Canadian esports and entertainment company X1 Esports has announced it will cease operations of UK-based esports organisation Rix.GG.
As a result, the company will shift focus to its Rocket League media service Shift Media and talent management firm Tyrus Talent Services.
According to a release, X1 will remain in the esports industry but will no longer field competitive rosters in competitions. Rix.GG currently fields a roster in League of Legends: Wild Rift which will no longer compete as of March 2023. The departure from Wild Rift esports follows Riot Games’ announcement that it will discontinue support for the game’s competitive ecosystem outside of Asia.
In addition to Wild Rift, the organisation previously competed in the VALORANT Game Changers circuit with its Lightning roster that left in November. Alongside the team, its Head of Inclusion and Team Manager Nicole Sølvmose also departed their position.
Throughout 2022, X1 focused on multiple other verticals outside of competing in esports tournaments. In September, it agreed to acquire Rocket League statistics database Octane.gg for $35,000 (~£28,495) in cash. The company also acquired Rocket League news outlet ShiftRLE and Tyrus Talent Services in July.
X1 says it aims to expand its existing portfolio ‘through a combination of organic growth and accretive M&A.’
Rix.GG isn’t the only esports entity to cease operations in recent months. In November, esports social media network Juked shut its doors following a breakdown in negotiations with potential buyers.
Additionally, esports tabloid publication Jaxon ceased operations in December following a halt in funding from digital publishing company Axel Springer SE and Samsung Electronics.
