After eleven years, Beyond the Summit, one of the most reputable and recognized eSports organizations in the world, has announced its plans to lay off its full staff within the coming weeks and commit to a full restructuring. The official announcement titled “On the Future of Beyond the Summit” was posted by co-founder David “LD” Gorman on Twitter this morning.
Within the statement, Gorman recounted the story of Beyond the Summit’s humble origins as it evolved from a Dota 2 broadcasting team to a fully-fledged eSports organization hosting and sponsoring events in Dota 2, Super Smash Bros. Melee, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Rocket League and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, among others. However, due to worsening economic conditions and the seemingly-impossible challenge of turning a manageable profit within 2023, Gorman stated that it would be “financially irresponsible” for Beyond the Summit to continue operations as currently structured and that the choice was made to let their staff go with advanced notice and severance rather than to “run the company into the ground.”
We don’t want to leave our people out in the cold. We don’t want to leave them with uncertainty, constantly wondering and worrying when the money will run out. We care about everyone who has helped build BTS. They have all given so much, and they deserve to know exactly what is happening and have the best possible chance to land on their feet.
The statement also declared that all staff would be kept on full-time payroll for the following two weeks, with everyone being offered two-week severance and healthcare coverage until April. Additionally, a spreadsheet was given that listed every staff member’s full resume, cover letter and contact information for any interested organization to reach out directly.
Gorman concluded the statement with gratitude-filled messages directed to different teams within Beyond the Summit, as well as to the many gaming communities that made up their viewership. Beyond the Summit will host one final event for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Smash Ultimate Summit 6, which will be held between March 23 and 26.
This announcement comes as a shock to the wider gaming community and fans of eSports, who felt Beyond the Summit’s influence through their extensive range of sponsoring and hosting competitive gaming events, and through their production work on events hosted by streamers and content creators such as Ludwig and xQc. Beyond the Summit’s exit from the eSports industry paints a continuously dire picture as more and more gaming companies announce layoffs amidst increasingly difficult economic conditions.