GameBattles, the long-running and legendary online tournament platform, is closing its doors after more than 20 years in business. The site’s impending closure was revealed on the platform’s official social media on the evening of November 13.
When you visit the site today, you will see a popup warning about the closure. “GameBattles Community, ” it says. We have chosen to shut down the GameBattles platform and service on January 15, 2024, after thorough thought.”
GameBattles shutters
The shutdown brings an end to a two-decade run as an online gaming competition platform. GameBattles, which was founded in 2003, was a household name for gamers during the early days of esports. GameBattles was one of the first of its kind, allowing players to organize amateur and semi-professional tournaments and compete in them all online.
Under its former parent business, Major League Gaming, the company excelled in the early and mid-2000s, developing to become the most-utilized tournament platform in all of gaming. However, after MLG was acquired by Activision Blizzard in 2016, GameBattles faded into obscurity. This contrasted with newer names such as Battlefy, FACEIT, Epulze, and others.
Following its acquisition, GameBattles focused solely on Activision Blizzard titles such as Overwatch, Hearthstone, Heroes of the Storm, StarCraft II, and a slew of Call of Duty games. The site was not even featured in EsportsCharts’ 2023 guide to online tournament suppliers, demonstrating its precipitous collapse.
Former MLG employee, and founder of Esports Engine, Adam Apicella eulogized the service in a post on X:
GameBattles will officially shutter on Jan. 15, 2024.
