Valve and their lack of communication and transparency. Name a more iconic duo.
It is no secret that Valve has some significant issues in relaying information and being upfront with not just the community but even their 'partners' in the scene. Over the years we have covered the various instances and the fall out from such.
What happened
The latest one came to the forefront just yesterday. When Valve announced their decision to cancel the Winter Major, it was done so on their website.
No social media, no message to the teams and players in advance or even concurrently. Quietly, they tacked up a 'closed shop' sign and turned off the lights as they headed out.
The community went into a frenzy and Valve's hand was once again forced to pen an apology and a 'promise' to rectify the situation.
It didn't need to be that way.
What could have happened
Valve's hands-off approach has been their trademark for the last ten years. Everyone knows that the software development company has a very laissez-faire stance when it comes to Dota 2 or involvement in the competitive scene or the community.
But time and time again it seems that an official community manager, hell, even a basic 101 course in 'How to Communicate, probably would save them a lot of trouble.
- Step One: Notify your 'partners' of potential hiccups in advance (perhaps not via email though since we know that all teams don't read those).
- Step Two: Engage in discussion regarding the situation or at least be receptive to feedback prior to announcements.
- Step Three: Reflect empathy, be transparent, and target potential solutions in the finalized statement.
- Step Four: When notifying the public, use multiple platforms for maximum reach.
Valve is notorious for being reactive when it comes to Dota 2’s pro scene, but never proactive in its approach.
Case in point (aside from now), the Dota 2 Pro Circuit (DPC).
After years of complaints about the lack of transparency around invitations to The International and some other underlying issues, Valve launched the Major system in place for two years. In response to continued complaints and concerns, they adjusted to provide the DPC.
With a small bit of effort put forward, they could have proposed some solutions or alternatives to canceling a season finale in the witching hour. In just a few hours many in the community had more than reasonable solutions and ideas.
What should happen
Like it or not, more often than not, most of us in the community and the competitive scene are left shaking our heads, feeling abused and demoralized.
So all that there really is left after 10+ years in order to break the cycle, is to talk solutions.
Although through the years Valve has called the teams and organizations their 'partners' and has discouraged them from going to public platforms with problems or criticism, it seems to be the only way Valve takes action.
Sources have confirmed over the years that Valve has gone so far even at times threatening to cancel or stop producing The International.
Holding the $20...30...40million carrot in front has been effective for years. But the reality is that The International is also holding back the ecosystem from thriving or even progress.
Will Partin has pointed out in a very eye-opening piece years ago, The International Is Bad For Dota 2.
For all The International’s charms, there’s a lot of evidence that Dota 2’s premiere event is hurting, not helping, Dota 2 as a whole. (...) Think of The International like a black hole. It warps the space around it, forcing everyone and everything in Dota 2 into orbit.
As Partin showed in his work, there are possibilities to fix the ecosystem, including suggestions by Peter "PPD" Dager and coach/professional analyst Muriel "Kips" Huisman.
But the biggest step would be to destroy the one negotiating term that Valve has holding over everyone -- The International.
It is time to turn the tides away from Valve believing they do not need the Dota 2 community to remain viable. It's time to tell them that Valve needs to rely on the Dota 2 community.
