Well-known Call of Duty esports commentator Miles Ross has been affected by the latest round of layoffs at Microsoft, he announced today.
“Last week I was let go from ATVI during the latest wave of Microsoft layoffs alongside some brilliant friends in the CDL team,” Ross said on X/Twitter. “While this certainly sucks I am still extremely excited for the BO6 season, and even more amped for what the future holds. For now, my exclusivity with Call of Duty has ended, so bang my line and let’s kick some ass together.”
That last line about “exclusivity” is the one that stands out in Ross’ statement. Ross being laid off doesn’t necessarily mean he won’t be casting in the CDL anymore; it means he’s now open to other opportunities outside of the CDL going forward. It’s unclear at this time, however, if Microsoft intends to sign Ross to a contract for the 2025 CDL season or if it’s moving on from the commentator as a whole.
Ross has been a staple on competitive Call of Duty broadcasts for a number of years, especially during the CDL era as part of a casting duo with Thomas “Chance” Ashworth. In recent years, Chance and Ross have commentated over many high-level matches and grand finals at CDL tournaments—especially after prominent casters MerK and Maven were unsure if they’d even be involved with CDL broadcasts following the 2021 season.
Despite Ross’ announcement possibly reminding longtime CoD esports fans of that scenario a few years ago, Maven clarified in the comments of Ross’ Twitter/X post that these are “vastly different situations“—while also welcoming Ross back to the freelance grind. “Hopefully, this ends up being a blessing and leads to way more extra freelance opportunities for you,” Maven said in the replies to Ross’ post. “I’m sure we will still be casting CoD together… otherwise I’d be drop kicking people.”
Ross has brought plenty of smiles and laughs to the CDL broadcast for a long time. While many fans are still eager to see how rostermania will play out ahead of the professional Black Ops 6 season, others will now be waiting to find out whether or not we’ll hear Ross on the CDL broadcast in 2025.
