Cover-Credits:
Nexplay EVOS pro player, Setsuna “Dogie” Ignacio explained to his fans that there is more to the franchise model of the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League (MPL) than just the prize pool. The pro player explained that the prize pool isn’t that small and the franchise model offers a few ways that teams can earn, aside from winning in the MPL PH seasons. He added that there are a lot of things happening behind the scenes that regular audiences may not notice. Dogie also clarified in his vlog that he does not want to comment about the controversy surrounding Duane “Kelra” Pillas as he believes that the young prodigy has learned his lesson already.
Dogie states that there is more to the MPL PH Season 8 than just prize pool
In a recent vlog post by Nexplay EVOS pro player and Mobile Legends content creator, Dogie, he answered his fans’ questions regarding the MPL PH Season 8’s prize pool. He stated that a lot of people have been asking him why the prize pool for the upcoming season is so small compared to other esports leagues. He goes on to say that the prize pool for the MPL league in the Philippines alone is actually not that small.
“A lot of people messaged me saying the prize pool of the MPL is too small. 35,000 USD for the champions,” stated Dogie. “If you think that’s small, you’re being irrational.”
He stated that the league is now following a franchise model. However, Dogie refuses to reveal how much the franchise fee is as he does not want to be penalized by Moonton.
“I can’t disclose how much. Why? Because Moonton will be angry and we’ll get penalized. I don’t want to be like Ghost Wrecker, Exhort, and Kelra,” stated Dogie.
Dogie added that he does not want to make fun of Omega Esports’ young prodigy Kelra, as he thinks the pro player has learned his lesson already and does not deserve to get bullied. Kelra has received a 2-week suspension from Moonton due to his homophobic remarks between Blacklist International’s dynamic duo, Johnmar “OhMyV33nus” Villaluna and James “Wise” Del Rosario.
Going back to the topic, Dogie proceeded to explain how the teams are able to get their investments back from the MPL league. He used the in-game esports team stickers as an example, saying that teams can get a share of the sales of their team’s sticker.
“Let’s just say it’s a 50/50 share per season on the stickers, it’s already big enough. If you are the champion, in three months, you already get your investment back,” stated Dogie.
He added that this is why a lot of organizations are trying to get a franchise in the MPL league. It’s not just about the prize pool to be considered but a lot of business transactions that are happening behind the scenes.
Dogie then said that everyone should stop comparing other games based on the prize pool.
“Don’t hate the game just because the other one has a bigger prize pool,” stated Dogie. “Be open-minded. We are all under the same system, esports.”
Dogie ended his statement by saying that whoever sees games as good just because it has a bigger prize pool, is being irrational. What matters most is that people enjoy what they are playing.
In the new franchise model of MPL PH, new teams have emerged such as TNC Pro Team, ECHO, RSG PH, and Nexplay EVOS - a newly formed team from the partnership between EVOS Esports and Nexplay Esports. It will be interesting to see if the new franchise model will be able to bolster the Mobile Legends esports ecosystem in the Philippines.
