There can be no doubt thatOverwatchhas been one of Activision Blizzard’s most profitable franchises. On top of revenue from the game, the company has expanded into things likeOverwatchface masks, merch, and of course, the Overwatch League.

Founded in 2018, the Overwatch League was created as the official, professional competitive scene forOverwatch. Teams in the league are separated by location, each representing a certain city. The League slots were purchased by established teams from Activision Blizzard for exorbitant amounts of money. Both the Overwatch League and the COD League have been hit hard by COVID induced marketing restrictions, but some new info has come to light revealing restrictions have been put on players through their contracts as well.

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This news comes from Brandon “Seagull” Larned, former member of Team Envy. Envy was one of the founding teams of the OWL, becoming Dallas Fuel. Larned did not stick around the OWL for long, retiring after its first season in 2018. Only recently, in response to a Tweet from COD League player Seth “Scump” Abner, did Larned give at least part of the reason for this. Apparently, the contract offered by the OWL was very restrictive, even forbidding players from criticizingOverwatchin public. The severity of a contract like that puts thedeparture of pros like Gamsuin a slightly different light.

Larned said in the Tweet that his team “walked,” although they obviously did play in the inaugural OWL season. Presumably the contract was renegotiated before Team Envy signed. Considering the COD League, according to Scump, presented the contract without lawyers present, it’s likely not every OWL team got a renegotiation. Whatever the terms, they were not enough to keep Larned in the League for long. He is far from the only one to walk, as even Jay “Sinatraa” Won, aLeague MVP, quit to playValorant.

As of this article it is uncertain whether or not other COD League or OWL players will come forward about contracts, or even if there is anything to come forward about any more. However, the OWL does not seem to be an attractive long-term prospect for some players. Incredibly, theImmortals Gaming Club is looking to sell its OWL slot, which as mentioned before, is a very expensive purchase.

How much these departures have to do with contracts is unknown, and there are other factors that could contribute. The OWL is clearly a stressful environment on several fronts, at least if thelive collapse of one pro playeris any indication.

Overwatchis available for PC, PS4, Switch, and Xbox One.

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