International Head of VALORANT Esports at Riot Video games, Leo Faria, addressed group criticism of VALORANT Champions Paris’ early-stage set-up, saying the choice to maneuver out of a studio surroundings was pushed by capability and fan proximity.
Faria has acknowledged that some present components ‘haven’t been as much as our requirements.’
In response to a viewer asking concerning the motive behind the stage design, Faria mentioned Riot opted for a bigger venue after suggestions from final yr, when group and early playoff matches have been held in a tightly managed studio setting in Seoul that seated roughly 250.
“We’re in a venue that matches as much as 3,000 individuals, the biggest we’ve ever had for the primary levels of the event,” he wrote, including that bringing followers nearer to professionals had been a ‘big win.’
“Going to a studio offers us a extra managed surroundings for scenic, lights, LED, and so forth — leading to a extra polished present general. However the tradeoff is dimension,” Faria said. “We heard the group suggestions and made a unique alternative this yr, prioritising dimension.”
Manufacturing Challenges and Upcoming Enhancements
Whereas defending the venue alternative, Faria admitted that sure manufacturing components have fallen wanting Riot’s requirements. The walkout sequences particularly have been recognized as missing vitality, with the corporate already implementing adjustments to handle these considerations. Some group members have steered enhancements together with LED screens or map holograms to boost the visible presentation for broadcast viewers.
Faria additionally supplied context concerning the broader esports panorama, noting that almost all esports tournaments happen in small LAN environments with out audiences, making bigger venue occasions comparatively uncommon within the trade.
For followers in search of larger-scale manufacturing values, Faria pointed towards the event’s finals weekend at Accor Area. The venue, also called Bercy Area, can accommodate between 7,000 and 20,000 attendees relying on configuration.
The world has beforehand hosted main Riot occasions together with the 2017 European League of Legends Championship Collection Summer season Finals and the 2019 League of Legends World Championship Finals.
