WARNER BROS & BANDAI CUT TIES WITH WEPLAY ESPORTS: SUSPICION FALLS ON 1XBET LINKS

Ukraine-based WePlay Esports might be questioning the wisdom of partnering with controversial betting operator 1xBet, after major game publishers cut ties with the organiser. 

On Friday, both Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment-owned NetherRealm Studios, and Bandai Namco Esports issued statements saying they would no longer be working with WePlay Esports, or allowing their games to be utilised in WePlay-operated events.

NetherRealm cited “differences in vision”, while Bandai referred to “differences in vision and professional standards,” as the reason for the move. 

In response, WePlay Esports issued a statement saying: “WePlay has always strived to raise the standards in every tournament we put together by delivering the highest quality events, using innovative production techniques, and providing the best conditions for players and talents alike.

“With WUFL Season 1 we put together one of the most memorable FGC tournaments to date, approved by both BANDAI and NRS. Our goal was always and still is to provide the community with a world-class event that everyone can enjoy.

“The news received today caught us by surprise. Since WUFL began and the event finished, we tried to discuss the future seasons, go over feedback, and address the first season with both NRS and BANDAI but have had no response. Our vision and dedication to the FGC have not changed, and we will continue to move forward by making amazing events and content that the community deserves.”

AYO.NEWS says:

Though we very much respect WePlay Esports in many ways, the reason for Warner Bros. and Bandai’s move seems obvious. The fact that anyone at WePlay considered a partnership with 1xBet to be a good idea is beyond belief. 

Not only are the suspected creators of 1xBet (Sergey Karshkov, Roman Semiokhin and Dmitry Kazorin) wanted by both Russian and UK authorities for suspected embezzlement and unlawful practices, but the operator also lost its UK license after an explosive 2019 investigation by the Sunday Times raised serious questions about compliance and legality. Indeed, the operator’s UK football partners, Premier League clubs, Tottenham, Liverpool, and Chelsea, dramatically cut ties with the operator under threat of possible prosecution.

Of course, it’s not just WePlay Esports that recently did a deal with 1xBet. In March, ESL also announced a partnership with the disgraced betting operator – taking many by surprise. 

The whole thing reminds us of the short-lived BLAST and Riot Games Saudi Arabian partnerships of 2020.