TL;DR
- Gen.G targets Cloud9 veterans autimatic and daps plus CR4ZY’s SHiPZ for CSGO debut
- Organization enters during market polarization with NRG/Renegades exits versus EG/100T entries
- Player selections raise questions about recent performance versus established talent
- Substantial financial investment required for acquisition strategy success
- Strategic timing coincides with post-major roster shuffle and investment backing
Industry sources indicate Gen.G is preparing to establish a competitive presence in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive by assembling a roster through strategic acquisitions from established organizations. The Korean esports powerhouse appears focused on securing talent from CR4ZY and Cloud9 to build their inaugural CSGO squad.
According to dbltap.com’s investigative reporting, Gen.G’s recruitment efforts concentrate on Cloud9 veterans Timothy “autimatic” Ta and Damian “daps” Steele. Additional negotiations involve Georgi “SHiPZ” Grigorov from CR4ZY, suggesting a comprehensive team-building approach.
From Cloud9’s organizational standpoint, these potential departures present significant strategic concerns. Autimatic represents institutional continuity, having remained with Cloud9 since 2016 as the sole survivor from their championship 2018 ELEAGUE Major roster. His consistent performance through multiple roster upheavals and unsuccessful trial periods maintains his status among North America’s elite CSGO competitors.
Daps joined Cloud9’s lineup recently in July, yet brings substantial in-game leadership credentials from successful tenures with both OpTic Gaming and NRG Esports. Simultaneously losing both players would necessitate another complete roster reconstruction precisely when Cloud9 demonstrates promising competitive development.
Meanwhile, SHiPZ has experienced considerable professional instability recently. His previous organization, Windigo Gaming, ceased operations in October citing financial difficulties stemming from tournament organizer payment issues. His transfer to CR4ZY occurred on November 4, adding another layer of complexity to Gen.G’s acquisition strategy.
Gen.G potentially picking an interesting time to join CSGO
While Gen.G maintains strongest recognition for its League of Legends competitive division, the organization has seriously investigated CSGO expansion throughout recent months. Their international footprint beyond Korean markets continues developing, supported by recent capital infusion from Entrepreneurs Roundtable Accelerator investors.
Current market conditions create fascinating timing for external organizations entering CSGO competitive landscape. Several established brands, particularly NRG Esports and Renegades, are currently withdrawing from the space. NRG CEO Andy Miller expressed candid perspectives about CSGO’s business ecosystem during September discussions with Dexerto.
“The fundamental challenge involved the Counter-Strike environment itself rather than team performance…Frankly, I believe current conditions represent unfavorable business circumstances for organizations presently,” Miller stated.
Counterbalancing these exits, organizations including Evil Geniuses and 100 Thieves acquired NRG and Renegades rosters respectively, marking returns to Counter-Strike after extended absences. Multiple reports also indicate external organizations like OG considering initial entries into competitive CSGO.
Is Gen.G chasing the right CSGO players?
Autimatic, daps, and SHiPZ collectively demonstrate limited competitive achievements throughout the past half-year, with all three currently contracted to established organizations. This reality makes Gen.G’s apparent strategy of constructing a team foundation around them somewhat unexpected from analytical perspectives.
The post-StarLadder Berlin Major roster reorganization witnessed numerous premium free agents secured by various organizations, though substantial talent remains available. This availability becomes particularly evident when considering benched players like Issa “ISSAA” Murad and Nathan “NBK-” Schmitt currently seeking new competitive homes.
Despite questions surrounding recent form, autimatic, daps, and SHiPZ could potentially form a solid core player group. However, Gen.G would likely need to commit significant financial resources immediately to facilitate these acquisitions and team formation.
Action Checklist
- Analyze player contract buyout costs versus free agent acquisition expenses
- Evaluate recent tournament performance metrics for target players
- Research alternative available talent from recent organization exits
- Assess team chemistry compatibility between prospective roster members
No reproduction without permission：Games Guides Website » Gen.G reportedly targeting Autimatic, daps for new CSGO team Analyzing Gen.G's strategic CSGO entry and player acquisition targets during esports market transition