Cover-Credits:
In a candid Twitter post on 28th November, Peter "ppd" Dager, a prominent figure in the Dota 2 community, shed light on the distressing situation faced by Tier 2 teams in the aftermath of the discontinuation of the Dota Pro Circuit (DPC). The end of DPC has seemingly exacerbated existing challenges, leaving these teams in a state of uncertainty and distress, according to ppd.
Notably, ppd is known to be an active advocate for the Dota 2 esports scene. In September, Ppd brought forth the idea of crowdfunded tournaments to keep the spirit of Dota 2 esports alive.
ppd Says Dota 2 Tier 2 Is "Effectively Extinct"
Dager emphasized the dwindling state of the Tier 2 Dota scene, suggesting that the lack of a structured competitive framework, such as the DPC, has left Tier 2 teams questioning their future. The absence of a clear path forward and the apparent extinction of Tier 2 opportunities are causing distress and frustration among players and teams, ppd noted.
“After losing in the ESL KL qualifiers, my team [Yangzhiganlu] is left questioning what comes next. The Tier 2 scene is effectively extinct, and now we're left with the results of our lack of concern and effort," lamented Dager.
The tweet also touched on the overall pessimism within the Dota 2 community. Dager pointed out a potential complacency among those who have the power to instigate change, with a focus on large prizes and higher salaries for top-tier teams, while the Tier 2 scene struggles to survive.
The challenges go beyond just the competitive landscape, as Dager mentioned the declining fanbase and the difficulty in attracting new players. The prevalence of betting sites dominating fan engagement add another layer of concern, potentially threatening the overall health of the industry.
"The reality is different. We are becoming increasingly fragile and less adaptable to major changes. Our loyal fanbase is dwindling, and new players aren't filling the gap. Meanwhile, betting sites continue to dominate fan conversion, further threatening the industry's health," he added.
Dager's critique extended to a perceived reluctance among key stakeholders to make necessary changes, suggesting that economic considerations are taking precedence over the long-term health and sustainability of Dota 2 esports.
Overall, Dager's statement painted a picture of an esports ecosystem facing significant challenges and in need of reform. It highlighted the potential consequences of neglecting the Tier 2 scene and the importance of addressing broader issues to ensure the longevity and vibrancy of Dota 2 esports.
Likewise, both Janne "Gorgc" Stefanovski and Illya "Yatoro" Mulyarchuk criticized the cancellation of DPC reently.
