Esports Site Start.gg Goes Independent Again After Four Years With Microsoft

Start.gg has announced its return to independence after four years under Microsoft’s ownership. The platform, formerly known as Smash.gg before its 2021 rebranding, revealed the transition in a Medium post by co-founder Chris Ogle.

Ogle expressed gratitude toward Microsoft and Xbox for their support since the acquisition, acknowledging the resources and enhancements the tech giant provided during their partnership. “Together, we’ve enhanced our online presence and capabilities, bringing you the best tournament platform for communities like Super Smash Bros, Rocket League, and Pokémon,” Ogle wrote.

As part of this transition, Start.gg will continue to be operated by members of the original Smash.gg team, alongside grassroots tournament organizers and engineers dedicated to refining the platform. 

One of the most significant updates coming with Start.gg’s independence is the introduction of a registration fee. Beginning on February 14, this fee will apply to paid registrations processed through the platform, a move aimed at ensuring the sustainability of the business.

“To ensure our long-term health and growth, we will be implementing a registration fee that’s applied to paid registrations transacted through our platform,” Ogle explained. “This change will help us maintain and improve the services we offer, allowing us to better support the esports communities we’ve built together.”

Alongside this new fee structure, Start.gg plans to roll out user interface improvements and enhanced tournament support. While specifics of these upgrades have yet to be detailed, the company promises that they will improve user experience and tournament organization.