Earlier this year, Richard ‘Banks’ Bengston reclaimed control of FaZe Clan, the organization he co-founded almost fifteen years ago. This decision came after an acquisition by GameSquare that was finalized last year amidst FaZe’s ongoing financial struggles. As previously pledged by Banks, the organization has undergone a refresh with FaZe Clan parting ways with a significant number of content creators, streamers, and employees – including some who have been with the brand for over a decade.
The move has sparked widespread debates online regarding the direction FaZe Clan is taking. While the core lineup still consists of established creators and players, a notable shift has been the departure of many longstanding members, with the exception of ‘OGs’ and a few top-tier creators like NICKMERCS. While the changes were anticipated, the impacted individuals wasted no time expressing their surprise and disappointment on social media.
Out With The New
In March, FaZe Banks took charge of the brand’s social media platforms, initially blacking them out and then maintaining radio silence. He announced plans to restructure the company’s operations, pivoting towards a stronger focus on esports and gaming, reminiscent of FaZe Clan’s original peak era when it garnered a rapidly growing following in gaming history. Today, FaZe Clan remains a dominant brand in the esports scene, but challenges persist.
In a Twitter post, Banks outlined the core FaZe Clan roster (excluding the organization’s esports teams) to now include:
- Adapt
- Apex
- Banks
- Jev
- Kaysan
- NICKMERCS
- Replays
- Ronaldo
- Rug
- Scope
- Swagg
- Temperrr
- Your Rage
- ZooMaa
The restructuring has been met with mixed responses. Some believe it was necessary, while others feel it lacked tact, as FaZe Banks engaged in confrontations with critics expressing disappointment. The list of members no longer with FaZe Clan includes:
- Blaze
- Booya
- CBass
- Cizzorz
- Faxuty
- Flea
- H1ghSky1
- Kalei
- Nate Hill
- Nio
- Proze
- Santana
- Sway
- Testy
The path forward for the organization remains uncertain, but the restructuring is aimed at ‘returning to roots.’ Of particular note is the removal of Kalei, one of the organization’s most popular female Warzone streamers. She addressed the news emotionally in a video, reflecting the sentiments of former members who have also expressed their shock and disappointment. FaZe Banks defended the decision on social media, emphasizing the need to start anew in order to restore the brand back to its former vibrancy and camaraderie.
Many former FaZe Clan members have shared their reactions to the restructuring, highlighting their pain and surprise at the changes. It will be intriguing to see which former employees find new opportunities with other organizations and brands in the esports industry.
For more industry updates, visit Esports.net
