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I'm seeing a lot of comments from people who are disappointed that we did not share the exact plans for WCS 2014. To clarify, we did not intend for this to be an announcement, or an announcement of an announcement for that matter  The reality is that we are still finalizing the details of WCS 2014 with our partners, however, we did not want to wait until everything was finalized before letting you know some of the things we were discussing. We want to give the community an opportunity to provide feedback before we locked down the specific details. We have outlined most of our plans and ideas in some of our answers, but haven't fully committed to any of the decisions because we want to hear from the community. Our goal is to confirm and announce the plans for WCS 2014 before BlizzCon. That gives you at least a week to give us your input on what we've shared! Thanks again for your support! -kimaphan |
On October 16 2013 02:11 orvinreyes wrote:
"we're looking to"
"we're planning to"
"we're still evaluating"
"we will put more thought into"
...just, ugh.
exact my feeling when i was reading through wall of text..
what is the meaning of Q & A session when it is so formal and has no real content at all (imo)
I want sc2 to be successful, no hating Blizzard at and I am very aware that this is much harder issue to deal with then Dota or LoL, but still everyone know that Blizzard can do better then this. I am getting feeling that Blizzard employees dont feel passionate about sc2 scene at all. David Kim? Dustin Browder? i am not sure...
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On October 16 2013 02:32 kimaphan wrote:Show nested quote +On October 16 2013 00:26 juvenal wrote:When we launched WCS 2013, our main goal was to create a global system that was capable of identifying the undisputed, best StarCraft II player on the planet well this is just lie. You don't do things that cost lots of money to give people a champion, a hero, out of sheer curiosity. You do it for more money. I'm ok with all that but please be honest Blizzard and do not treat us dumb, thanks. I can promise you this is not a lie. We're certainly not investing in WCS to make money.
Kimaphan Honestly I would not even validate a statement like that with an answer You guys are doing a really good job on trying to listen to what the fan base wants and attempting to improve the system and like plansix said noone has the True and correct answer on making the system perfect but we can keep trying to perfect the system that s in place
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I haven't read all, but from what I have, I can say that there's been a lot of constructive ideas, opinions and feedback that can be used in order to improve the WCS system, but sometimes I feel that Blizzard is just not very flexible and fast with implementing changes. I hope that, at least in this case, I am wrong.
I'll try to be as concise and short as possible, mostly because others have already showed the benefits but also the disadvantages of these main suggestions.
First of all, region-lock, or at least some kind of region-lock restrictions, such as residence, team etc. should come into play to help "local" talent growth.
Second of all, in order to help the sustainability of the korean scene, there should be a prize purse increase for the top league in Korea. Challenger/Code A should also become a tournament by itself (and paid accordingly, perhaps to the level of the premier leagues in other regions), pretty much as UEFA League is to Champions League. They could perhaps even do a "Super Cup" between the winners, just for the laughs.
Thirdly, more regions should be developed, like China+Oceania, South America etc., at least at a Challenger League level, with the best players having the chance to participate in the more powerful leagues as a reward.
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On October 15 2013 23:23 Plansix wrote:Show nested quote +On October 15 2013 23:19 FFW_Rude wrote:Well reading the responses to my posts were kind of sad. People have different expectation. What i write is what i think. Not what everybody thinks Just my opinion. I, for one want to see great players and best player. Sure i like some of the underdogs but i can relate that i root for Flash because i relate to him (i'm not korean, i'm bw zerg player) somehow. I should have wrote : "why on earth should I" and not "should you" (bad english is bad). What i wanted to say is that when BW was only korean people didn't really care of national heroes (because they were none/few). Foreigner wants foreigner is a thing that came with SC2 i feel. I don't want region lock to be based on country. I want region lock on teams. So Jaedong is EG, he plays in US, MVP is in IM, => Korea. ForGG is in millenium => EU. And i don't want a grand final between those 3. I want a 4year olympic style when there is region lock country. I think that would satisfy a lot of people (but maybe i'm wrong) I'm an old guy from BW So my heroes are koreans. Even if i'm not. I understand what you mean. It's difficult to argument in this language for me  Well a lot of people aren't from BW and they don't have that level of attachment. People want to grow their local scene and that takes some rules and restrictions. No one want to see scrubs play in the finals. But we also don't need 16 top Korean players to avoid terrible games.
I never watched any BW, but I'm still cheering for the Koreans nine out of ten times. I've been watching WCS Europe because watching live is preferable to VODs (and also Apollo!) but if there were no Koreans in EU I'd go back to watching the GSL/WCS KR VODs again like I did earlier. I'm a fan of individual players, and not nationality or teams, those only come into effect if two players I like play against each other.
I don't see the point of having anything but the best players in Top 16 (even if they are all Koreans). They are just going to loose to the Koreans in the first round anyway (if we were to assume a hard region lock)?
That said, I realize some sort of soft lock is probably good for both the scene and viewernumbers, as long as it doesn't go overboard.
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On October 16 2013 00:22 Plansix wrote:Show nested quote +On October 16 2013 00:10 StarStruck wrote:It's their way of putting words in your mouth. It's a common trend. -_- On October 16 2013 00:05 edlover420 wrote:
Seeing how most people want region lock, as much as I don't like the idea myself I think Blizzard should listen to the community. However if regions get locked, Korea should get noticeably! bigger price pool to make ''GSL'' once again the most prestigious tournament and slots for challenger league in Korea should be greatly increased for the sustainability of the Korean scene. GSL and OSL should stand on their own. WCS should be separate. Give some reason for the Koreans to want to stay in Korea. Otherwise, there won't be much left there. The racism line was broken out several times during the course of this thread. Never by FFW_Rude, though. But it is still a shitty, half assed argument people throw around to avoid making real arguments.
What plansix said. I'm sorry if it seemed that I was accusing anyone in particular of doing it. The Racism/Xenophobia/etc arguments are obnoxious and I can't imagine any reason for them other than to elicit a passionate response rather than a logical one.
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On October 16 2013 01:12 kellymilkies wrote:
Ok well, this interview really answered nothing for me. It just reads like a PR reply from Blizzard to "pacify the community"
Sorry.
For someone like me who loves starcraft 2 so much, I hope they fix WCS 2014 especially when it comes to schedule and the region locking. gl.
edit: also the fact that I miss tournaments which did their own shit and was epic. like GSL. Winning GSL = dream. but now gsl is just another place where you watch players earn points.
They need to make each individual tournament mean something to the community. not sure how they are gonna do that but they really really should try.
I'm glad to see another journalist reply to this. I agree with your thoughts 100%
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buried under dem comments, ppl should read and answer to this
On October 15 2013 18:13 kimaphan wrote:
We'd love to get your input on where else we should refocus resources in 2014. We can't address everything at once, but what do you think are the top priorities? Growing the overall WCS prize pool? Growing the BlizzCon prize pool? Support player travel to tournament events? League/player housing? Expanding to new regions? Supporting amateur and grassroots level play? Regional tournaments/leagues?
These are just some ideas on where we could focus our resources and are not listed in any particular order. Let us know what you think should be the top priorities!
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Reads like a Blizzard announcement.
Now all they need to do is ditch 30% of that because: the time wasn't right/saved for later/the tech isn't there yet/didn't feel epic/somethingsomething
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On October 15 2013 18:13 kimaphan wrote:
We'd love to get your input on where else we should refocus resources in 2014. We can't address everything at once, but what do you think are the top priorities? Growing the overall WCS prize pool? Growing the BlizzCon prize pool? Support player travel to tournament events? League/player housing? Expanding to new regions? Supporting amateur and grassroots level play? Regional tournaments/leagues?
These are just some ideas on where we could focus our resources and are not listed in any particular order. Let us know what you think should be the top priorities!
1) MUCH MORE prize money in Korea
2) MORE tournaments in Korea
3) MORE WCS Points in Korea
this should entice the koreans the compete in Korea instead of coming to NA an EU for easy money and WCS points. Then we dont need a region lock. And for the foreigners good enough to compete with the koreans, they can go to korea to try to pick up additional WCS points and additional prize money.
EZ PZ problem solved.
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That would be a good thought but realizing that koreans are very wise when it comes to deciding whether or not to participate in a tournament. I prize might be higher in one tournament than the other but the chance of winning in it becomes slimmer so they go for the easier tournament where its almost guaranteed money and points.
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btw its not wise to focus too much on korea since the market for sc2 is kinda small there, blizz should focus more on foreign events, since there were dem money is
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On October 16 2013 04:24 for_the_swarm wrote:Show nested quote +On October 15 2013 18:13 kimaphan wrote:
We'd love to get your input on where else we should refocus resources in 2014. We can't address everything at once, but what do you think are the top priorities? Growing the overall WCS prize pool? Growing the BlizzCon prize pool? Support player travel to tournament events? League/player housing? Expanding to new regions? Supporting amateur and grassroots level play? Regional tournaments/leagues?
These are just some ideas on where we could focus our resources and are not listed in any particular order. Let us know what you think should be the top priorities! 1) MUCH MORE prize money in Korea 2) MORE tournaments in Korea 3) MORE WCS Points in Korea this should entice the koreans the compete in Korea instead of coming to NA an EU for easy money and WCS points. Then we dont need a region lock. And for the foreigners good enough to compete with the koreans, they can go to korea to try to pick up additional WCS points and additional prize money. EZ PZ problem solved.
Small little details:
Either they get MUCH more money from blizzard, or the solution is removing pretty much all price money from EU/AM. Case one is unlikely, so we have option two. That means that EU/AM players won't earn enough to focus on SC2, which slows down the speed at which EU/AM can compete with KR.
Furthermore forcing players to go to KR is another huge step for them. Spending half your time during your studies practising SC2 and going a few times 1-2 weeks to another country in Europe for example is one thing. Living in Korea is something else. Even more true for the younger players, getting your parents to sign of on you doing some tournaments in another country is doable, getting them to sign off on you going to play a videogame on another continent for months is slightly more difficult (for good reason btw).
Just do a region lock depending on where people live: So a Polt may happily continue playing in WCS AM. If forGG has a visa he may happily continue playing in WCS EU. But not living in KR and playing in EU/AM. Other regions (Africa, China, etc) may choose wherever they want to play.
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On October 16 2013 04:30 Killmouse wrote:
btw its not wise to focus too much on korea since the market for sc2 is kinda small there, blizz should focus more on foreign events, since there were dem money is
But isn't top Koreans retireing our biggest problem right now?
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On October 16 2013 04:34 Aunvilgod wrote:Show nested quote +On October 16 2013 04:30 Killmouse wrote:
btw its not wise to focus too much on korea since the market for sc2 is kinda small there, blizz should focus more on foreign events, since there were dem money is But isn't top Koreans retireing our biggest problem right now?
no, oversaturated playerbase, with too few viewers, unwise to spend money there when there wont be any roi
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On October 15 2013 16:21 Zealously wrote:Show nested quote +On October 15 2013 15:55 Hectorian wrote:
Less Koreans, more foreigners. I liked the 2012 version better What is your opinion on Chinese and Taiwanese players in WCS AM?
Same obviously, I like the concept where players represent their country and region/continent. I would also like China/Tawain/Asia region, Southamerica region and Austraila region.
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On October 15 2013 18:13 kimaphan wrote:
We'd love to get your input on where else we should refocus resources in 2014. We can't address everything at once, but what do you think are the top priorities? Growing the overall WCS prize pool? Growing the BlizzCon prize pool? Support player travel to tournament events? League/player housing? Expanding to new regions? Supporting amateur and grassroots level play? Regional tournaments/leagues?
These are just some ideas on where we could focus our resources and are not listed in any particular order. Let us know what you think should be the top priorities!
Personally, I think the biggest focusing should be on providing incentive for teams to be able to support their players. By supporting teams monetarily (or providing incentives for them to be supported monetarily) you would help a greater number of players than any of the other options. By creating an opportunity for good players to be able to take some time off after high school to play without any more major worries you give the opportunity for players to spend the time and effort needed to become competitive. If you go further and put restrictions and rules on the support provided, you can regulate the teams that are able to take advantage (not giving random money to teams that have never had random money before for instance) and can facilitate the growth of those players in skill level because they're in an environment that would facilitate that growth.
I'm imagining a team like ROOT, who as far as I can see has done a good job with their team house and the players seem to be doing really well. I haven't been keeping up on the drama regarding their fundraiser (I thought it was a great idea and have no qualms with it) but otherwise the team's growth, ability, and extreme support of the NA scene is exactly what we need for this region to grow. Give teams the ability to take on and support more members of the regions. By helping to support the Korean teams as well, you give them at least some financial security. Maybe by taking Riot's stance and employing some individuals from other regions that there are no WCS events in so they might have an easier time with visas and still be able to take advantage of the program.
I also feel that opening up the opportunity for non-players and non-casters is sorely needed. We have a huge opportunity for production here, lets create some sort of area where legitimate content producers from in front of or behind the camera can generate that content. Even if it's not in employment, put out calls for artists, editors, sound guys, etc. to work with existing tournaments to give them something exciting to be a part of.
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On October 16 2013 04:30 Killmouse wrote:
btw its not wise to focus too much on korea since the market for sc2 is kinda small there, blizz should focus more on foreign events, since there were dem money is
This 100%. It is not the foreign scene's responsibility to support the Korean scene. Korea needs to be able to stand on its own.
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On October 16 2013 04:34 Sissors wrote:Show nested quote +On October 16 2013 04:24 for_the_swarm wrote:On October 15 2013 18:13 kimaphan wrote:
We'd love to get your input on where else we should refocus resources in 2014. We can't address everything at once, but what do you think are the top priorities? Growing the overall WCS prize pool? Growing the BlizzCon prize pool? Support player travel to tournament events? League/player housing? Expanding to new regions? Supporting amateur and grassroots level play? Regional tournaments/leagues?
These are just some ideas on where we could focus our resources and are not listed in any particular order. Let us know what you think should be the top priorities! 1) MUCH MORE prize money in Korea 2) MORE tournaments in Korea 3) MORE WCS Points in Korea this should entice the koreans the compete in Korea instead of coming to NA an EU for easy money and WCS points. Then we dont need a region lock. And for the foreigners good enough to compete with the koreans, they can go to korea to try to pick up additional WCS points and additional prize money. EZ PZ problem solved. Just do a region lock depending on where people live: So a Polt may happily continue playing in WCS AM. If forGG has a visa he may happily continue playing in WCS EU. But not living in KR and playing in EU/AM. Other regions (Africa, China, etc) may choose wherever they want to play.
dont think that will work. If the prize pool stays relatively the same across all regions, what is going to stop koreans from physically moving to NA or EU? like MC, MMA, stardust, polt etc? They physical move to these regions and still continue to dominate. When more koreans do the same, which will inevitably happen, are people going to call for a Citizenship requirement?
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I suspect blizzard will probably do a region lock but with the stipulation that regions that do not have a WCS tournament (re:China) may participate in whichever region they choose.
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Thanks for the in-depth information on the future of WCS. Here are my thoughts/suggestions for the various issues brought up:
Region Locking: I'm a fan of the residency requirement, although that can be difficult for some players. As an example, ForGG took a long time to actually get a resident visa to reside in France for an extended period of time. What I'd like to see is that you need to reside in the region you participate in, or are in a team based out of said region. This way, you would encourage Korean players to go to foreign teams, where they could rub off on the foreign players they train with, while at the same time keeping the number of Korean players playing in challenger league to a limited number. As an example, Jaedong is on EG, so he could play in Korea or America, same with Taeja/Hero and being on Team Liquid, TLO since he lives in Germany could play in America or Europe, etc.
Additionally, I'm in favor of increasing the prize pool for the Korean region. It is, without question, the hardest region, so I think its only fair if they get more money for winning compared to America and Europe.
Season Finals: I like the season finals, and want it to stay, but I think there is an issue when it takes place so soon after the various region finals. As an example, there was a strong interest on my part in watching Naniwa and Scarlet during the S2 finals and how far they were both able to get. However, when you have an issue like the S1 finals, where Soulkey beating Innovation is a huge deal and then Innovation wins the S1 finals a week later, that takes away from the specialness of the regional finals. I think with the spaced out tournaments, if you had a 4-5 week break between all the premier leagues, and held the season finals there, it would mean more and feel more special.
Additionally, I think the point totals for the Season Finals are too high. While I do agree the season finals should grant more points, I think it should be lowered to a non-WCS T1 point bonus. This would place more of an emphasis on the regional tournaments I feel, and not create a scenario like it is now where most of the seeds are locked up by people who did well in one Season Finals tournament, and would reward consistent play over the entire tournament over one good run.
Challenger League: As an idea for challenger league, how about tournaments which would guarantee spots in Challenger league? As an example, you could set up a tournament for a challenger league spot in America, and limit the participation to people who reside in Taiwan or Australia or China who haven't been in Challenger League. The giant tournament format is ok, but it is very easy to lose to small mistakes and have to play through the entire long tournament again, which I imagine for the players is not fun or rewarding. With more smaller tournaments, it could expand the viewer-base and participation of players.
Team Leagues: I really would like to see a WCS team-league system incorporated along with the current system. While I would not want to see it with the regularity of Premier/Challenger league, the idea of a team-league format during the down-time would be very intriguing to me. Additionally, with my earlier suggestion of being able to play in a region f you're on a team based out of that region, it would definitely attract a larger group of players and help to improve play to the specific regions.
Good luck with the future, I've been very pleased with WCS so far.
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EPT
