Start.gg Splits from Microsoft
Business
03 February 2025 11:58
Esports tournament platform Start.gg has regained its independence. Previously known as Smash.gg before its rebranding, the site announced that it is once again an independent company focused on supporting both grassroots and professional esports communities.
Chris Ogle, co-founder of Smash.gg, shared the news in a Medium post, expressing gratitude to Microsoft and Xbox for their support. He confirmed that Start.gg will continue operating with members of the original Smash.gg team, as well as dedicated grassroots tournament organizers and engineers committed to enhancing the platform.
A major upcoming change is the introduction of a registration fee starting February 14 to help sustain the site. Alongside this adjustment, Start.gg plans to upgrade its user interface and tournament support.
"Since our inception back in 2015, our goal has always been to foster esports communities around the games people love to play," wrote Ogle. "This goal remains at the heart of everything we do, and we look forward to continuing our journey with you."
Related news
View AllMicrosoft agrees to a $250 million settlement. The Swedish pension fund Sjunde AP-Fonden filed the suit back in 2022, arguing...
Drama
May 27, 2026
Matthew Ball joins Xbox at a time when Microsoft needs a new direction. Industry's most-cited independent voice will take the...
Hires
May 22, 2026
TL;DR * Microsoft Gaming is reverting to the Xbox brand under new CEO Asha Sharma and CCO Matt Booty, who...
Business
Apr 27, 2026
TL;DR * Xbox has reduced Game Pass Ultimate from $29.99 to $22.99 per month and PC Game Pass from $16.49...
Business
Apr 22, 2026
TL;DR * Phil Spencer is stepping down as CEO of Microsoft Gaming after a career-defining tenure that included the acquisitions...
Hires
Feb 23, 2026
Business
03 February 2025 11:58
Esports tournament platform Start.gg has regained its independence. Previously known as Smash.gg before its rebranding, the site announced that it is once again an independent company focused on supporting both grassroots and professional esports communities.
Chris Ogle, co-founder of Smash.gg, shared the news in a Medium post, expressing gratitude to Microsoft and Xbox for their support. He confirmed that Start.gg will continue operating with members of the original Smash.gg team, as well as dedicated grassroots tournament organizers and engineers committed to enhancing the platform.
A major upcoming change is the introduction of a registration fee starting February 14 to help sustain the site. Alongside this adjustment, Start.gg plans to upgrade its user interface and tournament support.
"Since our inception back in 2015, our goal has always been to foster esports communities around the games people love to play," wrote Ogle. "This goal remains at the heart of everything we do, and we look forward to continuing our journey with you."
Related news
View AllMicrosoft agrees to a $250 million settlement. The Swedish pension fund Sjunde AP-Fonden filed the suit back in 2022, arguing...
Drama
May 27, 2026
Matthew Ball joins Xbox at a time when Microsoft needs a new direction. Industry's most-cited independent voice will take the...
Hires
May 22, 2026
TL;DR * Microsoft Gaming is reverting to the Xbox brand under new CEO Asha Sharma and CCO Matt Booty, who...
Business
Apr 27, 2026
TL;DR * Xbox has reduced Game Pass Ultimate from $29.99 to $22.99 per month and PC Game Pass from $16.49...
Business
Apr 22, 2026
TL;DR * Phil Spencer is stepping down as CEO of Microsoft Gaming after a career-defining tenure that included the acquisitions...
Hires
Feb 23, 2026