Valve’s decision to release a lackluster Compendium instead of its usual battle pass for The International has sparked criticism from pro players and Dota 2 personalities. Janne “Gorgc” Stefanovski believes that this move was made to send a message to the Dota 2 pro players.
Gorgc suggests that the minimalistic nature of this year’s Compendium is a result of Valve’s shift away from premium cosmetics such as Immortal Treasures, Arcanas, and Personas. Instead, the focus has been redirected towards a more pro-player-centric Compendium, which has not been well-received by players.
Gorgc further explains that Valve’s decision to prioritize a Compendium centered around professional teams is an attempt to prove a point to the community. As demands from pro players increased over time, Valve decided to cater to their desires and transform the battle pass into a Compendium focused on pro players.
These changes have resulted in a Compendium with minimal content. Gorgc predicts that this year’s prize pool will not surpass $5 million, a significant drop compared to the record-breaking $40 million of TI10 and the $18 million of TI11. This decline in prize pool is unprecedented for Valve in recent years.
The lack of content has led to widespread disappointment within the community. The rewards for leveling up the Compendium this year solely revolve around professional teams, with no emphasis on skins or cosmetics. This has significantly reduced the incentive for casual players to purchase this year’s Compendium, ultimately leading to a considerable decrease in the prize pool.
Valve’s statement on September 28 regarding the 2023 Compendium presents a different perspective from Gorgc’s. Valve states that the annual battle pass system consumed a year’s worth of content with each release, prompting them to shift towards a more player-centric approach by spreading out changes throughout the year.
For players eagerly awaiting cosmetics, Valve has assured that Arcanas and player creations will be released after TI12 concludes. Stay tuned for further updates.
| Date | Score | Time |
|---|---|---|
| October 4 | Gorgc believes Valve’s focus on pro players disappoints the community | – |
| September 28 | Valve announces shift away from battle pass system towards player-centric approach | – |
Source: DOTESPORTS
