Dota 2's "oversaturation"
Dota 2's "oversaturation"
Some time ago, Dota players began expressing concerns about the high number of tournaments. Others argue they share responsibility for joining them. Figures like Eternalenvy shared insights in their blog, highlighting the challenges. Conversely, Thooorin and IXmike disagree, pointing out that anyone can organize a tournament and compete freely. Valve doesn’t oversee leagues beyond the International event, which makes it easy to host multiple tournaments monthly. This results in numerous online matches needed for qualification, with teams sometimes playing over three times daily. What are your views on this situation?
They’re supposed to do it. It’s their job, and they get paid for it. Maybe if they realize how much it takes, they should consider other options. Lol. I’m going to check out Thorin’s video. I’ll be there as a substitute, but mostly I’ll watch his content.
Games flourish better when developers don’t control every pro league themselves. Acknowledge that these firms handle more than just their Moba title. Valve offers more than Dota 2—there’s potential to run a big tournament and season while the game remains central. The esport should endure beyond Valve’s involvement if other platforms can organize events smoothly. I believe Hi-Rez could help by using Smite, as they consistently deliver solid games, though they struggle to maintain them over time (Tribes: Ascent RIP in Peace).
This topic has been discussed on various eSports platforms (such as SC2 State of the Game, The GD Show, etc.). Experts suggest that top-level players shouldn't compete in lower-tier events, even if it's lucrative. The same advice applies to fans. With multiple major tournaments happening each weekend—LANs and quick cups—the audience has choices. Many would prefer a structured system with a main organization, possibly involving Valve as a guiding force. A tiered structure linked to prize pools could help, allowing only teams at certain levels to participate. Lower-level teams might have online opportunities to climb the ranks, while consistently poor performers risk elimination. Major events should publish clear schedules so leagues and LAN gatherings don't overlap. The competition for viewers would remain strong, just like in real sports. For example, in soccer there are top leagues alongside numerous domestic competitions, and similar patterns exist in hockey and basketball. Ultimately, it may become necessary for Valve or major organizations to compensate players with salaries or rely on sponsorship revenue.
Thorin created an excellent video on this topic—it's quite well-researched and engaging with a compelling perspective.
I also shared this video, but my link keeps sending me back to this forum thread idea.
I believe personally, and only from a viewer’s perspective, there are actually too many competitions. Sometimes playing as many as ten or more games each week from my favorite team reduces my enthusiasm for these events. Even the teams themselves don’t seem to put in the effort during these matches, making them less exciting. Keeping track of all the different schedules can be quite confusing. This is just my viewpoint.
One of the main criticisms from top-level professional players is that tournaments are poorly organized. Issues like bad management, poor computer performance, missing translators, and organizations not paying are common problems. In League of Legends, for example, RIOT would handle these issues much better. I haven’t seen an LCS match where they had to pause it for over 30 minutes repeatedly while watching ESL NY, and the summit was sometimes very tiring. Many tournament organizers appear to rush into Dota events without considering the players’ needs. Simple details like match timings are often completely disorganized, showing a lack of communication between different groups.
Some might say this could improve if Valve got more involved or communicated better. Currently, due to inaction from both Valve and organizers, some players think forming a team union or association would help. This would mean agreeing on participating in specific events instead of joining shady tournaments that lack top teams like EG, C9, Secret, etc.
I believe having Valve take the lead in creating an LCS-style league would address most of these problems. Players would get consistent income even if their performance isn’t great. A steady revenue stream plus a larger international audience would make things easier for everyone. Less travel, fewer language barriers, and more stability would be better.
As a viewer, fewer tournaments could actually boost interest in matches. It would likely attract more fans, improve production quality, and match the standards of LCS events and other managed competitions. Of course, switching to a league format isn’t simple, and letting Valve handle it right now is challenging.
Let’s start with smaller steps, like forming player unions. Some people think they’re acting selfishly, but players like Meracle or IXmike have said they should be content. Ten years ago, winning 1000$ was a dream for many. Most of these comments come from lower tiers or less-known teams, while top players agree that fewer tournaments are better.
I think everyone should strive for better conditions. Those who are desperate to enter any tournament don’t truly live the experience top players do. Most of them don’t have five final matches in a month and don’t grasp what they’re up against. I get it—tier 2 players feel that way—but some still believe the “professional player” label is the reason.
In short, there are likely many issues, and English isn’t my first language.
Like I said, from a spectator's point of view, there is too much and there's no hyper at all. And only going to "big tournaments" isn't that easy. Teams participate in many tournaments also to have a consistent income. Say a team goes to only one tournament each month but fails to get a share of the prize pool, it's pretty shitty and not all organizations will give their players a salary. That's why, for them, going in more tournaments, even though it might be frustrating and tiring they have to do it and deal with shitty organizers. Having less tournaments, in a certain time lapse would definitely increase the interest people would give to this tournament and increase the ticket sales. Or at least having a bit of communication between the organizers to not end up having 3 lan finals + online group stages in a single week. Even not having long ass online qualifiers would solve a lot of things. IMO i just think the LCS system is better.