N0tail Points Out What Needs to Change in Valve's Approach to Dota 2

The cancelation of the first Major of the Dota Pro Circuit (DPC) 2021-22 did not go over well with the community. While Valve responded by announcing replacement tournaments, the community's general impression still remains sour. Two time TI champion Johan "N0tail" Sundstein told Süddeutsche Zeitung some of his thoughts on Valve's current approach to the DPC. In N0tail's opinion, there is a lack of personnel resources at Valve, which has led to its shortcomings. Although he claimed that Valve's financial incentives are tied to Steam, N0tail suggested that the company simply needs to communicate more with its community as that would help improve things.

There is a lack of staff at Valve, according to N0tail

One of the major reasons for canceling the Major was the feasibility of holding a large-scale LAN event due to the pandemic. N0tail mentioned that the pandemic has been a problem going on for a long time, and Valve cannot always use that as an excuse. He also argued that Valve needs to communicate with its community that has helped nurture the game for years.

“I definitely think Valve needs to change something. The people working on Dota are either overworked or understaffed. Corona can't always be an excuse because things have been going wrong for some time. Dota has a very active community that built the game and without them it wouldn't exist today. Valve just needs to open a door and start answering emails.”

Along with the issue of the pandemic, Valve also mentioned in an apology letter, after the cancelation of the Major, that other factors such as the willingness of tournament organizers also played a role in the decision. Nonetheless, over the past couple of years, the pandemic has been a primary reason as to why events such as the DPC 2021, TI10, and the first Major of the ongoing season have been delayed or canceled.

The poor communication surrounding these events has been a major concern of the players, Dota 2 talent, and the fans. Personalities such as Quinn "Quinn" Callahan and Kyle "Kyle" Freedman have shared a similar view to N0tail’s opinion about Valve being unable to communicate effectively.

On the other hand, N0tail also pointed out that Valve’s primary revenue comes from its digital distribution service of Steam, and not Dota 2. Even though he is unsure of the exact way to change the current situation given the fact that it has been going on for such a long time, he mentioned that they will continue to try.

“On the other hand, I think Valve's financial incentives lie with Steam, not Dota. Other companies would be licking their fingers for a game like Dota. I don't know what to do either, many people have failed here but all we can do is keep trying.”

N0tail no longer plays competitive Dota 2 and is on the inactive roster of OG. He is nonetheless still involved in the game as a team owner and currently mentors OG's lineup. The young squad will be seen in action in the Western Europe (WEU) Regional Finals on 11th Feb 2022.