Attending The International 12 (TI12), the latest iteration of the premier Dota 2 championship, was an experience filled with both anticipation and a few notable letdowns. For enthusiasts of the game, this event remains a pivotal yearly gathering, but this year, some aspects didn't quite live up to the hype.
The Overall Experience
The event itself was satisfactory. The matches were thrilling as usual, showcasing some of the highest levels of skill and strategy in esports. However, there was an unmistakable sense that the event's previous vibrancy and excitement were somewhat muted this year.
Missing Pieces: The All-Star Match
One major disappointment was the absence of the All-Star match – a staple of previous TIs that offered a fun, engaging break from the intense competition. Its omission this year wasn't just a letdown; the lack of communication and explanation regarding its absence left many fans, myself included, somewhat bewildered and certainly disheartened.
Limited Booths and Attractions
When it comes to the side attractions, TI12 felt scaled back compared to previous years. With only two major booths – one from SteelSeries and another from Secretlab – the peripheral activities outside of the main games were minimal. While these booths were satisfactory, offering some decent merchandise and interactive experiences, the overall buzz that multiple vendors and activities create was missing. Previous TIs felt like a celebration of both Dota 2 and the broader gaming culture, but this element seemed underplayed this time around.
Player Interaction: A Missed Opportunity
For many fans, meeting the players is a highlight of attending TI. This year, however, such opportunities were notably scarce. There were no official meet-and-greet sessions organized, making any interaction with the players reliant purely on luck. This situation not only led to disappointment for many fans but also resulted in chaotic scenes when a player did appear in the public areas. The lack of organization in these instances was evident and detracted from what could have been memorable moments for fans meeting their heroes.
Final Thoughts
The International 12, while delivering the top-tier Dota 2 action we've all come to expect, fell short in providing the full, immersive experience that has been a hallmark of its predecessors. The absence of an All-Star match and the limited side activities, coupled with the challenging player interactions, made the event feel more like a standard tournament than the celebrated, fan-centric festival of previous years.
While still a must-visit event for hardcore Dota 2 fans, I hope future iterations of The International will recapture the full spirit of the game and its community.