Complexity Gaming shuts down after 23 years – Here's what we know

Khizar Mundia Published 25/09/2026

Esports organization Complexity Gaming is ending its 23-year run, as its founder announces its shutdown.

Complexity is an organization that has been around since the early days of esports. The organization had rosters in multiple games, including Counter-Strike and Valorant. Despite this, Complexity’s CS roster was the most famous, as it won several major events. This is why it was a surprise for fans to hear that Complexity is shutting down.

Why is Complexity Gaming shutting down?

Jason Lake, founder of Complexity Gaming, announced in a video that the company is shutting down because of financial reasons. He stated that they had evaluated the business and its prospects, but ultimately decided at the end of 2025 that it was better to shut down professionally rather than crash.

Lake elaborated that Lake’s group couldn’t raise enough money to fulfil the financing agreement used when it bought Complexity back from GameSquare in 2024. For reference, GameSquare had purchased Complexity in 2021 for $27 million. Lake and his investment group purchased Complexity from GameSquare for $10.36 million in 2024. However, the entire amount wasn’t paid upfront.

Complexity Gaming shuts down

The majority of the purchase price, roughly $9.6 million, was covered by a seller note, which was owed to GameSquare. Jason Lake admitted that the funds to repay the loan couldn’t be raised, so he and his core team are no longer part of Complexity.

The Complexity brand and its IP will be reverted to GameSquare, but Complexity has ceased operations after 23 years. Lake also confirmed that while he was leaving Complexity, he wasn’t retiring from esports.

Complexity’s shutdown isn’t surprising

Complexity is still best known for its association with Counter-Strike, which began in 2004. However, the organization left the CS scene almost two decades later, in 2025, with Jason Lake explaining that the esports economy has become difficult and Complexity was unable to generate the revenue required for a tier-one roster.

This was a major blow, as Counter-Strike was a crucial element for Complexity. The organization continued to operate at a smaller scale following this move, but it appears it couldn’t bounce back financially.

Lake’s group buying back Complexity from GameSquare was a big move that came with a large financial obligation. The organization was already struggling financially, which explains why Lake has now announced that operations would shut down.

Complexity tried to scale back operations to survive but ultimately failed. Jason Lake has also stated that he is looking for future prospects, but it’s unclear when or how he will make a comeback.

Featured image credit: Complexity Gaming

Khizar Mundia

About Khizar Mundia

Khizar Mundia has been playing video games for as long as he can recall. Things have come a long way since the many days he spent playing the original NES, though. He now covers a variety of competitive games and esports, as well as the world of streaming, ranging from Twitch to Kick. If it’s of interest to gamers, it’s of interest to Khizar.

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