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WeWork parent considering gaming business

Play By We trademark application says it would run competitions, offer space for conferences or offices

The parent of shared office space startup WeWork has been considering a jump into gaming, according to a Bloomberg report.

Bloomberg noted that The We Company recently filed a trademark application with the UK's Intellectual Property Office for Play By We, a business that would operate gaming tournaments and offer facilities for game-related events or shared office space. An expired LinkedIn job listing called for a candidate who could integrate the company into "the current esports gaming universe."

Sources familiar with the effort told Bloomberg that the company hired a small number of people to explore the idea, but The We Company hasn't yet decided whether it would be a viable business to enter in proper.

The company's recent struggles may make it difficult for Play By We to move forward. Last month, WeWork co-founder Adam Neumann stepped down as CEO after it was clear the company's plans for an IPO were going poorly. His replacements, co-CEOs Artie Minson and Sebastian Gunningham, cancelled the IPO shortly thereafter, saying they needed to instead "focus on our core business." Last week, it was reported that WeWork is planning to layoff 4,000 staffers, or almost one-third of the company.

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Brendan Sinclair

Managing Editor

Brendan joined GamesIndustry.biz in 2012. Based in Toronto, Ontario, he was previously senior news editor at GameSpot in the US.