Why Smite 2 Desperately Needs Esports: A Love-Hate Relationship

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Over the years, Smite has solidified its position as a major player within the Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) scene. However, the upcoming shift to Smite 2 raises numerous queries about its future prospects. With the impending launch of Smite 2 on the horizon, discussions have intensified around the question: “Is an esports scene truly essential for this game?” This debate was sparked by a Reddit post from user RealSnowKid, who posits that esports could serve as the revitalizing force needed to sustain and expand the game’s community. The conversation has elicited a variety of opinions, ranging from optimism about the potential benefits of esports for Smite 2’s growth to skepticism about whether it might ultimately lead to the downfall of a cherished series.

Summary

  • Players are split about the need for an esports presence in Smite 2, with some seeing it as essential for player retention.
  • Many commenters believe the excitement from new seasons naturally boosts player numbers, overshadowing the impact of competitive play.
  • There are concerns about the timing, as many feel the esports scene should only unfold when the game reaches a certain level of stability and completeness.
  • Discontent was shown about Hi-Rez’s handling of esports, including layoffs and whether the company should focus on making the game better first.

Esports: A Double-Edged Sword

Discussion on the Smite subreddit revolves around concerns about the game’s esports aspirations, and it seems there are legitimate reasons for this dissatisfaction. On one hand, there’s widespread praise for the quality of competitive play, with RealSnowKid emphasizing that significant tournaments fuel excitement within the community and attract new players. The influx of players following tournament events suggests that investing in an esports scene could maintain interest over time. However, players are growing skeptical about such promises. User Xuminer, for instance, doubts the authenticity of the “SWC peaks,” suggesting they might be more related to the post-holiday gaming surge rather than a genuine increase in esports enthusiasm.

It’s an age-old struggle between the idealistic aspiration versus the practicality of user involvement in esports. While it’s true that numerous gamers delight in the adrenaline rush of competition and the social bonding experienced from watching talented players face off, users such as hwghwg2 frequently emphasize that the allure of esports primarily stems from the anticipation surrounding new season releases. The question remains: how consistently does the live audience component contribute to player loyalty or expansion over a prolonged period?

The Timing Dilemma

The question of when to introduce an esports circuit for Smite 2 arises, similar to sudden jumps in a horror game, with many debating if it’s premature at this stage. As Echo_NO_Aim aptly pointed out last year, the tournament was held too soon, suggesting that the game should be fully developed before any esports league (like SPL) is established. Generally, there’s a shared belief that players should experience a refined and polished product before an esports structure is implemented. Essentially, there’s concern that without a well-timed release, the esports aspect could be like adding a fancy bow to an incomplete gift.

It’s important to establish a solid foundation for the game before adding a tournament element. As player heartlessvt aptly put it, “They should concentrate on making the game truly exceptional, so the peak number isn’t an initial lifeline.” Why risk everything when there might still be significant flaws? Until the game’s stability issues are addressed, launching a competitive scene could feel like installing a high-performance engine in a car lacking wheels.

A Skeptical Community

A significant degree of doubt has arisen among gamers who believe they were deceived by Hi-Rez Studios’ approach to their esports scene. Initially, many enthusiasts supported the concept of an esports-focused Smite, but as Xuminer correctly noted, “The interest in a SMITE esports scene peaked during its first 2-3 seasons and has been on a steady decline since then.” This perspective makes it understandable why some players are adopting the stance that “fool me once, shame on you” towards Hi-Rez’s persistent efforts to promote competitive play.

One user, DopioGelato, openly expressed their skepticism towards the idea of organized professional eSports within a company that’s still finding its footing. “If they can organize small tournaments for streamers to generate hype, then perhaps,” they stated, however, they emphasized the illogicality of establishing a pro league at a time when a significant portion of the workforce has been let go. It seems challenging to support a full-fledged eSports venture under such frequent corporate downsizing, and players are justified in their worries that the insufficient funding might lead to an incomplete competitive environment.

WillJackman’s comment offers an intriguing perspective: “I believe eSports are beneficial for the game, but those surges in popularity are likely 10% because of eSports and 90% due to a new season start.” To foster a more meaningful discussion, it’s essential to transition from solely considering sales linked to eSports and instead focusing on community engagement. After establishing a substantial player base, competitive elements can be gradually incorporated.

Player Engagement Over Spectator Sports

To put it simply, this conversation has made clear that we need to shift our attention more towards nurturing the community itself. It seems that player interaction might have been overshadowed by grand tournaments and sponsorships. As heartlessvt eloquently stated, “the all-time peak isn’t a life support number.” Instead, our efforts should be directed towards fostering community expansion, allocating resources to make the game appealing for players to stick around and develop further.

The buzz on Reddit has led to a significant insight: a vibrant fan community could surpass the remaining advantages of professionals enjoying the spotlight. Players who value the camaraderie aspect may discover ways to make new friends, establish teams, and organize their own tournaments, addressing any shortcomings that an official scene might overlook. As one user suggested, it’s more rewarding for players to back something that genuinely fosters a feeling of belonging and lets them play what they passionately enjoy.

Essentially, the recurring sentiments within the Smite gaming community suggest a crucial point: maybe Hi-Rez should prioritize improving the game fundamentals over chasing championship titles initially. It’s not ideal to build up competitive play, only to encounter issues that could potentially harm the game itself. The future of Smite 2 might require more input from players rather than solely relying on an esports-centric vision. As they say, a united community tends to persist, and it is this camaraderie that truly embodies the spirit of Smite.

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2025-02-06 17:14