By Sagar V. Mankar 
ESL FACEIT Group is closing its Burbank, California studio and moving operations to Columbus, Ohio, affecting 20 to 30 employees in the process.
While initial reports suggested widespread layoffs, ESL has clarified to The Esports Advocate that only a small number of employees will be let go, with most being offered opportunities to relocate or work remotely.
The announcement follows closely on the heels of a larger workforce reduction. The company had already cut 15% of its global staff – roughly 250-300 employees – in March 2024. During that restructuring, co-CEO Niccolo Maisto revealed that about 1,200 employees remained with the company.
The decision to consolidate operations in Ohio appears to be driven by financial considerations. Reports suggest that ESL FACEIT Group is under pressure from its owner, Savvy Games Group – a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) – to achieve profitability by the end of the year.
The Burbank facility has been an important part of ESL’s operations since its integration into Esports Engine. This integration occurred following the acquisition of its parent company Vindex by ESL FACEIT Group in March 2023. Before this, these employees were part of Next Generation Esports prior to a merger that took place on October 31, 2019
In an official statement to TEA, ESL FACEIT Group emphasized that this move “to maintain and grow its position as the world’s leading esports business.” They explained that consolidating operations in a studio in Columbus would “improve their service quality and delivery capabilities.”The company has committed to supporting affected employees through this transition, either through relocation opportunities or remote work arrangements.