IGN's new $150k+ SC2 League - Page 30

On March 24 2011 05:07 djWHEAT wrote:
People got on my junk when I said the EXACT same thing about GOMtv's GSL. And I stuck by my word the entire time.

I'm fine if people don't like what I've said in this thread, I've got 10 years of experience seeing leagues start, fail, succeed, and grow. You can ignore the past 10 years of history... or you can use it to see why many of their decisions are in fact "smart".

Here are some FACTS:
- CGS, the first North American Televised Gaming Show, was destroyed because they tried to bite off more than they could chew. They thought they NEEDED to go global with their initiative and the end result was a waste of nearly $20 million dollars. That league died so fast because money was spent poorly. So for those who are expressing their concern over the fact that it's a NA focused league should consider that any company who's "breaking" into SC2 would be silly to attempt a "global" league when it could indeed fail. It's MUCH SMARTER to start with a very controlled and cost effective project, and grow from there. Just because it appears NA is their target for their first venture, doesn't mean they are ignoring the rest of the world.

And because I know someone will mention GSL, keep in mind that although GSL has "GLOBAL" in the title, they do not really have much operating cost outside of Korea. If you want to compete in that league you still have to get yourself to Korea to play. In CGS's case, they were fronting the cost of travel and accommodations for hundreds of players who ultimately (aside from a few Euro teams) brought nothing to the league.

- IGN is a North American company. Although they have reach well beyond NA, it makes sense (even if strictly from an advertising POV) that it would limit the first project to NA. That's just business folks. And it's smart business. You might not agree with it, but it's a pretty wise move especially considering all the other leagues which have fallen due to their urgency to expand "globally".

- North America has been look at in the eSports community as being "FUCKED UP" for the past 4 years. And technically, everyone who says this is right. We lost CPL, CGS, basically every major league which was present during the 2002-2005 eSports era. We need to rebuild like Doozers in Fraggle Rock. We need more potential for LAN events here in the US. As much as I preach global exposure to eSports, North America needs some SOLID leagues, events, and exposure to regain the prestige that NA once had. MLG is contributing to this and is a great effort, but we can't put all our eggs in one basket. NASL is a great start too... seeing IGN jump in the mix is equally as exciting.

- And since we're on the topic of IGN. NASL, ESL, MLG, etc... sorry but those guys are small potatoes compared to the potential exposure, revenue, and stability that IGN has to offer. Sure they might not have a glowing history in Pro-Gaming, but does that mean we should crucify them before they've even technically announced their intentions? In fact, I think we should as supportive as possible because don't we, as fans, just want more content, games, etc?

Additionally, it's a good time to reference the SotG PAX Edition in which Day[9] said one of the best way you can support SC2 is by SUPPORTING THE PLAYERS. With each new league that shows potential in this space, it's another opportunity for our rising NA stars to play, win, and earn. I for one would be tickled if I found out that my favorite NA players could focus 150% on SC2 because the amount of leagues (and potential prize money) continues to rise. Therefore... if we support the leagues, we're supporting the players (and even more than that - but I think this is a good time to reiterate what Day was saying).

I understand my post may have come off as harsh... but I'm tired of seeing communities shit on efforts which can only further the cause. And if this turns out to be one massive pile of shit (which I really doubt will be the case) - then I'll gladly come back and say ALL YOU GUYS WERE RIGHT. Until then, I'll continue to be the snobby optimist that I am.