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Hello folks,
Figured I'd throw up a quick blog post just to get some opinions of the folks on Team Liquid. This post concerns Ret's recent post "A Partnership" (read here).
The fallout aside, I think the dichotomy of the responses in the thread bring up an interesting topic for discussion.
How do we want Esports to proceed? Do we want it to mirror the sports industry? Or do we want it to remain a computer hobbyist phenomenon with it's own internet flavour?
The grand majority of the responses to Ret's thread initially were applauding him and cheering him on. It wasn't until several pages in that a different audience spoke up -- one that wasn't too pleased with the manner in which Ret decided to take a playful poke at a fellow progamer (Grubby).
When I think of Esports moving into the future, I personally would like to see it take on a more professional tone. One where players hone their skills, and conduct themselves professionally in public venues (both offline and online). I feel this is the best way to secure sponsors, and to cast a positive light on the industry as a whole.
After the aforementioned post and many of the responses it garnered... I started to wonder if others see it the same way? Would people prefer that Esports keeps the flavour of a bunch of nerds hanging out and ribbing on one another while trying to be the best? (Just to clarify, this is not a loaded sentence, I'm a nerd myself and I do like a bit of that feeling.... though I also don't think sponsors want any part of it).
Can Esports continue to grow without it's ringleaders acting professionally? For instance would shenanigans like this affect Liquid's ability to get sponsors? Should it?
Anyways, I'd love to hear everyone's opinions... as either way I'll still be an Esports fan, was just curious what many out there were thinking.
(Would also like to hear alternative views if you have em!)
Cheers
 
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The disparity among how global eSports is versus the professional and localized nature of most traditional sports makes any type of emulation unlikely and difficult to implement. I will comment further when I have more time.
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On the issue of professionalism:
I think we would be most informed by asking potential sponsors...but personally, so far things have been going pretty well for SC2 as a whole. Ret's post making fun of Grubby is something that I seriously doubt will affect whether sponsors decide to support TL. I mean these people are obviously just joking, I don't think there are any hard feelings between them. Some people may have taken it a bit too seriously and got upset, but there are sensitive people everywhere. Some people actually get infuriated when you don't type glhf back to them in a game of SC2, its unbelievable sometimes.
I don't think we should magnify the importance of posts like these. Of course generally professionalism is something good to have. But I just don't want it to become a very stringent, boring type of professionalism where people can never have fun, or do the slightest things that are considered "bad mannered". I guess identifying that line is really the issue here...maybe to conclude I think the line is just fine where it is. So far, if something overtly bad happens the community and the tournament organizers seem to respond appropriately (the Naniwa incident, for example).
On how "esports" will proceed:
I read a pretty good post a while ago about the benefits of remaining an esport thats televised primarily through the internet. Do we really have to be on TV? Whats wrong with watching streams? Why not make that the new mainstream? Personally I find it much more fun to watch a stream, interact with the community, and conveniently watch rebroadcasts when I want. Its much easier than with a TV. I also read about how there would be scheduling conflicts, and about how if games go on too long they would have to run 20 commercials to make up for it but I don't remember exactly.
It doesn't have to remain a hobbyist phenomenon. Unless a larger audience makes certain demands that alter the nature of the game I don't think the size of the viewership matters. I think generally people want Sc2 to grow because it brings in more sponsors, more players, more exciting matches etc. So assuming that's more valuable than feeling like you're part of a niche community, people should be allowed to tune in in ever increasing numbers to the various streams broadcasting the tournaments. Everyone has a computer these days, so accessibility shouldn't be an issue, and so far the streams can be watched free or for a pretty low price so its all good in that regard!
Well there you go, hopefully that was useful to you  .
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@radscorpion9
Great post! Thanks for your insight. I actually agree that Esports should remain online as that's where it is strong.... interaction and watching are facilitated far better by computers than by traditional media. Though I would like to point out the growing trends of Barcrafts. There definitely seems to be some appeal on the classical media styles.
You are likely right about the Ret thing not affecting sponsors, and I don't mean to demonize Ret's post, or over-hype what it means.... what I'm trying to get at here is how should teams react when players do cross the line? Again as a disclaimer I really am not phased by Ret on this one, I would have found it quite hillarious, but I'm not into the "no homo" jokes and I find them in bad taste. There were plenty of ways to avoid more vulgar behaviour, but I digress.
I want to get views on a broader nature... and you brought up Naniwa, and I think that point is great. I feel everyone handled that one pretty well. The scene definitely seems to be in great shape, but right now players aren't making solid and secure incomes... teams aren't even very secure right now as can be seen by the RGN disbandment. A lot of this instability could be fixed with more solid sponsorships (are there other ways?), but if the behaviour of key members of the scene reflects more "internet youth" than "young professionals".... will this ever happen?
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EPT
