[Baldie]

One of our main focuses while over in America will be around structure and format.

In 2014 there will be 2-3 offline events and an array of online rounds again. It is most likely we will not do open bracket at all next year, meaning offline events will purely be invite only by points. This is due to a variety of reasons but in simple terms, the demand isn't high enough to justify the resources required to have it.

As a result we appreciate the format and structure of our online rounds will be more important than ever. We would love to hear your thoughts on potential formats of our online rounds and offline events. Thank you to those who have already expressed their thoughts.

We takes these "ACL Summits" very seriously so please continue with your feedback so we can provide the best experience in 2014.

[PiG]

Originally Posted by Baldie

One of our main focuses while over in America will be around structure and format.

In 2014 there will be 2-3 offline events and an array of online rounds again. It is most likely we will not do open bracket at all next year, meaning offline events will purely be invite only by points. This is due to a variety of reasons but in simple terms, the demand isn't high enough to justify the resources required to have it.

As a result we appreciate the format and structure of our online rounds will be more important than ever. We would love to hear your thoughts on potential formats of our online rounds and offline events. Thank you to those who have already expressed their thoughts.

We takes these "ACL Summits" very seriously so please continue with your feedback so we can provide the best experience in 2014.

I think losing the open bracket would make a lot of players sad. Also losing all the signup fees and having less spectators could hurt the event (though if production increases then that probably easily makes up in spectators). The two sc2 Open-brackets this year had at least 40 signups on top of the 16 players already qualified. I guess that's only between $1000-$1500 which isn't a lot considering how much these events cost to put on, but it is something.

I guess it's just some of the storylines which evolve and the chance for up-and-coming players to prove themselves which has always been great for the community. I would love to see the open-bracket continue.

So you said that the demand isn't high enough to continue open-brackets. Could you please tell us what sort of demand would allow it to continue? If you could guarantee 75+ open bracket signups would it be a different story?

As for admins and setting up and packing down I know that it's a big effort to set up and pack it all down for a bunch of volunteers and I'm always amazed by the job you guys do. This is an area I really think the community needs to step in and help out. I personally will be trying to spread the word that more volunteers are needed to keep these events as strong as they are, and with the help of all the teams promoting ACL in each community I can easily imagine us consistently getting more volunteers on the ground at these events.

I don't imagine that will make these events less stressful, but it will make it less overwhelming and a little more manageable for you guys.

The question I have though is how many more signups, volunteers and admins would make an open-bracket feasible?