Exclusive: Layoffs hit Australian esports organization ORDER
At least a dozen or more employees were let go on June 30.
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Exclusive: Melbourne-based esports organization ORDER hit with layoffs
Melbourne, Australia-based esports organization ORDER has laid off at least 12 employees, though sources I spoke to Thursday say that the number could be slightly more. Employees were informed of the layoffs in a remote meeting on June 30, by company leaders. While I could not determine the reason for the layoffs, one source described it as a decision made by the company's board of directors–ORDER is owned and operated by digital media company Disorder Media House.
It is unclear as of this writing what departments, teams, or players (if any) may have been affected by this round of layoffs.
ORDER Chairman and Founder Gerard Murphy issued a statement this morning explaining that the volatility of economy forced the organization to take some hard measures like halting its lifestyle brand DIS and cutting some personnel:
"The recent moves in the capital markets meant that several financing initiatives have been delayed. As a result, the Board of DMH had no choice but to take a conservative approach to managing the finances of the organization which resulted in the extremely difficult decision to halt the DIS brand and DIS related activities.
“Consequently a number of employees have departed. The entire Board is saddened by this difficult decision and we wish our former employees the best of luck in their future endeavors. Whilst this was very difficult, we believe that given the current global financial environment, it was necessary. It is important to note that the ORDER brand is as strong as ever and we remain the most professional and well-resourced organization in Oceanic esports."
A few former ORDER employees have spoken publicly about being laid off on social media, but they declined to comment further when I reached out to them.
Sam Mitchell, who worked as facilities coordinator for ORDER for a little over a year, noted on Twitter: "On Friday I was let go by Order, although it’s very disappointing I’m taking it as a way to move onto something new." Later he added, "Also want to thank @ordergaming_gg for giving me the opportunity to learn and grow within the field."
Timothy Roots, who served as the technical broadcast lead for ORDER for more than a year, announced his exit from the company earlier in the week: "On Friday I was let go by ORDER. Bit of a shock and not sure what I'm doing now as I only recently moved to Melb, but open to any opportunities in gaming, events, prod roles, broadcast and similar." Roots added later that "this was not a performance based decision. Thank you so much for the support and all the people that have reached out, I'm overwhelmed."
Finally, Thomas Curr Davey, who also worked for more than a year at ORDER as a video editor, said that he was also let go from the company and was actively looking for work in his field: "Unfortunately last Friday I was let go of by Order. Willing to work with any organization, brand, business or creator. Open for editing commissions and wanting to get back into full time roles within the creative space asap."
The Melbourne-based esports organization currently fields rosters in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, League of Legends, Fortnite, Valorant, and FIFA. ORDER also supports a handful of content creators. Its current partners include GGWP Academy, Logitech G, Alienware, the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, and Singtel Optus Pty Limited (OPTUS).
More on this story as it develops…
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India-based esports news publication AFK Gaming has inked an agreement with Linx to bring blockchain gaming coverage to its audience in a new content deal (full disclosure: I edit and write two newsletters for AFK Gaming).
Ampverse partners with SPORTFIVE, who will serve as the exclusive global commercial representative to secure partnerships for its esports and gaming brands, such as Bacon Time and 7Sea.
The Electronic Entertainment Expo, or E3, will return in 2023 for a physical, in-person event. It's been an incredibly long time since the annual trade show dedicated to all things video games has taken place in Los Angeles... ReedPop, the company behind such fan events as PAX and EGX, will facilitate the next event. ReedPop Digital owns and operates such gaming publications as GameIndustry.biz, Eurogamer, VG247, and Nintendo Life, among others.
Editor’s note: This story was updated with a statement from ORDER Chairman and Founder Gerard Murphy.
very curious to see if ReedPop can resuscitate E3. i have several doubts, but would love to be proven wrong and will be wishing them the best.