This one slipped under the radar a little bit in the build-up to the Season two world finals, but Gamespot interviewed RIOT’s VP of esports, Brandon Beck. Speaking about that build-up, Beck said that RIOT were aiming for something more akin to traditional playoffs: “[other sports’] post-season is paced in a way that builds tension and allows for amazing stories and moments to emerge,” he said. “We’re aiming to deliver a similar crescendo.”
With season two now over, most LoL fans are looking to the future and season three. Several rumours surrounded RIOT’s limited and vague information but Beck attempted to set the record straight about the “exclusivity” for teams. This rumor was the result of some miscommunication,” he said. We require the specific team rosters - the actual pro League players on each team - to commit to the Championship Series, but not the team brands.” The idea, according to Beck, is to run it like an American sport. “It’s very much modeled [sic] after traditional pro sports leagues,” he said. “Players are signed to teams, teams are signed to the Championship Series.”
Of course, this means there is a schedule to keep. “Teams will be required to participate in regularly scheduled events,” said Beck. “They’ll be committed to the Championship Series throughout the entire season.” Again, RIOT is aiming for a serious, long-terms league season with its roots in traditional sports. “We want to ensure they’re 100 percent committed to practicing, preparing, and bringing their A-game to these events,” Beck told Gamespot. “We’ll have three days of competition per week during the regular season.”
But the real point of controversy in recent months has been RIOT’s attempts to monopolize MOBA games at major events. Beck had this to say on the subject:
“Anybody could strike a deal with a league that includes a period of exclusivity. This is great for the leagues because it means they’re in high demand. And why wouldn’t they be? MLG, ESL, and IPL put on great events. Of course we want League of Legends to be in the spotlight at these events. Part of the rationale for these kinds of contracts is that it gives us the ability to have a greater influence on the spectator experience to better meet fan expectations.”
Links
Gamespot - Sorce
