NTT DOCOMO, INC. announced that its esports league brand, X-MOMENT, will shut down as of Wednesday, April 10, 2024.
Along with this, the PUBG MOBILE JAPAN LEAGUE and Rainbow Six Japan League will also conclude with the 2023 season leagues.
やっぱり有観客オフライン大会は最高！R6Sの日本国内リーグ「RJL2022」Season1 Playoff Stage2現地レポート！
X-MOMENT to Shut Down on April 10
株式会社NTTドコモの運営するeスポーツリーグブランド「X-MOMENT」は、2024年4月10日をもって終了することといたしましたのでお知らせいたします。
2021年に運営を開始して以来、多くの方に支えていただき、ありがとうございました。
詳細は、下記ページをご参照ください。https://t.co/CJRujiU7Ib
— X-MOMENT【公式】 (@XMOMENT_esports) January 18, 2024
X-MOMENT, operated by NTT DOCOMO, INC., updated its official website and official X account (@XMOMENT_esports).
The brand announced that it will shut down as of Wednesday, April 10, 2024.
X-MOMENT is an esports league brand launched in January 2021 as part of NTT DOCOMO's esports business.
It operated many esports tournaments and leagues, centering on the pro leagues for PUBG MOBILE and Rainbow Six Siege.
In particular, it contributed to building the foundation for Japanese esports by guaranteeing an annual salary of 3.5 million yen or more for participating pro league competitors.
What Happens to Future League Operations?
2024年 PUBG MOBILE Esportsについてお知らせいたします。
2023年は世界大会で活躍できるチームを生み出す目標をかかげ、TOP16チームが長期に渡り試合を実施し、上位リーグのレベルを上げるリーグを開催いたしました。
2024年のPUBG MOBILE JAPAN… pic.twitter.com/9nhbpW8sdG
— PUBG MOBILE JAPAN LEAGUE 公式 (@PMJL_official) January 18, 2024
The PUBG MOBILE pro league, PUBG MOBILE JAPAN LEAGUE, will continue to kick off in May 2024 as PUBG MOBILE JAPAN LEAGUE SEASON 4.
While major changes cannot be denied, such as the total prize pool being 10 million yen compared to last year's SEASON 3 which was 100 million yen, the pathway to global tournaments seems to be secured.
For details, please check the PUBG MOBILE official website.
2021年からのパートナーシップは素晴らしいもので本当に感謝しています。
X-MOMENTはR6Sコミュニティの中でも特別な存在でした！
RJLは今後も全力疾走を続けます、シーズン2024の詳細は近日発表予定です。 https://t.co/lQsfFvrV1f— レインボーシックス公式 (@Rainbow6JP) January 18, 2024
On the other hand, management has not announced any details regarding the Rainbow Six Siege pro league, Rainbow Six Japan League, at this moment.
However, the official Rainbow Six X account mentioned, "RJL will continue to run at full speed ahead, and details for the 2024 season will be announced soon." Therefore, it is certain to continue under a different management structure.
Both leagues, which had been operated with some of the best treatment and conditions within Japan, will close their curtains after a 3-year history.
Even before this announcement, various pro teams had already been announcing the disbandment of related divisions and the expiration of competitor contracts, leading to concerns about a future downsizing of the leagues.
While the current situation reveals glimpses of challenges alongside accumulated know-how as various companies experience entering and withdrawing from esports, we hope to keep a close eye on the future of professional esports.