Gaming giant Activision Blizzard faces a new lawsuit that claims the company maintains an unfair monopoly over professional Call of Duty esports. The suit, filed by Hector “H3CZ” Rodriguez, CEO and former star player of OpTic Texas, and Seth “Scump” Abner, alleges anti-competitive tactics, extortion, and restrictions on player and team earnings.
At the Heart of the Lawsuit
Rodriguez and Abner accuse Activision Blizzard of exploiting its ownership of the popular Call of Duty League to stamp out competition. Key allegations include:
- Eliminating Potential Rivals: Plaintiffs claim Activision acquired Major League Gaming in 2016 to eliminate the largest potential competitor to its own Call of Duty esports league.
- League Exclusivity: Activision Blizzard allegedly denies tournament licenses to rival organizers, creating a closed system where its league is the only option.
- Exorbitant Fees and Forced Partnerships: Teams face a $27.5 million participation fee and must cede ownership to Activision-approved billionaires, hindering independent ownership.
- Restrictions on Sponsorships and Earnings: Activision’s league rules allegedly curtail players’ and teams’ ability to generate revenue through external sponsorships and streaming.
Rodriguez’s Struggle and Fallout
The lawsuit details Rodriguez’s personal experience in attempting to establish OpTic Texas as an independent team. Allegedly, Activision Blizzard actively blocked his efforts to retain ownership, pressuring him to partner with wealthy investors on Activision’s terms or leave the league entirely.
These tactics, along with limitations on prize money, allegedly forced Rodriguez to give up majority control of OpTic to Envy Gaming, undermining the team’s value.
Seeking Justice and Change
The plaintiffs seek over $680 million in damages and legal fees. They hope to expose Activision Blizzard’s alleged manipulative practices and bring about systemic change within the Call of Duty esports landscape. Activision Blizzard has not yet commented on the lawsuit.
Why This Matters
This lawsuit sheds light on potential abuses of power by major esports publishers. If the allegations prove true, they could threaten the integrity of professional Call of Duty competition and harm the careers of players who rely on this space for their livelihood. The case could have far-reaching implications in the world of esports.
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