Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the declining popularity of esports events, particularly focusing on the LPL (League of Legends Pro League), highlighting the drop in viewership and sponsorship as key indicators of this trend [5][6][14]. Group 1: Decline in Viewership - The LPL experienced a significant drop in viewership after its peak years, with the 2023 Spring Finals recording only 1.338 million views, a decrease of nearly 70% compared to 3.654 million views in the 2022 Spring Finals [9]. - In 2024, the peak viewership for the LPL Spring season was 290,000, but it fell to 208,000 during the Summer season, returning to 2023's low levels [9][11]. - Despite a slight recovery in 2025, the viewership numbers remained low, with peaks of 189,000, 207,000, and 192,000 for the first three segments of the season [11]. Group 2: Ticket Sales and Attendance Issues - There has been a noticeable decline in ticket sales for live events, with reports indicating that venues like the Suzhou LNG arena struggled to sell tickets even at reduced prices [12]. - Attendance at events has also been poor, with instances of sparse crowds reported during matches, indicating a lack of interest from fans [12]. Group 3: Sponsorship Withdrawal - The number of sponsors for the LPL has drastically decreased, from 16 in 2021 to only three by 2024, as major brands like Nike and Mercedes-Benz withdrew their support [13]. - The decline in sponsorship is attributed to the LPL's poor performance in international competitions, leading to a loss of confidence from sponsors [13][14]. Group 4: Changes in Player Engagement - The player base for games like League of Legends has seen a decline, with monthly active users dropping from 143 million in early 2024 to 128 million by January 2025, a decrease of approximately 10.5% [16]. - The introduction of new game modes has led to a shift in player engagement, with many players gravitating towards more casual gaming experiences rather than traditional competitive formats [17][18]. Group 5: Industry Challenges - The esports industry is facing challenges related to talent development, with a lack of emerging stars to replace aging veterans, which is impacting the competitive landscape [20][21]. - The operational model of esports leagues has been criticized for focusing on short-term returns rather than sustainable growth, leading to a lack of investment in youth training programs [21]. Group 6: Changing Perceptions of Gaming - The value of gaming is evolving, with players seeking diverse experiences beyond competitive play, such as social and casual gaming, which diminishes the focus on esports events [26]. - The rise of streaming platforms has shifted the way players engage with games, allowing them to discover new titles without relying on esports events for exposure [23][24].

Core Viewpoint - The article reflects on the decline of Dota 2 in China, emphasizing the lack of a mature ecosystem and the challenges faced by the community over the years [3][11][14]. Group 1: Historical Context - Dota 2 in China has experienced a significant decline compared to its peak ten years ago, with a failure to establish a mature ecosystem during its prime [3]. - The initial success in the gaming community was driven by pioneers who achieved remarkable results, attracting more participants [4][5]. - The commercialization of the gaming sector occurred without a solid community foundation, leading to aggressive and unsustainable practices [8][11]. Group 2: Community and Ecosystem Challenges - The absence of sustainable commercialization, a scientific analysis mechanism, and a talent development framework has led to a distorted growth of the Dota 2 community [11]. - Attempts to address these issues, such as game streamers funding teams or passionate owners trying to sustain their favorite games, have not proven successful [11]. - The current environment, dominated by casual players, makes it difficult to nurture a sufficient number of talented young players [11]. Group 3: Future Outlook - The future of Dota 2 in China remains uncertain, with potential outcomes ranging from miraculous recoveries to gradual decline [12]. - The article suggests that creating a successful environment is more crucial than achieving sporadic successes, highlighting the need for a robust system rather than relying on occasional brilliance [14][15]. - The sentiment is that the current generation must learn from past failures to build a stronger foundation for future success in the gaming industry [15].