End of GameBattles: MLG's Final Chapter

GameBattles, MLG's Last Bastion in Esports, Announces Closure in 2024

GameBattles, a cornerstone of competitive gaming since its inception in 2003 and later acquired by Major League Gaming (MLG) in 2006, has made the heart-wrenching announcement of shuttering its platform on January 15th, 2024.

The Legacy of GameBattles

For nearly two decades, GameBattles served as a hub for esports enthusiasts, particularly within the Call of Duty community. The platform's offering of ladders, leagues, and tournaments catered to players across skill levels, becoming synonymous with a more competitive matchmaking experience than the game's in-built options.

MLG's Integral Role

As part of MLG, GameBattles not only deeply integrated itself within Call of Duty but also established a tier two circuit in the game and organized tournaments for Activision Blizzard titles like Overwatch and Call of Duty: Mobile.

Evolution Through Acquisition

MLG, in 2016, became a part of the Activision Blizzard empire through an acquisition valued at around $46 million, further solidifying GameBattles' presence in the esports realm.

Activision Blizzard's Impact

Following Microsoft's recent acquisition of Activision Blizzard, the gaming giant initiated significant changes, resulting in the demise of GameBattles. Additionally, the Overwatch League met its end as teams unanimously voted to withdraw from the competition.

The Closure Announcement

Chris Evans, an Operations Supervisor at GameBattles, took to social media to share the company's fate, revealing Activision Blizzard's decision to shut down the platform, leading to the entire team's departure.

A Loss of Untapped Potential

Expressing regret, Evans highlighted the untapped potential within MLG, GameBattles, and the future of esports, hoping that one day, these entities receive the attention and internal support they deserve.

Industry Reactions

The announcement sent shockwaves through the Call of Duty community, eliciting responses from notable figures like former COD World Champions Tyler ‘TeeP’ Polchow and Austin ‘SlasheR’ Liddicoat, esports host Chris Puckett, and former MLG senior member Adam Apicella.

Uncertain Future

Despite GameBattles' closure, Activision Blizzard's plans for the future of MLG and GameBattles remain undisclosed, leaving the esports community in anticipation and speculation.

The final chapter of GameBattles marks the end of an era, leaving a void in the esports landscape. As the community bids farewell to this iconic platform, the hope for future endeavors in the world of competitive gaming remains strong yet uncertain.

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