Embark Studios has announced a significant organizational shift to strengthen its competitive gaming division for The Finals. The studio confirmed that Oscar Lundberg, known by his handle Schnobben, has transitioned from his role as Community Lead to Competitive Operations Lead. This change marks the beginning of a dedicated internal team focused on supporting the esports ecosystem for the title.
Grand Major 2026 set for DreamHack Stockholm
Lundberg stated that the studio takes the future of The Finals seriously and believes esports holds a real place in its long-term strategy. He emphasized that this new structure is not a departure from his community engagement. He plans to continue hosting weekly streams on Discord and Twitch, engaging with the player base, and representing community feedback within the studio.
The competitive calendar for The Finals includes the Grand Major 2026. This event is scheduled to take place in late November at DreamHack Stockholm. The tournament features a prize pool of $200,000, highlighting the studio's financial commitment to the professional scene.
Janice, another key figure mentioned in the announcement, also received new roles and responsibilities within the studio's esports efforts. The combined leadership of Lundberg and Janice signals a unified push to professionalize the game's competitive infrastructure. This move aligns with broader industry trends where developers invest in dedicated teams to sustain player interest and competitive integrity.
Embark Studios has not confirmed the specific launch window for the new esports initiatives beyond the November event. The studio has not disclosed details regarding the structure of the dedicated team or the full scope of Janice's new responsibilities. Players will need to wait for further announcements to understand how these changes will impact the day-to-day competitive experience.
Source: Embark Studios, Insider Gaming
