Activision Blizzard is being sued for allegedly holding a monopoly over Call of Duty esports

In a recent development within the competitive gaming community, two influential figures in the Call of Duty realm, Hector "H3CZ" Rodriguez, the owner of OpTic Texas, and Seth "Scump" Abner, a notable former player for the same team, have raised serious allegations against Activision Blizzard. They are bringing attention to what they see as monopolistic actions by the game publisher that they believe are both anti-competitive and harmful to the esports environment surrounding the popular first-person shooter.

The foundation of their lawsuit can be traced back to 2016 when Activision Blizzard took over Major League Gaming, effectively removing any significant competitors from the field. Since then, the duo claims, Activision Blizzard has put up barriers to prevent other organizations from hosting competitive Call of Duty events, thereby consolidating its control over the esports scene.

They further criticize the limited number of teams permitted in the Call of Duty League (CDL), noting that despite years of operation, the league has only allowed for 12 teams. This, they argue, is a strategy by Activision Blizzard to keep a tight grip on who gets to participate in high-level competitive play, contrasting with the Overwatch League's expansion from 12 to 20 teams after just a few seasons.

The lawsuit also highlights the steep financial barrier to entry into the league, citing an alleged price tag of around $27.5 million for securing a spot. With these accusations on the table, Rodriguez and Abner are seeking damages that amount to over $680 million.

Activision Blizzard has responded to these allegations, asserting a strong defense. The company has indicated its intention to vigorously defend against the claims, which they describe as baseless both factually and legally. The defense further expresses disappointment, saying it's unfortunate such a lawsuit would be brought forth as it disrupts the efforts and investments of team owners, players, fans, and partners who have devoted a great deal of time and resources to the success of the Call of Duty League.