We continue our “Between the Lines”

We continue our series “Between the Lines,” where we delve into the complexities, mistakes, and happy accidents that we encounter while working on such a unique game as Dota 2 and a remarkable event like The International. The development of Dota 2 is a journey filled with both triumphs and tribulations, each contributing to the rich tapestry of our experiences. One of the most significant challenges we face is balancing the game’s competitive integrity with the need for accessibility. Dota 2 is known for its deep mechanics and strategic depth, which can be daunting for new players. We strive to make the game welcoming while maintaining the elements that make it appealing to seasoned veterans. This balancing act often leads to intense discussions within the team, as we try to ensure that new players can enjoy the game without feeling overwhelmed, while also keeping the hardcore community engaged. Mistakes are an inevitable part of the development process. There have been times when we implemented changes based on player feedback, only to realize later that those changes did not resonate with our community. For instance, a particular hero rework may have seemed like a good idea on paper, but once it was introduced, we observed unforeseen consequences in gameplay. This is why we place so much emphasis on playtesting and community feedback. We often iterate on designs multiple times before they are finalized, learning from each version and adapting based on how players interact with the game.

In contrast, happy accidents can lead to delightful surprises. One memorable instance involved a bug that created a unique interaction between two heroes. Instead of immediately fixing it, we decided to embrace the chaos and observed how players adapted to this unexpected synergy. The resulting gameplay was so entertaining that we eventually incorporated aspects of it into the game more permanently. This experience reminded us that sometimes, the best moments in Dota 2 arise from unplanned occurrences, reinforcing the idea that flexibility and openness to change are crucial in game development. The International itself presents its own set of challenges. Organizing one of the largest esports tournaments in the world requires meticulous planning and coordination. From securing venues to managing logistics and ensuring the highest production quality, every detail matters. The pressure can be immense, but it also brings the team closer together as we work towards a common goal. The excitement of seeing the best teams in the world compete on such a grand stage is a reward that makes all the hard work worthwhile.

The Evolution of Soundproof Booths at The International

The International is an incredibly grand event that captivates millions of fans worldwide. Yet, it’s easy to forget that the first TI was a rather modest tournament held at Gamescom 2011 in Cologne. Reflecting on such humble beginnings, we decided to dedicate today’s narrative to an often-overlooked element that remains integral to the event: the soundproof booths. These booths, while essential, are sometimes forgotten and rarely acknowledged, except in recent years when they’ve faced some ventilation challenges. From the very first International, we understood the necessity of soundproofing the booths to ensure that players could not hear commentators or the audience, thereby preventing any unfair advantage. At that time, this was the only requirement, as the tournament was not particularly large, and external sounds were relatively minimal. The booths effectively muted external noise, but they were far from ideal in other respects. As a result, our requirements evolved significantly for subsequent tournaments. The first TI was quite an educational experience for us. For instance, it became apparent that the tables were too high and narrow, causing players’ elbows to dangle uncomfortably, which hindered their gameplay. Additionally, NVIDIA provided large gaming rigs, which we placed in cabinets under the players’ desks—unventilated cabinets, as it turned out. These computers operated continuously for seven days, resulting in an internal temperature so high that opening the cabinet doors revealed melting insulation on the wires. Miraculously, nothing broke down that week—likely thanks to one of the players accidentally cooling the cabinets by spilling some cold water inside.

This led us to our second requirement for the booths: ventilation. Who would have thought that locking five computers, five monitors, five players, and various lighting elements inside a sealed glass box would create such intense heat? Ensuring adequate cooling for the booths became a vital and challenging task. We experimented with different ventilation systems, striving to maintain a comfortable environment for the players, as their performance could significantly decline in excessive heat. We also encountered issues with reflections. In the early days, the rectangular booths were placed directly opposite one another, with both front and back walls made of clear glass. This allowed both teams to see their opponents’ monitors in the reflections behind them, an oversight we quickly recognized. The solution we devised was surprisingly low-tech: to block these reflections, we affixed promotional t-shirts to the glass between the players. While it may not have been the most elegant solution, it was effective and added a layer of character to the booths. As we continued to refine the booth design, we learned the importance of acoustic treatment. The materials used for soundproofing became a focal point of our upgrades. We explored various sound-absorbing materials to ensure that even the faintest whispers or sounds from the outside world were effectively dampened. The goal was to create an environment where players could concentrate solely on their gameplay, free from any external distractions.

Another aspect we had to consider was the layout of the booths. Over the years, we transitioned from simple rectangular shapes to more complex designs that better facilitated teamwork and communication among players. We realized that a slight adjustment in the booth configuration could significantly impact the team’s synergy and overall performance. Therefore, we invested time and resources into creating an optimal setup that encouraged collaboration while still maintaining the necessary isolation. As The International continued to grow, so did our understanding of the players’ needs. We began to recognize the importance of comfort and ergonomics in the design of the booths. This led us to incorporate adjustable seating and desks to accommodate players of different heights and preferences. Creating a space where players could feel at ease was crucial for their mental and physical well-being during the intense competition.

Furthermore, we also faced challenges related to technology. Ensuring that the booths were equipped with the latest hardware and software was paramount. We had to work closely with technical teams to ensure that the equipment was not only high-performing but also stable throughout the event. This meant rigorous testing and troubleshooting in the lead-up to the tournament to prevent any technical failures during crucial moments. The evolution of the booths has been a testament to our commitment to providing the best possible experience for the players. Each year, we gather feedback and insights to make incremental improvements. From the early days of makeshift solutions to today’s advanced setups, the journey has been one of learning and adaptation.