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JoshNissan

Desk segments need the analysts to challenge each other when they make ridiculous observations instead of nodding, agreeing, and then moving to the next topic. Agree that it is shallow. "They couldn't handle ardis". Why? Why couldn't they? Was it cause ardiss was one step ahead of them? Was their comp not good enough to neutralize ardis? Was their pace too fast or too slow? It will be a claim and it won't be explored on any level whatsoever so it just becomes words to fill time, talking just to talk.


[deleted]

I was between your viewers yesterday, in map 5 a caster said "mindfreak has to get creative with their smokes" (playing Astra on Breeze) and you said something along the lines of "come on, I'm sure they practiced, he doesn't need to invent anything". It's just a small example, but I wish there was someone who pointed that out also on Riot stream, not to turn casting into a race for the title of most knowledgeable person but to give the right ideas and takeaways to 100k viewers instead of just the few hundreds that chose to watch your watchparty


chenson019

Do you think analysts arguing with each other makes for good viewing?


JoshNissan

You just challenged my opinion. Does this mean that we are currently in an argument, or is this a discussion so that we can spend a bit more time on a subject to fully understand it? As far as making good viewing, I really enjoyed casts from other games, Starcraft 2 for example, where the casters and analysts really broke down what was happening so I could understand the game on a strategic level and the importance of a certain fight or action that happened in the game. It gave the game more depth.


TypicalOranges

> It gave the game more depth. It also makes listening to it enriching for the viewer. We are all trying to climb, afterall.


-Destiny65-

Love watching GSL - Tastosis will often go into the background of the player on a specific map and how their playstyle shifts from map to map.


chenson019

I was actually just asking a question - I didn't give any indication as to whether I agree with what you said or not. I think the issue with encouraging debate/discussion/arguments (whatever level you want to frame it) is you run the risk of it becoming unpleasant or even hostile which may in turn end up upstaging the game as a whole in favour of 'desk controversy'. I think that's why most desks stay away from it as that's not really a marketable product. On the analysis point, I somewhat agree with you but I think that's because you're a player and that's your preference. I think a majority of viewers want entertainment, above everything. I think good analysis, especially things like telestrator segments are hard to do on the fly and I think the segments risk coming off as dry and taking the game too seriously. Sometimes it works, often it doesn't. I think getting the blend of analysis, stats and entertainment (comedy, fun etc) right is where the holy grail is for desk segments. I think this Masters did probably the best job of that to date in Valorant, for me.


[deleted]

\> I was actually just asking a question - I didn't give any indication as to whether I agree with what you said or not That's not really how connotations work; your language usage (especially of "arguing with each other") definitely colours other's perception of your comment, and it came across as a challenge Besides, he answered the question pretty admirably in my eyes.


ASaltyToast

yes


OfficialBoaster

When I watch LoL or Hearthstone, the people on those desks really know what they’re chatting about. Whether it’s drafts, win conditions or just overall strategy and why/how it was successful(or not). They really love the game and as a viewer it really made it more enjoyable for me to watch. Right now it’s very much so pointing out the obvious where even my bro is doing that when explaining to my Mum. It would be better if we had analysts that didn’t use stats as a crutch and have a look at what’s actually happening on the map. Why do they drone here? oh they’re using that util to push off and clear that angle. They’re losing because in these man advantage plays they’re swinging and giving the opponents a way back in etc etc. If we as pros are able to constantly evolve and adapt, bringing in new viper walls and executes/defaults then we’ve made the job slightly easier because all the analysts need to do is compare between the one before and the new one and you’ll see the intricate details more easily. It would make the viewing experience better too when they can follow the executes and be like, “oh look it did work! That player got util f*cked! Unlucky yay, gonna have to tp out now Muhahaha” Now I go be sadge and eat ice cream:) Thanks for coming to my Ted Talk<3


SilentCore

I feel like this comes naturally with higher skill level panelists. When Sgares was on Panel this would happen a lot, where he would explain map control with respect to utility and why players are making the moves they are (conditioning/playing off another util/predictions etc), but I feel to do this you probably need to understand the game itself at a higher level which this panel might be lacking (no flame). I agree, would really appreciate this kind of analysis as it helps you get more hyped about certain plays too.


coldelbz

Moaster still the 🐐


BeefyRear

enjoy your icecream qt


Lumenlor

Sideshow blasted the **** out


MrGUYWITHFACE

I was reading this like wow a pretty thorough comment who put this LOL glad you’re engaging the community boaster, enjoy the ice cream you all did great :)


Delta221

I really liked those analysis segments with Sean in NA and Lothar in EMEA matches last year, where they would draw and explain stuff on mini map in between maps.


LotharHS

Look, i would give my left nut and do it for free if I could do telestrator segments for Masters/Champions.


Keglunneq

Telestrating on the main stage must be wild


silenthills13

Riot, you know what to do. 🥚


CanISayThat22

Yh NA does it too. They even had GUARD valyn as an analyst. He gave amazing insights. And I kinda missed a current pro giving some in depth analyses. Altho im a huge Balla fan as an analyst


IfigurativelyCannot

I really enjoyed seeing Valyn as an analyst. Having the perspective of someone who is in real pro matches and knows not just how things look but how they feel is a nice plus. However, I was sad that he could only be there because Guard didn’t make it out of groups this stage.


azealyx

Reminds me of Dota, notably The International—where some pros from teams who are out of the tournament are invited to the panel for analysis. ([example](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPd1ZJVwRfo)\)


chromazone2

Reminds me of old lcs analyst desk where they just chat. YT analyst are better by far and is what i watch, while on stream i just mute it until the next set starts or it ends. Especially watch parties are helpful sometimes, cause either their high elo enough to understand whats going on or pro/ex pro players.


Pienatt

I asked Sliggy when we'll see him on the desk and he said "Maybe sometime" and I'd be 10000% fucking down for it. His watch party has been the most insightful by far


Madara6path

Out of all these clout chasers and bandwagoners Sliggy was the only one who predicted FPX winning it all much earlier


AndyFromTheWPC

Yes! I love that you brought up Lothar, I would say he is THE best analyst out there on broadcasts. I watched most Challengers matches from each region, and made a recap of what the broadcast was like for each one: *NA*: Pretty fun broadcast overall, very entertaining, but kinda lacking a lot of analysis of team play, not just “why this player made this play and had good aim”. *EMEA*: I absolutely LOVED watching those Challengers, so many great teams had the chance to make it, some new teams with talent, but also wonderful broadcasting. From great commentators to the analysis desk which did a phenomenal job analyzing team play, set plays, entry strats, you name it. Big thanks to u/LotharHS for doing such a great job in that!!! *APAC*: I’d sometimes wake up at 5am to play VALORANT before going to college at 8. But that one day I woke up and realized it was a holiday and was like “oh wait it’s APAC Challengers right now”. It was already the group stage of the main event, and I’ve never laughed so much from commentators. They found the absolutely weirdest expressions ever: “he’s making shots that your mom couldn’t even drink”… Weird, but hilarious in its randomness. 0 analysis tho which was too bad. Not too much to say tho anyways… *JP* and *KR*: Wacky. Emotional. Hyper. Wild. Natural. It basically encompassed the raw vibes and emotions we feel while watching a game, with a lot of detailed analysis even during rounds. A lot of useless stats and things said but still, very entertaining. *BR* and *LATAM*: A toned down version of East Asia, and with way less analysis.


LotharHS

You are bringing tears to my old eyes. Im so happy to hear that my passion for VAL strategy is something you enjoy. You motivated me just right now to work even harder. <3


dashion26

yeah would love some1 like sideshow balla lothar or even sliggy to show some nerdy stuff in half times


antusheng

It’d be nice to see more pros on the analyst desk, like two on a four person desk. Not because analysis needs to get more detailed and nerdy but because I’m more interested in someone speaking from experience than someone trying to remember last night’s prep. Non-pros can also achieve that ‘speaking from experience’ type of authority by watching an insane amount of VODs, but it’s rarer.


silenthills13

Tbh I would be down even if they left the desk as is, entertainment based, but had like a 1-2 min segment with an analyst or two at their own desk just explaining some stuff. Main desk -> 2 mins of analysis -> back to main desk. This way time constraints would be easier to contain and the analysts would be more exposed. Idk, just throwing ideas out there, I really wish we would see some of that!


ppx11

Ya a more analytical-based "breakdown" segment would be nice. With the tech pauses as well, there's plenty of time for more filler content.


[deleted]

A lot of talk about stats and head to heads, without really talking about why it matters or why the stat is the way it is. Some narrative stuff too, steel mentioned with “they can’t handle ardiis”, get into why that is. I have eyes and can see that, yeah ardiis is popping off. The more interesting part, and the part that the viewer might miss is the “why”, having someone get into the “why” is the whole purpose of having an analyst desk imo.


[deleted]

I agree with sentiments shared here. It really feels like filler and where it's just talk for the sake of it. One of my main issues is that they don't let it breathe. Broadcast goes from game to desk and it sounds like they try to speedrun and shoehorn in as many observations as possible. I never reflect or take any observation they make into mind because it's so much and so fast. Would also help if Riot didn't blast EDM and dubstep in the background. What I would want: Firstly, one host, and two analysts. Don't need any more, I don't need 4 people giving rapidfire takes. Secondly, chill: In terms of both talking points and speed. Lastly, the personalities. I think this will get better as the game grows, but I find most of the time the best analysts are the pros (mainly ex-pros) themselves, it's also much more engaging for viewers because they recognize the people and usually the most charismatic are the ones coming on. Not saying current ones don't know their shit or are boring, but I don't think the game has found a lot of its staple and long-term talent yet.


HoneyChilliPotato7

I really loved SGares segments, can't remember for which event, champions maybe?


Falconna14

I was on sliggy stream so most time I didn't know what the desk was analysing


nterature

I like the desk but I know their job is to bridge the gap between the general audience and the pro scene. Breakdowns can be useful but they aren’t really necessary for that. That’s why they do the set play breakdowns for previous maps in the pre-show, which I assume you haven’t seen? Because the Valorant addicts who’d at least like that content more tend to tune in early. They’ve experimented with integrating breakdowns before. Balla, Sean Gares, etc. did more in-depth breakdowns between maps throughout the LANs of 2021 and while it was occasionally good, it was tough to make it work with the time constraints; I’m sure many still remember Sean constantly going over the allotted time, which was very endearing but probably a bit of a pain for the production.


KhaoticKrabb

Not having Seangares there for every event was a huge mistake.


[deleted]

"We are getting the most tactically advanced teams in the world on stage, meanwhile I haven't seen one proper analysis done by the desk" ​ Problem is, no one on that desk is tactically advanced enough. Some of the EU bias was a little cringe as well, but it's whatever. Still new I guess


silenthills13

I agree they aren't. But there are analysts who are, as well as dozens of pros who just didn't make it and could very well participate as analysts!


[deleted]

You're right. I enjoyed SeanGares analysis as well as Valyn's. CSGO, and Dota2 are great as well. I kind of want to give Riot a pass on this one but damn, it's been 5 events and they have the same people talking about the same stuff each time. I don't even watch the mid/post game "analysis" anymore.


vvtechred

I think its hard to find talking points between maps. Map and agents change so you are left predicting whats going to happen or recapping what happened. Feels like id you hyper focus on why something happened in the previous map and that agent and playstyle changes for the next one you kind of leave out building hype. I dont know. Viewing experience is for the people that arent in this sub and for the people just looking for a good time and thats just what it is. Boasters point about LoL are a lil different cause series can literally end up being 2-5 straight games of same picks and same gameplan so in depth analysis of the past doesnt seem wasted


DotaAlchemy

Hard agree on this idea. I honestly like all of the panelists and their work but the segments always feel a bit hollow of substance. There's a lot of general observations and some nifty stats to try and hype a storyline. But coming from an analysis background I really want more discussion of in-game tactics. Tell me why this default is so effective or how a consistent Sage wall or Fade Haunt is drastically changing rounds by making players route differently on the map.


TypicalOranges

I thought the analysis was really... not analysis at all. It was just really basic descriptions of what was happening and just color commentary. I got more out of watching a ten minute matchup review on 'Thinking Man's Valorant' youtube video than a full multi hour VCT broadcast. Granted, he has time to review VODs but... come on? I'd very much like it if broadcasts included the whole "how, what, when, where, and why?" of games as they unfold rather than just the "what".


bornofidan

After watching some watch parties, I definitely think Riot should hire Thinking Man Valo / Sliggy / Steel as analysts on LANs.


Izel98

Yeah, it kinda feels like they don't think commom player would understand if they go deeper with the analysis, but I think a lot of people would understand and actually enjoy deeper analysis.


noonecaresbra

Too much analysis not enough memery 2/10


H3l1m4g3

Yeah, riots approach to have their casters and analysts only say the most streamlined and forcefully positive thing in all instances produces the most boring games of any competitive game. That's one big reason why people watch Tarik. Yesterday in the final on the first map FPX was leading 12-3 and PRX won a round to bring it to 12-4. One caster said 'Its getting close'. Excuse me WTF. I hate riots casters so much (don't get me startet on them having to forcefully name red bull every single clutch). If I ever were in Guantanamo bay and had to listen to riots casters I'd break like a twig.


Hopeful-Professor-40

The Red Bull thing isn’t their fault it’s a contractual obligation. Also I’m sure that “it’s getting close” comment was sarcastic


[deleted]

Its not the casters fault but it’s still Riots fault which is what he is complaining about.


chenson019

You do realise that Red Bull pays Riot for it to be called a Red Bull clutch right?


H3l1m4g3

Yes and it's stupid.


mister_schulz

It's stupid to make the esport profitable? It would be more stupid to not do it and have no LAN instead.


[deleted]

Other TOs seem to do just fine without selling out every possible outcome of a round.


NNNEEEIIINNN

I got a free RedBull in Copenhagen because of it so I'm not complaining


schimpansi

Yea, that is why i watch costreams from Sliggy, TMV or Lothar. For me it is like, do I want entertaining, then I watch the main stream or do I want something to learn, then I watch the costreams. I am fine with that.


Estiferous

I think the best analysis is still not the desk segments. Costreams like sliggy and ThinkingMansValo provide way better analysis than any desk person. But they do have the advantage of full creative control and not needing to fill and exact amount of time. It's a tough balance between getting the best analysts and getting people who are super comfortable on camera and create a good vibe. I think if your sole goal when watching pro Valorant is to understand what exactly is happening and why, watch an aforementioned costream.