The layoffs at Blizzard have also affected more well-known individuals. The “face of eSports” at Overwatch must also leave – the lively Soe Gschwind.
In recent days, there have been massive layoffs at Activision Blizzard and other Microsoft companies. 1,900 employees were let go, many of whom were at Blizzard. This has not only led to the cancellation of the survival game but has also affected numerous employees in the eSports sector.
Among them: Soe Gschwind, who was the face of eSports in Overwatch for many fans.
Who is Soe Gschwind? Most people are likely familiar with 35-year-old Salome “Soe” Gschwind-Repp from the streams surrounding Overwatch and Overwatch 2 – especially in the eSports field. She has worked for Blizzard since 2017 and has accompanied the matches as an analyst and host, led various events, and conducted interviews with players and developers.
On X (formerly Twitter), Soe Gschwind shared a picture of herself in the kitchen holding a glass of champagne – of course, in an Overwatch glass. She wrote:
After 7 years of service, I have now been laid off by Blizzard. Working there was a dream come true, and I am saddened that my time was cut short.
(Yes, I was ready with champagne for this call … one has to celebrate the good times and the opportunities I had!)
What’s next? I am available again!
Particularly bitter about this incident is that Soe Gschwind was laid off shortly after presenting the new eSports plans to all Overwatch fans in a video. After the discontinuation of the official Overwatch League, the game is now switching to a more traditional system that relies less heavily on sponsors and aims to provide greater accessibility.
There should have been no changes to the eSports plans at Blizzard – even with these layoffs.
This is how the community reacts: Many fans are quite disappointed with this decision. Soe Gschwind was always considered “the face” of eSports in Overwatch, who was always passionate and enthusiastic.
A moving speech by Gschwind, which she gave at the end of the league in October 2023, particularly stands out in memory for many. In the Overwatch subreddit, her layoff is commented on as follows:
- “I haven’t followed this for a few years, but watching Soe was always a pleasure. She loved what she did with passion. I know she will easily find something elsewhere.” – AJMax104
- “They used her one last time to announce the new Overwatch eSports and then tossed her aside. Insane.” – BodegaBandit69
- “Soe brought so much personality to the Overwatch League, and given the way [Blizzard] treated the league, they did not deserve Soe at all. I hope she finds a place where her talents are recognized (just like the other employees who were fired).” – 0zzy82
It is clear that this decision did not sit well with fans. For many, Soe has been one of the faces of eSports in Overwatch. However, some also note that her layoff makes sense. With a significantly smaller eSports concept for Overwatch 2, her role in the team has likely become redundant.
Many, however, had hoped that Blizzard would find another position for her.
Other employees are using their layoffs to quickly snag 10 years of free WoW.
