[Baldie]

Big changes hit WCS Season 3 for 2014

Season 3 will follow a different format to that of previous seasons. For the first time two tournaments, one offline and one online, will seed players into WCS.

• ACL Online Round 3 in June will now transform into a WCS Online qualifier where 1st place will take a WCS seed.
• ACL Sydney LAN in July will now also offer the second WCS Season 3 seed to 1st place.

WCS Online Qualifier
ACL Online Round 3: June 14th & 15th
Register here

Alike previous seasons of WCS Qualifiers there will be an online component. However, unlike previous seasons the league requirements have been wiped. For the first time all leagues are eligible to compete regardless of server. Residential restraints still stand. Open to unlimited registrations this event will provide valuable seeding points for ACL Sydney while also providing 1st place with a seed to WCS Season 3.

+ [Tournament Details] +

Stage 1 - Online Open Qualifier Stage
Date: Saturday 14th June 2014
Time: 10.00AM - 10:30PM AEST
Server: South East Asia
Entry Fee: Free
Format: Double elimination best-of-three
Advancement to Stage 2: Top 8

Stage 2 - Round of 16
Date: Sunday 15th June 2014
Time: 1:00PM - 10:30PM AEST
Server: South East Asia
Entry Fee: Free + Prior Advancement
Format: Double elimination best-of-three

Advancement to WCS America: 1st Place

WCS Offline Qualifier
ACL Sydney: July 19th & 20th
Register here

We are excited to announce that ACL Sydney will provide the second seed to WCS Season 3 for 1st place. ACL Sydney has already shaped up to be the biggest ACL event in history and with WCS support it will only get bigger. This will be the perfect crescendo to the ACL and WCS season. Are you willing to fly to compete in the biggest LAN event in two years?

+ [Tournament Details] +

Stage 1 - Open Bracket
Date: Saturday 19th July 2014
Time: TBA
Server: South East Asia
Entry Fee: $30
Format: Double elimination best-of-three
Advancement to Stage 2: Top 8

Stage 2 - Group Stage
Date: Saturday 19th July 2014
Time: TBA
Server: South East Asia
Entry Fee: $25 + Prior Advancement
Format: Round Robin - 4 x 6 Players
Advancement to Stage 3: Top 12

Stage 3 - Championship Bracket
Date: Sunday 20th July 2014
Time: TBA
Server: South East Asia
Entry Fee: Free + Prior Advancement
Format: Single elimination best-of-three/five

Advancement to WCS America: 1st Place

Further details on everything WCS can be found on the official website: http://wcs2014.aclpro.com.au/

[Maynarde]

AaaaaaawwwwwwwwwWWWwwwwWwww sheeeeeyyiiitttttt

[Elusory]

Cool beans. Gonna work hard this month and see how far I can go in Online Round 3

[zenabi]

Sounds cool! Sucks that ACL Online Qualifier is now on both days as I can't play on Saturdays so I am gonna lose points But overall this format is really cool!

[syfInsano]

Oh wow, this is gonna be sick

[|Erasmus|]

So why are Blizzard restricting the second SEA qualifier spot to (mostly) Australians?

[Baldie]

Originally Posted by Various People

Why ACL Sydney?

While generally we have tried to keep all WCS qualifiers online to provide the most equal and accessible playing field, Blizzard HQ and all affiliated parties agreed offering one of the two seeds to the major StarCraft II tournament for our region was an acceptable trade-off. ACL Sydney will undisputedly be the largest StarCraft II event for our region for 2014, if not since WCS 2012. If we are going to have healthy local StarCraft II scene Blizzard has recognised they need to support local events and giving a seed to an event helps to do this.

We appreciate this does limit the opportunities for both our talent currently overseas and to the SEA residents. While I cannot give specifics, as suggested in earlier responses the financial and logistical input Blizzard ANZ have provided along with an array of other reasons is why this decision occurred. Please know this was something that was discussed and assessed at length.

We know there will always be people affected negatively by a location based qualifier and people who will have mixed feelings on any given situation. We just hope you can express your opinions but not let them determine your interest in season 3.

Quick Comments

x5_dot:

thanks for the clarification

[x5_dot]

Here is my opinion on this:

My first reaction was that this suckkkkkks for SEAtizens.

Rather than having equal standing and equal number of shots with those from Australia and New Zealand, this effectively restricts them to just 1. Although ACL is open to those from SEA playing in them, it is not always a viable option. To date, no one from SEA has played at an ACL (correct me if I'm wrong). Team Exile5 will be sending Rev to ACL Sydney, but not so many players from that region will be so lucky.

It was always my understanding that the 2 slots for WCS AM Challenger League were for BOTH the SEA and ANZ regions. This skews it towards the ANZ region. If this was a matter of funding (from Blizzard ANZ and not SEA) then I begrudgingly understand, but I think it takes away from the whole point of the new WCS system in the first place, which was to give small regions chances they normally wouldn't have.

P.S. Congrats KingKong for making Challenger Season 3!

Quick Comments

	Pox:	why can't i hold all these agrees
	Maynarde:	Confirmed that it is Blizz ANZ funded not Blizz SEA

[syfChadMann]

It's not blizzards fault that PiG, iaguz and Petraeus choose to travel overseas. ACL Sydney is open to everyone from SEA.. Its as expensive for someone from New Zealand or Singapore to get to Sydney as it is from Perth. They wanted to have a live tournament, someone will always miss out due to the nature of live tournaments.

P.S. KingkOng probably would have qualified (again, for the third time in a row) anyway because he's one of the best players in the region..............

[Dox]

Originally Posted by fray`ChadMann

It's not blizzards fault that PiG, iaguz and Petraeus choose to travel overseas.

fak u blazird

[syfMightyKiwi]

welp, this blows

[x5_dot]

This is not me complaining because PiG won't be playing in EITHER of the qualifiers. He understood long ago that there is a good chance he won't be able to compete in the qualifiers for Season 3. So please don't BLINDLY dump this on him.

[|Erasmus|]

Maybe it sucks just as much for someone in Perth then chadmann... the point is it's an extra barrier of entry (getting to Sydney) which is not equal for everyone. Defeats the point of being called a SEA qualifier.

Quick Comments

syfMightyKiwi:

you've got the idea!

[inFeZa]

Super excited for this. Looks amazing!

[Eddie]

Really a major step backwards i think!

Nearly restricted to only Australians (and those who can travel to and attend ACL Syd). Feel really sorry for everyone else in SEA, and those who can't make it to Sydney.

Plus there's a few of our best currently overseas trying to make a career for themselves who wont be able to attend, and others going overseas/aiming too as well.

Also ACL Sydney will not undisputedly be the largest StarCraft II event for our region for 2014. I think OSC finals will have a bigger prizepool (?) and certainly more prestige since not a LAN. If you look at upcoming ACL Brisbane, i think there will only be 6 out of the top 32 players attending, Sydney might have a couple more, but still doesn't represent regional talent. There may also be some big lans in SG, PH or Hong Kong who knows what's planned...

I feared something like this might have happened when outsourcing to an Australian focused LAN organisation.

Baldie, just wondering is this change a result of scheduling? Less work/dates to worry about?
And will you be taking the WCS Prizepool and adding to your own to inflate the LAN prize?

Only positive i guess, is ACL Sydney will have more riding on it.

Quick Comments

ThatGuyDoMo:

OSC is not a representation of regional talent at all. Your numbers are incorrect.

[Baldie]

Originally Posted by Eddie

I feared something like this might have happened when outsourcing to an Australian focused LAN organisation.

I just want to firstly state that ACL's involvement in WCS qualifiers has absolutely nothing to do with Blizzard's decision to attach themselves to ACL Sydney. With all due respect if you can think of a more appropriate Oceania/SEA event in 2014 to attach to which fits within the WCS qualifier time-period, which has a production level cleared by Blizzard HQ, from an organisation with long term brand recognition and credibility - please let me know.

Originally Posted by Eddie

Baldie, just wondering is this change a result of scheduling? Less work/dates to worry about?

As stated in my first response "If we are going to have a healthy local StarCraft II scene Blizzard has recognised they need to support local events and giving a seed to an event helps to do this." It has nothing to do with scheduling.

Originally Posted by Eddie

And will you be taking the WCS Prizepool and adding to your own to inflate the LAN prize?

The WCS Prizepool is still being confirmed but I can confirm that ACL already has a set allocation and if Blizzard decides to place some of it's WCS prizepool on top, that is purely their decision.

I would also like to remind you that Oceania/SEA is the only region to have a prizepool attached to their WCS qualifiers. You can thank Blizzard ANZ for that - just don't take it as the norm.

Quick Comments

syfChadMann:

Good response Baldie, totally agree. :)

[Eddie]

Blizzard ANZ do fantastic work, no doubt about it

I don't see the need to attach to any existing event though...

Our region isn't like others, we are so spaced out, that LANS can never be a true representation of who is the best. Not many can even attend.

It's probably good for the Australian LAN circuit no doubt (shame some of our best are overseas, but out of your control), but i'd like to think something as big as a WCS spot should be open to all our region.

[|Erasmus|]

Originally Posted by Baldie

I just want to firstly state that ACL's involvement in WCS qualifiers has absolutely nothing to do with Blizzard's decision to attach themselves to ACL Sydney. With all due respect if you can think of a more appropriate Oceania/SEA event in 2014 to attach to which fits within the WCS qualifier time-period, which has a production level cleared by Blizzard HQ, from an organisation with long term brand recognition and credibility - please let me know.

The first two seasons ran fine without being "attached" to any other event. From the sounds of Blizzard HQ "agreeing to it" it was you guys who asked them to attach it to your LAN event, which sure sounds like a conflict of interests to me given how it affects a lot of players in the region outside of the Australia part of ACL... Kind of like if ESL tried to get the qualifier spots given to their IEM events.

[Maynarde]

Originally Posted by |Erasmus|

The first two seasons ran fine without being "attached" to any other event. From the sounds of Blizzard HQ "agreeing to it" it was you guys who asked them to attach it to your LAN event, which sure sounds like a conflict of interests to me given how it affects a lot of players in the region outside of the Australia part of ACL... Kind of like if ESL tried to get the qualifier spots given to their IEM events.

This is speculation. I'm only a caster and not involved behind the scenes but I do speak to PJ from Blizz ANZ reasonably often and he has always said since the beginning of the WCS Oceania / SEA qual announcement that they wanted to have a qualifier at a live event from the beginning.

[Baldie]

Originally Posted by |Erasmus|

The first two seasons ran fine without being "attached" to any other event. From the sounds of Blizzard HQ "agreeing to it" it was you guys who asked them to attach it to your LAN event, which sure sounds like a conflict of interests to me given how it affects a lot of players in the region outside of the Australia part of ACL... Kind of like if ESL tried to get the qualifier spots given to their IEM events.

You can read into it and make as many assumptions as you want. I'm not going to entertain that question. This was never about attaching to something because it was necessary. Blizzard saw this as an opportunity to support the local scene through local tournaments and have decided to follow that. Period.

[SLCN.Petrify]

Anyone complaining about this should get better and just win the online qualifier. Realistically it was going to be KingKong + 1 other person, and that's going to probably stay the same now.

This is going to do WONDERS for ACL and supporting the scene. If you want the scene to grow it needs to have bigger and better LAN's. Creating more incentive at a LAN can never be a bad thing!

Thankyou Blizzard ANZ for being so goddamn awesome

[ACL VaNzR]

I think this is a fantastic announcement and I am very pleased to see Blizzard getting behind the scene here in such a big way. To me, as a gamer and also event organiser, I want to see and put on an entertaining show. I want to help create a memorable experience. It's a lot easier to identify an event and experience in a physical environment. Nothing compares to a real-life event, even when you're watching from home online.

ACL has made very clear our mandate for the Sydney event is to improve on spectator experience. We remain committed to ensuring this title and its loyal fans can enjoy a tournament they are proud to have been so close to. This is a great moment and opportunity for SEAtizens to make this a big event. Get behind it and come along.

Similarly, as we are now only two months away - we are ramping up our planning for ensuring this is indeed a great production and experience. I would love for anyone who is interested in helping shape this event, to get in touch with Baldie via Skype (bradley_baldwin).

Can't wait for this one! Vanz

[Another]

pet iaguz and mightykiwi just got screwed over so bad, this sucks.

Especially since Pet and Iaguz would surely be favorites to take the spots.

[ThatGuyDoMo]

Not sure if I agree or disagree with this idea yet.

TIME TO START WRITING UP ANOTHER BLOG POST GAIZ

[TtSYF.tRoy]

If Kingkong wins both Sydney and online seed, who takes second seed

Quick Comments

syfSoundwave:

I'd assume 2nd place at Sydney

[Baldie]

Originally Posted by TtSYF.tRoy

If Kingkong wins both Sydney and online seed, who takes second seed

If the winner of the WCS Online Round also wins ACL Sydney, 2nd place from ACL Sydney will take the seed.

EDIT: This is purely because the order of the tournaments. If it was the other way around then 2nd place from the Online Round would take it. The nature of the Tournament has nothing to do with it.

[mGGSouth]

So the 8 players invited to stage 2 of the online qualifier get automatic points for ACL?

Quick Comments

Baldie:

They are guarenteed top 16 points yes.

[ThatGuyDoMo]

Ok, I was bored and have a late start at uni tomorrow.

Here you go if you are interested. Decided to analyze the problems and solutions to this scenario.

Sorry for the length again hahaha

http://nostringshere.wordpress.com/2...-wcs-in-depth/

Quick Comments

	syfPhoenix:	<3
	|Erasmus|:	No mention of SEA people outside Australia... :/

[Eddie]

Originally Posted by ThatGuyDoMo

Ok, I was bored and have a late start at uni tomorrow.

Here you go if you are interested. Decided to analyze the problems and solutions to this scenario.

Sorry for the length again hahaha

http://nostringshere.wordpress.com/2...-wcs-in-depth/

Very well written again! However i don't really see many positives about this WCS, just identifying problems of overseas players, distance/location, and LAN format. So i still disagree that the positives outweigh the negatives.

As for OSC, while there is currently about 1/3 of Non SEA in top 32 OSC (which increases the difficulty, due to international events, and there are more points awarded to compensate), going through the rankings by Aussies alone (note not SEA), i think there will only be 13/50 or so Bris. But this isn't really relevant to WCS, so i digress.

And yeah, Sydney should have a bigger turnout, due to a variety of factors, but it still wont have a massive representation of our region, and will be missing a heap of our top tier (Petraeus, PiG, EnDerr, iaguz, Blysk, Lobo, MightyKiwi, mOOnGLaDe + others unable to make the trip). A WCS seed should be aimed at our elite, and make equally available.

I may be wrong, but i think most SC2 players are students, so even with a team (if they are some of the lucky ones), flights, accommodation, taxi's, food, and additional costs for travel would be a massive investment. That's just for Australians...

And just to be clear, don't think i'm hating on ACL. I can't wait for the Sydney lan, they always do an amazing job, i just don't think the lan should have a WCS seed.

Quick Comments

ThatGuyDoMo:

Much appreciated response. You raise a valid point regarding representation.

[ACL VaNzR]

Good read Domo. Very pragmatic and analytical.

I would just quickly point out that ACL staff have been running the WCS campaign all year for Blizzard. This isn't a brand new development or change from where 'WCS America' ran the events. I know you personally don't think this, but ACL isn't out for blood or world domination or anything sinister here :P

Quick Comments

ThatGuyDoMo:

Haha my bad, and I don't think ACL is out for blood at all. Keep doing what you are doing <3

[ThatGuyDoMo]

@Erasmus, very fair point. I agree this is a problem but I still hold that the positives outweigh the negatives. Let me think on this more and I'll get back to you.

Just to make it clear I am in favour of this idea. There are some problems that could be resolved but overall this is a good thing in my opinion.

[SLCN.NXZ]

Originally Posted by ThatGuyDoMo

@Erasmus, very fair point. I agree this is a problem but I still hold that the positives outweigh the negatives. Let me think on this more and I'll get back to you.

Just to make it clear I am in favour of this idea. There are some problems that could be resolved but overall this is a good thing in my opinion.

In the end, if past performances are to go by then there's been 3 relevant SEA players in the qualifiers, (namely, revenant, enderr and blysk). Revenant will be at ACL Sydney so I'll discount him. This leaves blysk and enderr. By adding the WCS money on to ACL Sydney this increases the prize pool by quite a significant amount, incentivising it for blysk and enderr to make the trip. Given the inability to make the event for the top Oceanic players, this makes the bracket markedly easier, again, quite worth it. I know Blysk is planning on making international trips this year so making room for an ACL where it could be very likely he could make challenger and make his money back (plus more) would make it a quite good choice for him.

If anything I'd argue this could be very helpful for those outside of Australia in the sense of the weaker field and prize pool. Obviously travelling to another country isn't easy but if you're playing in WCS, your end goal should be premier league and from there, travelling to America. I think this is a good thing, it adds prestige to the Sydney LAN, potentially bringing in more players from outside of Australia which would be something we haven't seen before.

Quick Comments

ThatGuyDoMo:

Excellent take. Thanks Ryan <3

[|Erasmus|]

Plus even if Ryan is right and some of them decide to come, Sydney seedings are apparently based on OR1 and OR2 which happened before people knew about this seed from ACL, and from results at ACL Brisbane, which means 2 interstate/international trips if they want to have a decent seeding and a better shot at winning...

Quick Comments

ThatGuyDoMo:

Wasn't aware of this. T_T

[Baldie]

Originally Posted by |Erasmus|

Plus even if Ryan is right and some of them decide to come, Sydney seedings are apparently based on OR1 and OR2 which happened before people knew about this seed from ACL, and from results at ACL Brisbane, which means 2 interstate/international trips if they want to have a decent seeding and a better shot at winning...

While I agree people didn't know about the WCS seed prior to OR1 and OR2, neither did we. This was something we couldn't announce definitively until there was sign off from Blizzard HQ.

EDIT: Erasmus I understand where you are coming from but the same argument can occur when we announce the prize pool. Are people disadvantaged because they weren't aware of how large or small scale an event it would be until that is announced? While I appreciate WCS is on a much larger scale, we aren't always in a position to be able to put everything out to the public when initially released. We don't live in a world where we have everything available to flick a switch and announce. All we can do is try to provide the fairest system when things develop.

Quick Comments

	|Erasmus|:	I know, but people didn't know that seeding would affect their ability to qualify for WCS
	ThatGuyDoMo:	Erasmus has a point. But we live in an imperfect world. Something like this is bound to happen. It's still manageable.

[Baldie]

The 8 invited players are now revealed in no particular order.

For the four ANZ seeds we have:
mOOnGLaDe
Iaguz
Petraeus
KingKong

For the four SEA seeds we have:
EnDerr
Revenant
Blysk
Heartz

GLHF!

[syfChadMann]

Originally Posted by Baldie

mOOnGLaDe
Iaguz
Petraeus
KingKong

you get mOOnGLaDe's difficult caps correct but capital Iaguz!?! iaguz.
Also its KingkOng.
</capshipster>

Good luck dudes, should be some good games

Also, how were these seeds generated? o_O

Quick Comments

syfSoundwave:

KingkOng is awful. NEVERRRRRRRR.