The recently unveiled 2024 Valorant Champions Tour (VCT) schedule by Riot Games has sparked a wave of criticism from professional Valorant players. Head of Valorant Esports, Leo Faria, took the opportunity during a Media Day Q&A to address some of the concerns raised by the players.
VALORANT Pros unhappy with 2024 VCT Schedule
"I guess they want to troll people with this schedule, no rest for 7 months AGAIN"
"Absolutely 0 chance you listened to teams when you again make offseason for 6 months for the majority of teams"
🔗 https://t.co/Tc7sm4Py2j pic.twitter.com/BWZ2rBm0yZ
— Valorant News (@ValorINTEL) August 23, 2023
Backlash Over VCT 2024 Schedule
The schedule, announced on August 23, immediately faced backlash due to its prolonged offseason for teams that fail to qualify for Valorant Champions – a scenario applicable to most VCT international league squads. Additionally, the demanding marathon-like structure of the season, featuring limited breaks, drew further scrutiny.
Critics voiced their dissatisfaction, with some feeling that their concerns about the 2023 schedule, which showcased similar issues now present in the 2024 calendar, were not acknowledged by Riot Games.
Leo Faria’s Response Over VCT 2024 Schedule
In response to these grievances, Leo Faria acknowledged the challenges faced in creating a balanced schedule. He recognized that the January to August season is packed, but clarified that the extended offseason is designed to address this issue.
Faria emphasized the complexity of managing both the best teams, who seek more playtime, and those who do not qualify for global events, who express their desire for a longer season. Striking a balance is a formidable task, and Faria explained that planning the season to cater to all aspects of the VCT spectrum is a challenge due to the differing needs of teams.
Commitment to Listening and Iterating
The primary objective, according to Faria, is to provide the top teams with numerous opportunities to compete against one another. However, he admitted that finding the perfect solution to cater to all parties is a daunting task.
While the current schedule may not appease everyone, Faria assured that Riot Games remains committed to listening to feedback from professionals, teams, and fans. The intention is to iterate and improve the VCT schedule on an annual basis. Faria acknowledged that the current structure may change in the future as they strive to strike the right balance and cater to the diverse needs of the Valorant esports community.
As the Valorant esports landscape continues to evolve, Riot Games’ willingness to adapt and refine the VCT schedule underscores their commitment to creating an engaging and competitive environment for players and fans alike. The ongoing dialogue with the community serves as a testament to Riot’s dedication to fostering a thriving esports ecosystem.
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