Please take clan/competition of HON to the next level!!

[Dextrux]

The competitive scene of HoN is fascinating. I myself find it mouth watering whenever LOAD plays fiVe or MSI and KD Gaming are challenging for that first spot. But that is the problem. It ends there.

I have identified 2 reasons to why not as many new teams have been able to emerge. (Please don't say because everyone else are baddies, we all start somewhere)

1) Lack of OPEN competition.
HoN needs a league. A league like CAL back in the days, where thousands of teams apply to be called "CAL-O" noobs. Where "CAL-I" is where the cool kids are. It needs that "OPEN" league where everyone can start. It is difficult to expect newly teams/players to say get into tournaments like HON Cast tournies, neva digitals, esl cup etc. Many people get discouraged, because they know they stand no chance against the big teams, so they don't even bother.

2) Difficulties finding/recruiting.
Maybe HoN is not as big or people are just not as competitive, but finding a clan is like the most difficult thing. Maybe it is my fault for not knowing where the #findclan for HON is (and if thats the case, then please educate me.) I know there is a forum for recruitment, but really...it doesn't work all that well.

I believe if theres a league like CAL O, then we will start seeing more people being motivated. That motivation will lead to more teams founding/recruiting, and that is the important thing. Because HoN needs more than Kobe vs Lebron.

[Rawrior]

honleague.com is supposed to start soon, but I don't know with the whole hunter_ fiasco

[Mouth662]

www.teamwarfare.com has a league opening for registration this week with an Invite and Open league, keep an eye on the comp news forum for more info. The open league may or may not have cash prizes depending on the number of teams that join(so get a lot to join!)

[kargha]

Besides the recruitment forum there's always the clan list on the site:

http://clans.heroesofnewerth.com/clans

Although rather lackluster. As for leagues, there are a few (XPL, TWFL, ESL), but I know what you mean with most clans probably not even trying to compete cause "they know they'll get rolled over". Part of this is a mental attitude, part of it could be because other teams practice more than they do. This just means people need to get more involved, check replays from those higher tier teams and try to see what they do right and if they do something right.

I remember back in WC3/SC when all you did was replay checks as soon as it got available which, coupled with playing against stronger opponents AND a wider VARIETY of players was the only way to get better.

However, I don't think people do that much. Many of the clans I see nowadays get 5 "ok" players and then go pubstomping thinking they'll get better that way.

So imo people should start bothering, because playing against better opponents (although not WAY better opponents) will be really good practice, especially if you check their replays, see what tactics they usually go for or what heroes they use and counter it.

[xXxST0N3RxXx]

Heh, I've been looking for a team with an equal skill level for ages, but it's just impossible to find one. The only teams that actually want you are teams that are like 150 psr below you.

[Gorddy]

Problem as I see it right now is, as OP says there is no "CAL-O" type of league. There are just Pro tournaments that is it, on which there's no point for mid level clans to join. Hon should have a tournament setup implemented inside the game where anyone can create a tournament and this would facilitate the creation and advertisement for the non pro tournaments.

Also the problem I see with non Pro clans is, most of them are just created to join pubs together and stomp. They aren't really created to actually practice team oriented games say stack neutrals/ancients for your carry, let your carries last hit while you just harass and babysit, ward whore, etc.

[Yunak]

The only teams that actually want you are teams that are like 150 psr below you.

True story.

[KARTlK]

I can't figure out what Team MatchMaking is either, OP. Don't worry, some of us are as stupid and illiterate as you!

[Chilly]

honleague.com is supposed to start soon, but I don't know with the whole hunter_ fiasco

correction

Newerthleague.com is starting soon


honleague.com died in a burning fire of death

[Dextrux]

Heh, I've been looking for a team with an equal skill level for ages, but it's just impossible to find one. The only teams that actually want you are teams that are like 150 psr below you.

I've been trying hard to find people that are dedicated enough, but have failed. I have made threads seeking players/finding clans who can practice/scrim nightly. So sad...can't find any. I remember i used to scrim everyday and have CAL matches every tuesday.

WHERE ARE THESE PLAYERS!??

[willdaBEAST]

If you can't find a team, you need to build up your own network of players and scrim as much as possible. Get a core of 3-4 active players and use ringers from Clan Scrim if you have to. Focus on what you need to do to improve and find some like-minded individuals. It takes time and a lot of effort to really be competitive, especially if you're building a team from scratch.

[skit]

Sig. I believe after our initial tournament we will be splitting teams into open and invite leagues.

[BASH]

You have to beat B0SS to get to the next level.

[Asinine]

I think another problem facing the competitive scene is its mainly only on weekends- Saturday and Sunday, so they get saturated with tournaments that become exhausting and the weekdays are boring.

A league would help this I guess if teams could schedule matches on their own and maybe submit replays as proof of results. Sponsors of the tournament can give deadlines to ensure matches occur by a certain time. If both teams can't make it disqualify them both or just the team that couldn't make it in the a lotted time. If a match is particularly interesting or close, maybe submit it to be casted. This will give more flexibility and make use of Hon's communication system. It will also give followers something to follow over the weekdays.

S2 can even start a thread in this forum for competitive replays, where players can post their team replays match info(i.e. ESL semi-finals, 5 v. KDE, 5/24/10 Match ID: 1234567) or something similar so interested players can find and check them out. Maybe add a brief description too as a preview.

[KorokFanNr1]

Wasnt there going to be an ingame league system? Was that idea dropped, delayed or I'm just making a wrong call?

[KARTlK]

I WONDER WHAT TEAM MATCHMAKING EVEN MEANS. AND WHEN MALIKEN SAYS IT'S S2'S PRIORITY, THAT PROBABLY DOES MEAN IT WAS DROPPED OR DELAYED.

After this post I'm gonna have to stop using sarcasm to tell people stuff. It must be a lot harder to understand or something :|

[BreakyCPK]

As we announced in a recent podcast... Honcast has a $5,000 League/Playoffs in the works and information regarding the event / sign ups should be going live shortly, just need to stay tuned :).

Also, the Alienware and XPL I beleive are kind of a mix of league/tournament as well, similar on what we planning to do with ours.

[Lost_Prophet]

I've played in a few game replays tournaments a while back, and our team was nowhere near the level of some of the more famous teams. We won our qualifying matches every time, and in the first round got our asses handed to us every time.

Fun nevertheless.

I believe the second season of those is starting up soon, so try to get in on that. Anyone can enter, I believe.

[Cross]

If you can't find a team, you need to build up your own network of players and scrim as much as possible. Get a core of 3-4 active players and use ringers from Clan Scrim if you have to. Focus on what you need to do to improve and find some like-minded individuals. It takes time and a lot of effort to really be competitive, especially if you're building a team from scratch.

This, the best thing you can do is get to know people. I got to know some people from milk and have been able to get in some inhouses and play with others, you would be surprised how getting your ass handed to you a few times by people in high level clans can help.