Mass Redundancies At Player1 Events Leaves Future Of Insomnia Gaming Festival Uncertain
UK-based gaming event organiser Player1 Events has reportedly undergone significant staff layoffs, according to multiple social media posts and reports. Initially reported by Esports News UK, sources close to the situation claim that all staff members at Player1 Events were let go on May 14th. The redundancies follow a series of changes within the company since Insomnia and Player1 Events were bought by Supernova Capital in 2021, including Neil Gaisford's appointment as CEO in August 2022 and the departure of Insomnia founder Craig ‘Wizzo’ Fletcher in November 2023.
The layoffs have not been confirmed by Player1 Events, but former employees including Peter Lewis, the former Head People Officer of the company’s parent company SuperNova Capital, have announced their redundancy on social media. Additionally, concerns have been raised regarding the payment of contractors who worked at the recent Insomnia 72 event, with DJ Nathy B being the first to come forward saying that he has not yet been paid for his time.
Player1 Events, which oversees the Insomnia Gaming Festival, has been a prominent figure in the UK gaming scene since its rebranding from Multiplay in 2018. However, the company's future is uncertain, with no official announcement regarding the next Insomnia Gaming Festival, scheduled for September 4th to 8th. RuneFest, an event intended to run alongside Insomnia 73, has already postponed the sale of tickets due to "unforeseen circumstances."
The layoffs at Player1 Events add to a series of industry-wide job cuts, with some referring to it as 'the esports winter.' Player1 Events and SuperNova Capital have yet to comment on the situation.
