The Unraveling of Oxygen Esports: A Sudden Exit from the Competitive Gaming Scene

Key Takeaways

• Oxygen Esports, known for owning the Call of Duty League's Boston Breach, is reportedly shutting down operations.
• The company, linked with New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, is exiting less than three years after its establishment.
• Players have been informed about the imminent loss of facilities and housing, amidst preparations for an international tournament.
• This departure leaves a vacancy in the CDL, raising questions about the future of the Boston Breach players and the league's structure.

Oxygen Esports, the umbrella company for various competitive gaming teams, including the Call of Duty League's Boston Breach, is reportedly laying off all staff and halting its operations entirely. This news, first reported by Dexerto's Jacob Hale, marks a significant departure from the esports landscape, particularly shocking given its association with Robert Kraft's Kraft Group since 2021.

Founded in 2020, Oxygen quickly made a name for itself, operating teams across several major esports titles like VALORANT, Rocket League, Rainbow Six, and ENascar. Its most notable achievement was securing a spot for the Boston Breach in Activision’s CoD League in 2022, making it one of the twelve teams competing at the highest level of Call of Duty esports.

The unraveling seems sudden, with Boston Breach players reportedly being notified of losing access to the Helix facility and their apartments by August 8. This news comes at a particularly tumultuous time as the team was preparing to fly to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, for the Esports World Cup Modern Warfare 3 tournament. The current lineup, including players like Snoopy, Cammy, Owakening, and Purj, had seen recent changes in an attempt to revitalize the team following a challenging season.

Despite their struggles, the Breach had been one of the few CDL franchises committed to hosting major tournaments, a testament to their investment in the esports community. However, with this exit, the future of Boston's spot in the CDL, as well as the players and staff affected by the shutdown, remains uncertain.

The esports community and the CDL are now left to grapple with the implications of this departure. An official announcement regarding the closure and details surrounding severance for the affected staff is expected before Friday, August 9. This situation raises questions not only about the sustainability and challenges faced by esports organizations but also about the welfare of players who dedicate their lives to competing at the highest levels.

The sudden exit of Oxygen Esports from the competitive gaming scene is a sobering reminder of the volatile nature of the industry. It underscores the importance of robust support structures for players and staff alike, ensuring the sustainability of esports ecosystems. As the community awaits further details and formal announcements, the focus turns to the future of those impacted and the spaces they leave behind in the competitive landscape.