Greg Selkoe, Clinton Sparks, and Wil Eddins have all departed North American organisation FaZe Clan and started a new venture.
XSET, an organisation led by the three former FaZe Clan executives, will prioritise inclusivity and social good, according to a report from The New York Times.
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Sources have confirmed to Esports Insider that an internal announcement about Selkoe’s departure was made in May, months before XSET was announced, and that VP of Business Development, Sparks, and VP of Apparel, Eddins, both handed in their letters of resignation this week.
Selkoe, FaZe Clan’s former president, told The New York Times about his new venture: “We realized there was a huge void that needed to be filled in the gaming marketplace. Gamers are from all walks of life and all backgrounds. But if you look at the current organizations, they sort of resemble a frat house. They’re not reflective of the racial and gender diversity in the gaming world.”
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XSET will field teams in Call of Duty, VALORANT, and Fortnite, and recruit “notable musical artists, brands, and celebrities.” Stating that “we’re not just going to take on somebody because they’re popular,” XSET is said to have already recruited Call of Duty streamer Cory “Bartonologist” Barton, Miami Dolphins linebacker Kyle Van Noy, skateboarder Minna Stess, and Fortnite streamer “AshleyBTW.”
Lee Trink, CEO of FaZe Clan, responded to the decision from his former colleagues in the same report: “Greg was an asset to FaZe and we wish him the best in his next endeavor. When it comes to diversity in gaming there certainly hasn’t been enough progress in this crucial area, and we will encourage and support anyone who sets out to address this vital issue.
“FaZe has moved diversity and inclusion to the forefront of our priorities, specifically through the formation of a Diversity Council earlier this year, unconscious bias trainings for our gamers and employees and an ongoing commitment to diversifying the industry. We welcome anyone who will join us in working toward these incredibly important goals.”
Esports Insider says: The report seems to frame Selkoe’s departure from FaZe Clan as a result of his new venture, whereas our sources affirm that his parting with the organisation was already set in stone months ago. Nonetheless, it’ll be interesting to see how XSET goes about things, as now is a very timely period to promise inclusivity.