James O'Connor · @jamesoconnor
28th Apr 2016 from TwitLonger
Coaching's future - Valve's thoughts from Major
Hiko and I had dinner with Valve Devs at the Major and discussed what coaching support I gave TL. I wanted to understand what future I would have in this role. Valve then shared what they would like the coaching role to play in the competitive landscape but reaffirmed they were still discussing it.
Valve Dev's explained the coach spec option in-game took off more than they originally intended. They want to protect the integrity of the 5v5 team experience for the lower levels who do not have coaches. Essentially they want viewers at home who play the game to be watching the same game that they play at home. To keep the competitive pressure spread across 5 people and supported by a 6th not a full 6v6 game where the brains of the game is outsourced fully to an out of game leader.
They discussed possibly silencing the coms from the coach after 25 seconds into the round or so (including freezetime). Similar to how coaches mics are silenced in football after the huddle. This would put more value on great QB's (IGL's).
Currently valve does not allow coach spec option at the major. None of this is set in stone and is still being discussed but it shows you their view which I can respect because we as a community need to better support the IGL role.
Lots to discuss!
- Jame^s