Pixel P&L: Saudi-Owned EFG Shutters Burbank Operations, Citing Profitability Goals

In today’s Pixel P&L, we cover layoffs at ESL FACEIT Group’s Esports Engine facility, clarifications on recent job cuts at Marvel Rivals, the merger of Gamescom Asia and Thailand Game Show, and a Chinese film setting a new record as the highest-grossing animated movie of all time.

/ ESL FACEIT Group to Close Burbank Office, Lay Off Majority of Esports Engine Staff

ESL FACEIT Group (EFG) is shutting down its Esports Engine facility in Burbank, California, with most employees facing layoffs, The Esports Advocate reports. Employees were notified on Wednesday, with a town hall scheduled for Thursday to provide further details. The Burbank office housed an estimated 20 to 30 staff, most of whom will be affected, while a small number may relocate to Ohio or work remotely.

This move follows EFG’s March 2024 restructuring, which cut 15% of its workforce—roughly 250 to 300 employees—and shuttered several business units. According to The Esports Advocate, pressure from EFG’s owner, Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), via Savvy Games Group, has driven the push for profitability. In a statement, EFG said consolidating production in Ohio would enhance efficiency but did not specify how many employees would be retained.

Marvel Rivals Clarifies Layoff Report, Director’s Role

Marvel Rivals pushed back against reports that its top director was laid off, stating that Thaddeus Sasser (the game director) was not the highest-ranking leader on the project. A Community Manager on the official Marvel Rivals Discord clarified that the game’s sole director is Guangguang Chen, its China-based creative director. However, it should be noted that the same Community Manager had previously referred to Sasser as the game director in a September post.

The clarification follows confusion over recent staffing changes at NetEase’s Seattle office. While layoffs have been confirmed, only six employees were affected—a small fraction of NetEase’s 29,128-person workforce. In a statement, the company attributed the cuts to restructuring efforts aimed at improving operational efficiency.

⚡ Quick Bytes

Gamescom Asia, Thailand Game Show to Merge in 2025

The unified event will be held from October 16-19 in Bangkok later this year. The merger combines Gamescom Asia’s industry focus with Thailand Game Show’s large consumer presence, which drew 185,000 attendees in 2024. Organized by Koelnmesse and Show No Limit, with support from Thailand’s Digital Economy Promotion Agency (DEPA), the event will feature networking, game showcases, esports tournaments, and conferences..

China’s Ne Zha 2 Becomes Highest-Grossing Animated Film Ever

Chinese fantasy epic Ne Zha 2 has shattered box office records, earning $1.7 billion and surpassing Inside Out 2 as the highest-grossing animated film of all time. Released on January 29, 2025, during Chinese New Year, it hit the milestone in under three weeks. With a modest $80 million budget, Ne Zha 2 is now the highest-grossing film of 2025 and is also the first non-Hollywood film to cross $1 billion worldwide .

Casio Launches Pac-Man Themed Watches in India for 45th Anniversary

The collection includes four designs featuring characters like Blinky, Inky, Clyde, and Pinky, along with themed packaging and engravings referencing the arcade classic. Prices range from ₹3,600 to ₹12,000. The watches are available on Casio’s official website and other retailers.

💡 Did You Know?

Did you know that the computer game Tron was released after the popular movie hit theaters? Although the film pioneered groundbreaking visuals and storytelling in 1982, its arcade game adaptation hit arcades shortly afterward. Remarkably, the Tron arcade game generated more revenue than the movie earned in theaters. Gamers were captivated by its innovative digital world and immersive gameplay, propelling the game to unexpected financial success.

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