Key Points :
- Esports pro Seth ‘Scump’ Abner sued Activision Blizzard over alleged monopoly in Call of Duty esports
- The $680 million lawsuit challenged high franchise fees, restrictions, and control over revenue streams
- However, a US District Court has dismissed the lawsuit, referring it to independent arbitration
In a major development for the Call of Duty esports scene, a highly publicized lawsuit filed by professional player Seth ‘Scump’ Abner against Activision Blizzard has been dismissed by a US District Court.
Scump’s Lawsuit Against Activision Blizzard
According to a Report by ESports, OpTic Gaming owner Hector ‘H3CZ’ Rodriguez, joined hands with Scump and filed a lawsuit seeking a staggering $680 million in damages from Activision Blizzard. The lawsuit alleged that the gaming giant held an “anticompetitive monopoly” over the Call of Duty esports scene since 2020, exercising tight control over various aspects of operations for participating organizations.
Key allegations in the lawsuit included the “extortionate” $27.5 million franchise entry fee for the Call of Duty League (CDL), competition and tournament restrictions, mismanagement of organizations, and strict control over sponsorship deals and revenue streams.
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Court Dismissal and Independent Arbitration
Despite the significant claims and potential damages, the US District Court has dismissed Scump’s lawsuit against Activision Blizzard. According to the report, the court has referred the matter to be resolved through an independent and neutral arbitrator.
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Future of Call of Duty Esports
While the lawsuit’s dismissal may be a relief for Activision Blizzard, concerns remain among fans about the future of the Call of Duty League and the company’s management of its esports ecosystem. Factors such as viewership drops, controversial regulations, and a perceived lack of support for the competitive scene have contributed to growing unease within the community.
As the matter moves to independent arbitration, stakeholders will closely monitor the proceedings and their potential impact on the trajectory of Call of Duty esports.
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