Yesterday, ESL and DreamHack announced that the two companies will be merging together to form ESL Gaming.
The world’s largest esports company, ESL and DreamHack the premier gaming lifestyle festival company have merged together to better shape the future of esports and gaming. Fans can expect innovations from ESL Gaming as it will aim to push the boundaries of competitive gaming across platforms, titles, and formats. Co-CEO’s Craig Levine and Ralf Reichert will lead the newly formed combined company.
Craig Levine commented:
Through maximum cooperation and collaboration, and the melding of some of the best creative and visionary gaming minds in the industry, we will, together, continue to advance the innovation that drives this space via the most exceptional products and events. For our partners, there will be more opportunities to engage with us through a wider range of activations across all levels of esports, and all aspects of gaming. And for our fans, it means we will offer one of the most expansive esports and gaming lifestyle portfolios available.
DreamHack Co-CEO Marcus Lindmark added:
DreamHack has always brought communities together and created the ultimate gaming lifestyle experience for our fans all around the world. This will not change — but by combining our resources with ESL, we can continue to grow these events into something even more spectacular. Whether first-timers or long-term attendees, we have always offered something for everyone by featuring everything gaming under one roof,” said DreamHack Co-CEO Marcus Lindmark. “With ESL, we will be able to offer a more tailored approach for both our community and our partners across all regions through an array of gaming and esports opportunities, all while creating impactful and memorable experiences. The future of gaming is now, and we are excited to create the future together.
Effective immediately, the combined company will coordinate all events between the two brands. The next ESL event in line is the Dota 2 ESL One Germany which is set to kick off on October 6. As for DreamHack, all of the festivals were postponed to 2021 so fans will have to wait a bit to get a glimpse of what exactly will change.
The only negative thing coming out of all this is layoffs but they’re not a result of the merger. An ESL representative confirmed that for GamesIndustry.biz.
Unfortunately, there will be a small amount of personnel changes in both size and scope. However, these changes are not a result of the merger, but is a result of organizational restructuring following an optimized operating model. Regretfully, in light of the global pandemic and the challenges that have come with it, many businesses are currently facing difficult decisions and this is no different with ESL Gaming - this is something we do not take lightly. Our staff is family, and we will do all we can to support everyone affected during this transition.
We’re really excited to see what the combined forces of ESL and DreamHack can achieve. What’s your take on the matter? Share your opinion on our Facebook page!
For more news from the world of esports and gaming check out EarlyGame.
