[ACL]Plantronics GAMECOM ACL Brisbane - Full Details
Plantronics ACL Brisbane has been confirmed for April 13th & 14th, 2013!
lt's time! The Australian Cyber League's first event for our massive 2013 season, Plantronics ACL Brisbane, has been announced in the beautiful city of Brisbane! Continuing on the huge level of support from 2012, Plantronics has stepped it up massively and are committing to competitive gaming more than ever.
Think you have what it takes to be a champion? This is the first LAN on the long road to success that will end at our National Finals event at the end of the year and we want you to experience this journey with us. Don't miss out on your chance to compete against the best Australia has to offer, catch up with your friends, spectate the best professionals go head to head and experience all the action the most prestigious and competitive national gaming league in Australia, Plantronics ACL, and our events provide. Prepare yourself for all the action of the 2013 Plantronics ACL Pro Circuit where we will truly take professional gaming to the next level!
Venue: Mercure Hotel
Chelsea Ballroom
85–87 North Quay
Brisbane, QLD, 4003
I'm kind of confused, why is there additional fee if you advance to the 2nd bracket? That doesn't make a whole lot of sense to me.
I'm also confused as there is the 1st and 2nd open bracket fees, but then later on there's another set of fees for entering the open bracket? $30 open bracket door ticket + $50 for 1st bracket + $25 for making it to second bracket.. seems a bit excessive to me.
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Last edited by mGGDaedalus; Tue, 5th-Mar-2013 at 7:18 PM.
Admittedly we've had it pretty easy for a year when it comes to entry fees. Having seen the costs associated with putting on an offline event of this size, production value and a prize pool this big, it's understandable to have entry costs consistent with that.
*Maximum prize pool based on minimum levels of attendance. This means if there are the minimum amount or more, the prize pool will be as above. Less teams will mean the opposite and the prize pool will decrease. The minimum players is 50 players for SC2. Minimum prize pool is guaranteed $1750 for SC2 to be shared between 1st, 2nd and 3rd.
For reference: The Melbourne and Sydney events were 61 ish people (45 open bracket, 16 from groups) so it doesn't take much to drop below the minimum.
Last edited by Dingobloo; Tue, 5th-Mar-2013 at 8:07 PM.
With that pricing model - you're basically saying the FANTASTIC story last year of Fenner legging it up from Sydney to Gold Coast (open bracket -> finals) would cost him $115 now, when it cost less than half that last year?
Surely, SURELY that is a mistake?!
I really hope Daedalus is wrong here, because that is the definition of FULL RETARD
EDIT: Oh thank god Daedalus appears wrong here. You pay $30, then you pay additional $25 to MATCH the $55 the pros play. It's not all 3 added together.
The entry fees appear to exceed the prize pool though, which is pretty strange seeing as you have $4000+ additional sponsor funding compared to last year...
Last edited by Pandan; Tue, 5th-Mar-2013 at 7:56 PM.
With that pricing model - you're basically saying the FANTASTIC story last year of Fenner legging it up from Sydney to Gold Coast (open bracket -> finals) would cost him $115 now, when it cost less than half that last year?
Surely, SURELY that is a mistake?!
I really hope Daedalus is wrong here, because that is the definition of FULL RETARD
Not sure where you're getting those numbers from, it's $25 to enter open if you pre-order online ($30 at the door), $25 if you get out of the open bracket into the pro bracket.
Last year in Melbourne it was: - Open Bracket Entry: $25. Top 8 from Open Bracket pay additional $20 to compete in the Pro Bracket (total $45).
It's basically 5 bucks more than last year, or 10 bucks more if you don't order online.
Sigh. When will ACL ever earn the SC2 community's respect. I'm pretty disheartened now to be honest
Was hoping WCS may have done it, but not enough I guess.
Few key points:
- Events cost money. A LOT of money.
- We've sunk over 20k-30k into ACL in the last few years and continue NOT to turn a profit. ACL is not designed to reap all your hard earned dollars away from you. It's here to help service bigger and better gaming events that are more professional than any other in Australia
- More sponsorship means bigger events and more prize money. Hosting bigger events costs..... wait for it.... more money
- Console players have been paying $50 since 2006, and its BYOC !!
It sickens me to continually read attitudes like this, negativity and blatant slander by some people. I'm honestly heartbroken by this kind of response.
This is not directed to all of you (of course) but I really thought you were one of the more mature communities, ready and willing to embrace those that support you. Please don't prove me wrong.
Yeah, but if you add up your minimum entry fees that = $7100 (not incl extra $25-30 p.p for finals series, nor does it includes any spectators), then count in a ballpark sponsor contribution of $6000-8000 and only $9000 being given out in prizes, means you're still spending substantial quantities on overheads/venue fees etc, and the SC2 part of the prize pool has barely gone up (which basically ran 2012's growth) and the other 2 games that are getting a HUGE boost;
So out of a total $3250 in prize growth (YoY), 23% went to SC2 (the main game in 2012), 31% went to HALO (the dead game from 2012) and a whopping 46% went to COD, which is looking about the same size as last year.
EDIT:
Quote:
When will ACL ever earn the SC2 community's respect?
Maybe when you respect them back for growing your company?
Been trying to get a couple of my friends who have a small interest in gaming to come spectate to try and grow that interest. I'm curious if the booths from WCS will be there for the stage games or any other plans for an improved spectating set up then some of the ACL's last year. I found the biggest issues with past ACL's was not being able to hear the Cast or game at all due to the players being able to hear any thing. Just curious what the spectating area plans are this time round.
Yeah, but if you add up your minimum entry fees that = $7100 (not incl extra $25-30 p.p for finals series, nor does it includes any spectators), then count in a ballpark sponsor contribution of $6000-8000 and only $9000 being given out in prizes, means you're still spending substantial quantities on overheads/venue fees etc, and the SC2 part of the prize pool has barely gone up (which basically ran 2012's growth) and the other 2 games that are getting a HUGE boost;
So out of a total $3250 in prize growth (YoY), 23% went to SC2 (the main game in 2012), 31% went to HALO (the dead game from 2012) and a whopping 46% went to COD, which is looking about the same size as last year.
EDIT:
Maybe when you respect them back for growing your company?
Growth doesn't necessarily mean increased profitability especially when it's combined with significant costs and no dramatic increase in revenue, the increased prize per player in SC2 is lower presumably because it's not BYOC and on top of that SC2 has a smaller minimum player count to reach it's max prize pool, and even if the prize pool isn't increasing dramatically, it's still increasing. Not even mentioning the improvements to production that ACL made over the last year and the improvement of venues that we've started to see this year.
Now I don't know what beef you have ACL but I'm pretty sure even the people bitching about price increases aren't doing it because they don't respect the events ACL ran or continues to run, and your post is really disrespectful to someone who had been reasonably level headed in the face of a wall of negativity.
Not sure why you would interpret that specifically...
I simply disagree with the path taken, and post my researched opinion. This will not be a surprise to anyone at ACL or in that house, and likely show some sort of repetition from my rants over the last 12 months or so.
Your opinion is welcome, though. I might not agree with it, but you are definitely entitled to it.
SC2 1st: $1000 per person
CoD 1st: $400 per person
Not going to say more than that. Thanks to all those who compete in our tournaments and ENJOY what we do
I don't play in ACL mostly because I'm bad and can't afford to even join, but I like that someone is trying to bring the SEA eSports scene places, and unlike others I know that if you're not making money there's no point in doing something, so I can understand why things are like they are. The more money you make, the bigger things grow which in turn increase profit and increase the size of the tournament.
Pandan has a beef with everyone... ACL does a lot for the community the $5 really isn't that much to spectate a great tournament. I do believe the entrance fees are quite hefty and shouldn't be that high it is a $5 increase from last year which seems unnecessary. AFAIK no booths they only have one good tournament in them I correct me if i am wrong ACL people. Not really a big deal if you ask me.
Is the $5 to spectate for each day, or both days? If you play day 1 and get knocked out do you need to pay $5 to spectate on day 2?
Given the spectators are paying now, are there going to be more provisions made to them then a screen off somewhere and not even able to hear the casters from where it is?
Cant believe the negativity in this thread, yes $50 is a fair chunk of money especially if you have no chance of winning and thats what you are there for. But to get prizes like $2500 players are going to have to pay $50. To get good gear for players to use at ACL events players will need to pay $50. For ACL events to be held at venues like Mercure Hotel players will have to pay $50.
Do you prefer this event for $50 each or a ACL event at Woop Woop Internet cafe with $800 prizes for $15 entry?
Stop sulking and show some support for ACL who have supported Australian esports for so long now.
It's 5 dollars, and they are running a massive amazing tournament so that we can all win hundreds, even possibly a thousdand-ish dollars in prize money. Get over yourselves. Pandan go get slapped at lan again.
Positive circle jerking is just as annoying and pointless as negative circle jerking. There is some baseless whining in this thread but there are legitimate questions/concerns that deserve to at least be answered.
I'm happy to have player fees (although I do think they are quite a hefty amount) but I found the description to be very unclear on what exactly they are. I also echo spook in being interested in what exactly the spectating conditions will be like considering it is paid now, as I have to now decide whether it's worth paying to compete (considering I'm not gonna win anyway) or whether its worth paying to spectate.
All in all I'm excited, I would just prefer that ACL spokespeople would just ignore the whine posts and just respond to legitimate questions instead of the other way around.
I'm happy to have player fees (although I do think they are quite a hefty amount) but I found the description to be very unclear on what exactly they are.
Basically there are two stages to the event. Open Bracket and Pro-groups stage. Pay $30 for Open bracket and $55 for Pro-groups, top 8 of Open bracket move onto the Pro-groups and only have to pay the difference ($55-30=$25). ALSO, you'll get a $5 discount if you pay online before the event (rather than at the door).
Quote:
Originally Posted by ETL.Daedalus
I also echo spook in being interested in what exactly the spectating conditions will be like considering it is paid now, as I have to now decide whether it's worth paying to compete (considering I'm not gonna win anyway) or whether its worth paying to spectate.
This, besides the obvious social aspect - if spectators are going to pay $5 to watch the event, there should be a spectator area with casting. Otherwise people are just going to stay home. Not saying everyone will.. but setting up a spectator area, people are going to be happy to pay $5 and you'll have more spectators for it.
I do agree that perhaps more could have been offered to SC2 in the growth of the overall prize pool. But thats all good. Any plans on adding additional game titles over this year?
Either way, this is just my 2c. Glad to see how deep the tournament is paying. Should be an interesting event, HotS randomness and all...
Positive circle jerking is just as annoying and pointless as negative circle jerking. There is some baseless whining in this thread but there are legitimate questions/concerns that deserve to at least be answered.
I'm happy to have player fees (although I do think they are quite a hefty amount) but I found the description to be very unclear on what exactly they are. I also echo spook in being interested in what exactly the spectating conditions will be like considering it is paid now, as I have to now decide whether it's worth paying to compete (considering I'm not gonna win anyway) or whether its worth paying to spectate.
All in all I'm excited, I would just prefer that ACL spokespeople would just ignore the whine posts and just respond to legitimate questions instead of the other way around.
Whilst I agree with the point about blind positive circle-jerking is just as silly, I still think there is magnitudes more positive things in plain sight to see to be happy about, and grossly outweigh the possibly negatives, thus, its not really circle jerking if it happens to be true.
True, criticism has its place, and I'm sure ACL like constructive criticism, and they have shown to welcome and respond to it, but sometimes enough is enough, especially over relatively small things, and even then, there are many better ways to format it than what people have done. Perhaps I/others are just sensitive to hate whiners and whingers when they have legitimate concerns, because we are so used to seeing people whine and whinge, and yes this too is an issue, but **** it, I got sorta mad/emotional and I'm a bit cranky, but I still stand by what I said.
Can Baldie or Vanz talk about the spectating area? I am coming as a spectator and if I am paying I would expect a whole lot more than what Sydney and Melbourne had last year.
I'd like to respond to some of your enquiries personally when I can. A bit flat out this morning, but will try get a good response up by the afternoon. Cheers,
Good to see the prize pool distribution run deeper, now all top 8!
A $5 increase on last year to play is not a big deal. Most people will only play in the open bracket anyway so $25 isn't that much different than most lans, yet you get the experience and enjoyment of a major ACL event. 'Pro players' will likely have help from teams/sponsors to pay their way as well.
I'd try and advertise it as $25 more so than the full amount, as $50 does sound like a bit for casuals. With HOTS coming out it's a great chance to get some new players/fans involved.
$5 for spectators is interesting. It says $5 donation, so optional/not a charge? Either way, it's not that much in terms of money, more so principle. Depends how they go about it. $5 pass for weekend fine. $5 a day? $5 each time you come and go? Since people are paying there would need to be greater consideration towards their needs. A set-up like Melbourne would be needed.
Finally have a minute to throw some thoughts from ACL's POV into this. It's a bit late, so I'll try keep this to point form where I can.
- Players do not have to pay spectator pass at any point or day in the comp (knocked out or not)
- Spectating pass is a once off $5 for 2 days. Multi in/out wristband type system
- ACL wants to raise the bar for all of those who come through the doors (competitors AND spectators)
- We were hoping that people would want to help contribute to our events (much like you would here on SC2sea) to keep making them a reality
- Our finals event will definitely incur a charge, as this is heavily focused on the spectator experience: We'd like to help get you ready and used to this change
- There are a lot of good things planned for future events that we believe will add great value
Ok, so now to address some of the concerns. I can see from this thread there is clearly a lot of negativity around the spectator pass. While this was clearly the opinion of ACL not to be of a great deterrent from choosing to attend the event or not, we acknowledge your feedback.
To that end, we will initiate the following changes:
- Top 16 (or Pro Zone players) will receive 1 free spectator pass to give out to who they please
- ACL will help support and continue working with SC2SEA by giving out 30 spectator passes.We will give these to SC2SEA's admin Nirvana and work with him to determine the best delivery method to those interested
Thanks folks and I hope this is something that you are happy with
To answer the concerns above, player satisfaction has always been a priority for ACL - providing a fair and enjoyable tournament. Simply put in the past we have placed speakers at strategical places, played with audio settings and various other methods to try increase how loud we can play the casters to the spectators. Unfortunately we are yet to find a middle ground where spectators can hear the casters without the players on stage as well.
I have spent the last two days researching IEM and various other major events, speaking with players who have participated in them etc. to try source the best solution. There are various options available which we will be looking into. Some costing more than others and some more feasible than others.
We will try our best to provide the most enjoyable spectator experience possible however we will not jeopardize the competitor conditions to do so.
Will you be able to say for certain before the event that there will be a good section for spectators to see games with minimal down time in between and hear the casters fine? Thanks for the replies.
Simply put in the past we have placed speakers at strategical places, played with audio settings and various other methods to try increase how loud we can play the casters to the spectators.
You've got a Plantronics Gamecom sponsorship - sort out 20 headsets for spectators and rig it up >.<
Srsly tho, I'm sure something can be done, such as setting up a quiet side room/area for either the spectators to watch or a smaller area for the players on stream to be situated where they can't hear the speakers.
I have no idea of the set-up of the venue, but surely there is some option available...?
Simply put in the past we have placed speakers at strategical places, played with audio settings and various other methods to try increase how loud we can play the casters to the spectators.
Every ACL I've been to - there has been some speakers set up right in-front of the stage pointing at the spectator area and the SC2 player area... Guess its not a big deal for the other titles on show at ACL.. but SC2 its a big deal if players can hear. I'd say setting 2 PC's off to one end would probably work pretty well tho.. Again, depends what is available in the venue
Honestly, it's as simple as having main stage "casted" games having the players both in the opposite direction of the speakers and a fair distance away from them.
If the setup is anything like ACL Melbourne, the players will be able to hear the casters.
Umm there needs to be zero distance. You just give the players the adequate headsets. That is all the solution needs to be. Every IEM has done this for a decade and almost every EU LAN has done this for longer.
You can even ghetto out and just get -40dB or -80dB ear muffs and make players use in-ear (which is pretty standard) on stage.
Putting the players further from the audience or removing them completely is a huge drop in quality and will lower your ability to portray the 'storyline' of players and the event(s).
Umm there needs to be zero distance. You just give the players the adequate headsets. That is all the solution needs to be. Every IEM has done this for a decade and almost every EU LAN has done this for longer.
You can even ghetto out and just get -40dB or -80dB ear muffs and make players use in-ear (which is pretty standard) on stage.
Putting the players further from the audience or removing them completely is a huge drop in quality and will lower your ability to portray the 'storyline' of players and the event(s).
Yet when people have used "noise-cancelling headphones" before, you're still able to hear the droning in the crowd, leading to situations where you can hear when they're cheering / getting excited. For example:
WCS, we had sound-proof booths, noise-cancelling headsets, white noise, in-ear headphones. In game 3 vs Mafia, he was able to hear the crowd cheering when I burrowed my roaches under his army, leading to him checking everywhere for nydus / other sort of weird things.
ACL Melbourne, I had headphones + in-ear, had both cranked to 100% volume (this really ******* hurt my head playing the games) and could still make out what the casters said.
IEM has also had issues with players hearing the casters before, and I wouldn't be surprised if they could hear cheering through the headsets.
Yet when people have used "noise-cancelling headphones" before, you're still able to hear the droning in the crowd, leading to situations where you can hear when they're cheering / getting excited. For example:
WCS, we had sound-proof booths, noise-cancelling headsets, white noise, in-ear headphones. In game 3 vs Mafia, he was able to hear the crowd cheering when I burrowed my roaches under his army, leading to him checking everywhere for nydus / other sort of weird things.
ACL Melbourne, I had headphones + in-ear, had both cranked to 100% volume (this really ******* hurt my head playing the games) and could still make out what the casters said.
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Not going to be WCS size crowd at ACL events tho...I'm sure something can be done. At ALL ACL events last year, the set up was the same. Stage with two large stand speaker systems at either front corner - players on stage playing their game. Move the players away from the crowd and speakers.. Has not been attempted at any ACL event and I think if the venue suits - its worth a try.
you know Im reminded of what drive-in cinemas do, an FM brodcast to low volume speakers. Or maybe just having the only volume coming from spectator TVs, no main prjection speakers. You probs got much better ideas than me anyway.
What I will say though is that perhaps a scaled entry fee is more appropriate? The higher you finish the more you pay. Only problem is that people will either need to pay the full amount up front and sort out refunds, or you need to charge people after the fact.
Re: spec fees, I do agree that having fans pay $5 is perfectly fine. Having friends/family/etc pay might hurt growth, but I guess this is where guys need to start paying for their dates.
I think I'm probably the youngest I can be and still remember actually going to one (around me anyway). It's a novel concept, wouldn't be a bad idea investigating; but it definitely would be much more difficult to look/feel as nice as the 'standard' stage feel.
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