Overwatch League Commissioner Nate Nanzer Joins Epic Games

by Petar Vukobrat in Overwatch | May, 28th 2019

Overwatch news just keeps on coming these days, and while that’s mostly a good thing, there inevitably comes a time when we get something as strange as this to report on. Overwatch League commissioner Nate Nanzer has not only left his position at the Overwatch League, but has immediately signed with Epic Games — the company behind Fortnite.

Now, switching jobs is nothing strange. In fact, it’s often a good decision that can jumpstart growth. But abandoning his prestigious position at one company — while the Overwatch League sophomore season is in full swing — in favor for another that is deemed as its biggest competitor is a strange choice, to say the least. The grass is often greener on the other side, but it’s not like Nate didn’t have things to do or a full League to guide and develop back at Activision Blizzard. In fact, he’s been doing an incredible job when you take a look at just how far the Overwatch League has come over such a short time span.

The Overwatch League is supposedly a very lucrative endeavor, and even though we don’t have any concrete numbers on its ROI (return on investment), it certainly passes the eye test. The live viewing experience is spectacular, there are thousands of passionate fans scattered across the globe, and the viewership numbers keep on rising.

This isn’t a worrying sign for the Overwatch League, at least not right now, although it is a puzzling one. For Epic Games, however, this a great sign of things to come. They are obviously looking to build a comprehensive esport out of their biggest and most lucrative title yet — and it’s hard to blame them. Nate Nanzer certainly seems like the best man for the job, and having yet another big game in the esports realm will definitely benefit everyone involved.

Activision Blizzard Esports Leagues CEO Pete Vlastelica will replace Nanzer effective immediately.