my thoughts on the future of Vainglory

my reply to this video:

I think they should just reboot Vainglory, instead of going the CE route. Strip out a lot of the extra stuff (for example chat - most people can use an app for that), drop the PC version, go back to 3v3, making it easier and cheaper for their servers (and improving matchmaking times).

Cut out all the extra game modes. Get back to the core of what made VG so special and fun: the touch controls, 3v3, great characters, cool skins, streamlined game play, ranks, the best MOBA (if not one of the best) games for mobile.

Let the community develop the esports scene, with some guidance by SEMC. If they want to have bigger tournaments, let the players fund it like DoTA does, which incidentally increases revenues for SEMC.

I personally stopped playing a little before 5v5 was introduced and only tried 5v5 a few times, which totally turned me off and I hated the control stick scheme. Also, It seemed like it was trying to be too much like LoL (like map and objectives) and lost some of it's simplicity and unique personality.

Go in for another round of funding for the reboot or heck, do a kickstarter. I bet they could get a good amount of money from crowdfunding. Sell merch.

Most of the game is already developed, so why let it go to waste? Find a way to manage server costs and bring in more revenue (with above changes). From a business standpoint it doesn't make sense for SEMC to abandon a game that has a strong brand, loyal fan base and great code / game development. VG should be their cashcow. It should be a profitable game and growing game... Perhaps it's easier to get VC funding for a new game?

It's an even bigger risk developing a new game, especially without the hype that VG had. It seems like SEMC might be afraid of actually becoming a megacorp, that is, the type of company that would be able to manage and grow Vainglory in perpetuity. And so you see the desire to hand that off to other companies while they remain in startup mode by developing new games. Maybe that works, if they are being true to themselves, they can continue doing that and each successive game will be a new thing and hopefully a success. It is exciting and fun to make new games, perhaps that is what they are seeking.

However, I think they could find enough people in their company who'd love to continue to develop and maintain VG. If the community really wants to see VG continue, let them prove it through crowdfunding (as opposed to running their own servers). They are basically letting it die anyways by going the CE route, why not give the players a voice and vote with their money before they do that?

If they can't raise enough funds to continue VG as is, then so be it, the players have had their chance, and they can go the CE route. If crowdfunding has to be a regular thing, then so be it, business models are changing and SEMC should be open to that.