Should esports teams focus on entertainment rather than winning?

Traditionally, esports is focused on winning; but should teams focus on entertainment rather than winning?

First, winning is not the only way to succeed in esports. Teams that focus on entertainment can often attract more viewers and become more popular than teams that only focus on winning.

Viewers like teams that create entertaining content, such as funny videos, exciting interviews, and captivating strategies. By focusing on entertainment, teams can build a more extensive and dedicated fan base, leading to long-term success.

Second, viewers are often more interested in the personalities and stories of the teams than in the games themselves. By focusing on entertainment, teams can give insight into their personalities, backgrounds, and motivations. This can help fans connect with teams on a deeper level.

Finally, focusing on entertainment can help teams stand out from the competition. With so many teams competing in esports, it can be difficult for a single team to stand out. However, by focusing on entertainment, teams can create unique and memorable experiences for their viewers that help them stand out.

A former Dota 2 player believes esports teams should focus more on fans than winning

Peter Dager, the former EG captain and TI5 champion known as ppd made some blunt statements about the current state of the Dota 2 landscape.

His point of view, he shared on Twitter on February 20. His post specifically addressed teams and organizers, urging them to talk about how they can improve instead of putting all their effort into winning.

The legendary captain currently holds the position of Director of Program Operations at event management company Esports Engine, following his stint as a coach at Team Alliance. Peter commented on how esports companies have grown, noting that they have figured out how to live off their revenues rather than using their capital to grow them.

He suggested that players on each team should leverage their brand to capitalize on their current fame and strive to achieve this. In this way, they avoid being displaced by newer and better-organized teams.

Peter Dager comments that team and player-based products would effectively be a monetization model for teams. Whether or not esports organizations will heed this advice remains to be seen.

Ultimately, while winning is vital in esports, teams must also focus on entertainment to ensure long-term success. By offering entertaining content, teams can build a broader and more engaged fan base. It also creates deeper connections with fans and stands out from the competition. Ultimately, focusing on entertainment rather than winning may be the key to success in esports.

Header: Valve