A teenager's lifetime ban from 'Fortnite' sheds light on a dark reality in the esports business

Even when publishers are trying to provide more career structure for professional gamers, it can cause a ripple effect on a large community of players.

Activision Blizzard's decision to launch a big-ticket Call of Duty League impacted hundreds of players on sponsored esports squads and semi-professional teams, who were suddenly left on the outside.

While Activision's new league guarantees a minimum $50,000 salary for about 100 players, dozens of gamers who were competing in community organized events have been left with nowhere to play. Esports organizations that competed at the game at the highest level in the world were forced to disband their teams when they couldn't afford a $25 million franchise slot in the Call of Duty League.

It is with a very heavy heart we announce that 100 Thieves will not be participating in competitive Call of Duty in 2020. pic.twitter.com/cdJD9DdUvQ

Of course, Epic Games, Netherrealm Studios, Activision and other publishers have made major contributions to grow their respective esports communities, but the professional gamers who rely on these companies to build their careers are rarely rewarded with control or security as the industry grows.

That said, more gamers than ever are finding opportunities to make a living from a hobby they love, and esports still seems like one of the most interesting (or maybe, the most fun) ways to make a living. But Jarvis' ban should be a stern reminder to everyone in the business that no game is guaranteed.