American caster and former professional player Avery "SVG" Silverman has shared his thoughts on the key shifts in hero drafting strategies and the effects of the increasing number of tournaments on the professional Dota 2 scene.
The Evolution of Drafting: From Exploiting Weaknesses to Playing to Strengths
SVG highlighted a significant change in drafting strategies: players and teams are now focusing more on playing to their strengths rather than countering opponents’ weaknesses. According to him, this shift is not merely a philosophical change but is also influenced by the evolution of game mechanics:
"You now have more gold, and that means more items. We've reached a point where all five players on a team can buy items not just to enhance their own heroes but also to counter what the opponent is doing. This gives you more control over your hero. Previously, supports, for example, were limited to their base abilities and could barely afford any items. Now, they can enhance their toolkit, making gameplay much more flexible."
SVG also noted that professionals have become more versatile. Instead of specialising in a narrow pool of heroes, they’re prepared to play a variety of characters, making drafts less predictable.
An Overabundance of Tournaments: Boon or Risk?
Discussing the state of the professional scene, SVG addressed the sharp increase in the number of large LAN tournaments:
"There are so many tournaments now. By my estimation, there will be about 30–40 next year. This is great for the scene because significant prize pools motivate organisations to continue investing in Dota. It also creates more opportunities for casters and new players to prove themselves."
However, SVG warned of potential risks:
- Player burnout: Tier 1 teams that participate in all tournaments might face exhaustion by the end of the season.
- Viewer fatigue: The repetitiveness of high-prize-pool tournaments could lead to a decline in audience interest.
To address these challenges, he emphasised the importance of tournament organisers differentiating themselves through unique formats, styles, or approaches. Companies like BLAST, which have recently entered Dota 2, have the potential to bring fresh ideas.
SVG views the current trends as positive developments for the growth of Dota 2, highlighting the increasing professionalism and adaptability of players. However, the growing number of tournaments requires organisers to adopt creative strategies to maintain interest among players and fans. These challenges and opportunities are shaping a new era in the history of the Dota 2 professional scene.