suspension of the brand's U.S. footprint.

The scope of this operational shift is currently limited to the United States, as the company maintains its presence in the United Kingdom. The long-term viability of the brand’s international operations remains unconfirmed, and the company has indicated that it continues to evaluate its business strategy with the stated goal of potentially serving its community in the future. The exact number of employees affected by the U.S. layoffs has not been disclosed.