Valve, Gabe Newell Has Fired a Dota 2 Host and Production Company From The Shanghai Majors
In response to the poor production value exhibited at the Shanghai Majors, Gabe “GabeN” Newell has pulled off his greatest Donal Trump impression. GabeN and the rest of Valve have dropped the ban hammer on two prominent figures in the backroom staff.
The internet has been abuzz about the many shortcomings prevalent at the second ever Dota 2 Major at Shanghai, China. There were no shortages on problems for the Shanghai Major since it started a couple of days ago last February 25, 2016. The high profile event has been hindered with problems that has left many fans and players unhappy with the proceedings. Whether it be streams going offline, faulty audio connections or any of the other numerous technical difficulties the Valve-sponsored event is far from smooth sailing.
Change was bound to happen if Valve wanted to save the sinking ship of the Shanghai Majors. GabeN, the founder of multi-billion dollar company Valve,himself brought down the verdict effectively parting ways with two prominent figures involved at Shanghai. First off, they fired long time caster and host James “2GD” Harding. The veteran British personality was a former professional Quake 4 and World of Warcraft player. He broke into the casting business in 2002 when there was an apparent lack in casters for the pro Quake 4 scene. Though a long-time figure in the industry, 2GD has been a polarizing figure at best. He is known to be very unprofessional in broadcasts and is famous for his loose and often inappropriate banter.
GabeN mentions in his statement that they have had issues with 2GD before but they were willing to give him a second chance to bring him back for Shanghai. He immediately regretted that decision. To put it simply, GabeN says that ‘James is an ass’ and added that, ‘We won’t be working with him again.’
Gabe “GabeN” Newell himself. (Image taken from bafta.org)
GabeN wasn’t done yet with the Sacking At Shanghai. Valve has also fired the production company behind the Shanghai Majors, KeyTV. KeyTV was also infamous for the poor production value at the Nanyang Dota 2 Championships in Singapore late last year. A lot of people were already surprised why KeyTV got the Shanghai Majors in the first place. Their doubts were not unfounded. GabeN hopes that this whole mishap will be salvaged by the time the Main Event rolls in next week.
2GD has also released a statement where he apologizes to the fans for the inconvenience and says that he isn’t terribly upset.
The Shanghai Majors features a $3 million prize pool and 16 of the top Dota 2 teams from all over the world. Despite the problems, the Shanghai Majors will still continue until next week where the winning team will hoist the first ever Mystic Staff. After all, the show must go on.
You can read Newell’s statement here. While 2GD’s statement can be read here.
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