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For Whom the Bell Trolls

hotarse·9/26/2016, 1:50:06 PM·3 votes·1,178 views

I started off thinking I'd simply post a critique of riot games for their forsaking (couldn't put for and forsaking consecutively) of our caster heroes Monte and Doa.

Can we first get a round of applause for Riot? Their ego likes getting stroked. Your game has captured the imaginations of a generation and against common perception, I think we've entered an age where an esport can gain the longevity of a regular sport. I actually believe LoL will last a LOT longer than other games have because #1 we've hit the point where the tech is no longer upgrading at the rate it once used to, and even so, LoL's tech can be upgraded later in the future the way Dota's was, and #2, I feel you've created an infrastructure that will take a long time and a huge investment to outdo. No one does esports quite as good as you. And even though I think you're taking advantage of your esports casting team, i have to admit, the results speak for themselves.

And I know you have a beef with Monte and by proxy, probably DoA as well. But these two casters, the bread and butter of the number one league, LCK, need to show at worlds. It's simply inexcusable that you haven't deigned this important enough to make happen. These guys are arguably the best of the best when it comes to commentary and analysis, and yet you've let them slip under the cracks because of your petty attitude. World's simply won't be as good without them. All due respect to all other casters, but these guys simply are a cut above.

Couldn't you find it in your hearts to find a way to include them, at least in some form, in the world's championship? Admittedly I'll be watching either way, but I would enjoy it so much more to hear DoA's fun references and Monte's Know-it-All bravado. Let's do it guys. Let's bring them back. It's not too late. You can still make it happen.

Sincerely, An earnest Fan

19 Comments

Gear Kitty9/26/2016, 5:51:15 PM2 votes

It's not Riot's petty attitude.

It's that Riot pays their casters chump change compared to what the same caster could earn doing Overwatch, Heroes, Smite, DOTA2, CS: Go, or any other high grade eSport game. In fact, the pay for Worlds is so low that it's both laughable and a borderline crime.

Iwinatlife429/26/2016, 6:17:31 PM2 votes

Am I the only one was thrilled that I wouldn't have to hear smug Monte Lavishing praise upon the Koreans?

hotarse9/27/2016, 12:20:36 PM2 votes

There are two comments I'd like to address in my follow up post.

One, people are criticizing Monte. I hear you. You are entitled to that opinion. But whether you like or dislike his style of analysis, you have to admit he is the first and foremost english analyst of the LCK, the strongest region in the world of League of Legends. That he was not even extended an invitation is a slight to esports fans around the world who acknowledge the strength of LCK as a region and of Monte's influence in said world.

Second, DoA was extended an invitation, but considering he's willing to say no doesn't mean simply that his other opportunities were more lucrative. Read the subtext. If DoA is really making more money from something that isn't LoL world's then he's been seriously low-balled. DoA should be given what his value provides, and he's not. I don't blame him for rejecting. He might even be rejecting the offer on the grounds that his buddy and co-caster has been treated like crap. I would do that myself, simply to stand up to the douchebaggery of Riot.

What say you now naysayers?

III BAKURYU III 9/26/2016, 4:26:56 PM2 votes

Their spirits will be there when a Korean team wins Worlds for the 4th year in a row.

TurquoiseYoshi9/26/2016, 7:58:44 PM1 votes

A note about DoA: Him not being at Worlds is partly due to having the Overwatch thing to do and it possibly paying more, but he's also getting married in late October in Korea.

Breaku9/28/2016, 8:14:07 AM1 votes

Eh Monte is trash anyhow. Glad he wont be there tbh.

Linthe9/26/2016, 6:59:01 PM1 votes

Anyone have any numbers for this.... eg.. What is Monte getting for doing something else during Worlds vs. what Phreak/Riv/QShot/Deficio etc are getting for actually casting Worlds?

TBakes9/26/2016, 7:15:11 PM1 votes

Monte did not get invited because of his past issue with Renegades most likely. But, even if he was invited it is his choice to attend. He made a vlog on YouTube recently that basically said Riot's compensation for these events is grotesquely sub-par. The greater gain is the exposure on such a large stage, but he was waivering on if that is even worth it at this point in his career.

DoA was invited and turned down the offer. That's not Riot's fault. He had other obligations or a better offer for a different event. That's how business works, and I hope he succeeds in his other options.

I sense that between the issues brought up by casters, coaches, owners, and fans, Riot will do some soul searching and figure out an improved system for all of this. It seems like they have been very selfish about esports up to this point and it is starting to bite them in the butt. They already released some information regarding future team compensation, etc. and that is a good start. They basically need to figure out a way to make investments into the ecosystem worthwhile and then figure out how teams can monetize their brand, image, etc. within the actual game so sponsors can benefit from getting on-board with a team. This will raise the quality of the players, coaches, etc. That influx of business will naturally increase the compensation of the casters, production staff, etc.

At the end of the day, Riot will act in their best interest, no one else's. It just so happens that the things that are best for everyone else right now are what is best for Riot in the long run, and they need to recognize that then plan and execute.

Miror B9/26/2016, 7:20:25 PM1 votes

Yeah, the reason they're not attending has nothing to do with "compassion". Doa's casting overwatch in korea for much better profit and I'm pretty sure Rito wants monte at worlds the same way WWE wants CM punk at wrestlemania. You should be lucky that papasmithy is going, as according to the latest monty video he was paid on the "low end of fair".