Core Viewpoint - The sponsorship of Chinese DOTA teams by Lilith's game "Small Ice Ice Legend" signifies a deeper commitment to the esports ecosystem, transcending mere commercial interests [1][7]. Group 1: Sponsorship and Support - "Small Ice Ice Legend" has previously sponsored four Chinese DOTA2 clubs for the Riyadh Masters, demonstrating ongoing support for the Chinese DOTA2 training system [2][3]. - The game has announced sponsorship for the YB team, which is self-funded, as well as for the DOTA16 league finals, indicating a proactive approach to nurturing the esports community [1][12]. Group 2: Historical Context and Impact - "Small Ice Ice Legend," originally known as "Dota Legend," launched in July 2014 and achieved significant success, generating over 2.16 billion in revenue within six months [5]. - The game faced copyright disputes with Blizzard and Valve, leading to a name change and a substantial settlement, highlighting the importance of intellectual property in the gaming industry [5][7]. Group 3: Current Challenges in DOTA2 - The DOTA2 scene in China is experiencing a decline, marked by talent loss and reduced sponsorship, with TI prize pools dropping from 40 million in 2021 to just 2.6 million for TI13 in 2024 [8][10]. - The lack of stable sponsorship and the operational challenges faced by clubs, such as LGD, indicate a critical need for revitalization in the DOTA2 ecosystem [10][11]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The revival of "Small Ice Ice Legend" through the launch of a nostalgic version has garnered positive player feedback, suggesting potential for a resurgence in both the game and the DOTA2 scene [5][7]. - The commitment from "Small Ice Ice Legend" to support the esports community reflects a belief in the eventual revival of Chinese DOTA2, as expressed by the game's team [13].