Richard Lewis

The Substack, authored by Richard Lewis, provides investigative and critical analysis of various issues within the esports, gaming, and sports industries, focusing on controversies such as unethical practices, legal disputes, and industry mismanagement. It also touches on political angles in media and esports business dynamics.

Esports Controversies Industry Mismanagement Legal and Ethical Issues in Gaming Esports Economy Political Commentary in Media Organizational Culture in Esports Esports Event Critique

The hottest Substack posts of Richard Lewis

And their main takeaways

No, I Don't Want To Come To Your Pity Party

1906 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Gaming Esports Media Business Industry
  1. The games and esports industry has experienced a significant number of layoffs due to unsustainable practices and behavior.
  2. Many individuals in the industry exhibit toxic behavior, including forming secret blacklists and engaging in power plays for personal gain.
  3. Esports industry executives have mismanaged funds and made poor decisions, leading to financial instability and a negative impact on the industry as a whole.

The Great Saudi Arabian State “Pay To Play” Scheme

1022 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
💼 Business Esports Saudi Arabia Corporate Influence Ethics Sponsorship
  1. Esports World Cup program provides financial assistance to organizations in exchange for participation in tournaments and generating viewership.
  2. Saudi Arabian state heavily involved in funding and controlling Esports World Cup, aiming to increase global recognition through esports.
  3. Esports organizations receiving stimulus payments from Saudi Arabia may face conflicts of interest and compromise on integrity due to financial ties.
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Gonzo Awards: Worst Decision Of The Year

1316 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🎾 Sports Esports Gaming Athletes
  1. Esports can be full of drama and downfalls due to incompetent narcissists.
  2. Astralis made a series of questionable decisions involving a coach named Hunden.
  3. Astralis' actions resulted in denigration of their own legacy, angering the community, lawsuits, fines, and no improvement in tournament results.

Gonzo Awards: Biggest Scam Of The Year

1120 implied HN points • 20 Jan 24
🎾 Sports Esports Scams Gaming
  1. Esports can be a world of hustles and scams, attracting both opportunists and grifters.
  2. Overwatch 2 and the Overwatch League faced significant challenges and failures in 2023.
  3. The Overwatch esports league experienced financial troubles and controversies, ultimately leading to its downfall.

The Hunden Files 1: The Many Contracts Of Hunden

2712 implied HN points • 27 Mar 23
🎾 Sports Esports Contracts Team Dynamics
  1. Nicolai 'Hunden' Petersen was in dispute with Heroic while also agreeing to join Astralis before his contract ended
  2. Astralis courted Petersen and sent him contracts before his contract with Heroic expired
  3. Petersen attempted to leak tactical documents to Astralis ahead of playing against Heroic at IEM Cologne in 2021

Upcoming Release: The Hunden Files

2338 implied HN points • 27 Mar 23
🎾 Sports Esports Scandal Investigation Coaching
  1. The Hunden Files reveal private communications shedding light on the behavior of Nicolai 'Hunden' Petersen.
  2. Petersen faced consequences for cheating in competitive matches and leaking strategic documents to Astralis.
  3. Legal actions against Petersen are ongoing, with evidence showing his involvement with Astralis while still employed by Heroic.

The Hunden Files 2: The Leak

2044 implied HN points • 28 Mar 23
🎾 Sports Esports Team Dynamics Ethical considerations
  1. Nicolai "Hunden" Petersen faced a ban for sharing strategic materials with a rival team.
  2. The leaked Google Drive incident involved detailed strategies used by Heroic, possibly shared with Astralis.
  3. The court filings suggest Petersen may have shared confidential material irresponsibly, influenced by his desire to join Astralis.

Living Evil: Unearthed Bodies And Sacrificial Lambs

1906 implied HN points • 17 May 23
💼 Business Ethics Leadership Management Work Environment Corporate culture
  1. Multiple reports of harassment and misconduct by key figures in the esports industry were brought to light, leading to their termination.
  2. New management at Evil Geniuses used past incidents involving employees as excuses to remove them, while also driving out senior employees who challenged their decisions.
  3. The company culture at Evil Geniuses shifted dramatically after the departure of senior staff, leading to a challenging and unbearable work environment.

The Appropriately Mediocre Send Off For CS:GO

1749 implied HN points • 25 May 23
🎾 Sports Esports Tournament Broadcasting Teams
  1. The competitive scene for CS:GO is stagnant, and a true farewell may not be around the corner.
  2. The format of CS:GO Majors and the seeding system have major flaws that impact the fairness of the competition.
  3. The broadcasting, show concepts, and overall production quality of CS:GO events have become bland and lack the excitement and innovation of the past.

Living Evil: Covid, Counter-Strike And An Unnecessary Rebranding

1886 implied HN points • 28 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Gaming Management Branding
  1. Evil Geniuses faced challenges during the Covid-19 pandemic with management disregarding safety protocols and putting staff at risk.
  2. The Counter-Strike team's decline was highlighted by poor management decisions and player dissatisfaction.
  3. An unnecessary rebranding at Evil Geniuses led to public ridicule and internal disapproval, showcasing a disconnect between management and staff.

Living Evil: Blind Eyes And Little Support

1336 implied HN points • 05 Jul 23
🎾 Sports Mental health
  1. Evil Geniuses faced criticism for alleged lack of support for mental health of staff and players
  2. Former employees reported complaints regarding workplace conditions, bullying, and poor management decisions
  3. Organizational problems extended across different teams, showing a trend of neglecting mental health and well-being

Network News And The Wannabe Dictators

1297 implied HN points • 17 Jun 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Presidents Election Political Discourse
  1. FOX News used a provocative chyron about Biden and Trump, stirring controversy.
  2. Media outlets across the political spectrum have engaged in hyperbolic language towards political figures, including calling Trump a dictator.
  3. Biden's actions and statements have also been scrutinized for behavior that could align with the characteristics of a dictator, challenging the perception of who fits that label.

Living Evil: How North Americas Greatest Esports Brand Became A Nightmare

1 HN point • 25 Apr 23
🎾 Sports Esports Management Work Culture Acquisition Brand
  1. Evil Geniuses faced financial struggles under new ownership, leading to a decline in performance and brand reputation.
  2. The takeover by Peak6 brought in new management, leading to a shift in company culture and a focus on rebranding.
  3. Former and current employees reported negative experiences, citing a lack of care for staff well-being and a culture of intimidation.