Interview with crew of Dota Insight

Since about episode 16, I've been an avid listener of Dota Insight. I've had a lot of fun getting involved in their in-house nights and they've created both an informative show and a great community. Recently I was fortunate enough to have it's hosts Skythor, Loudmetal and Finch take some time out to answer some questions.

 

For those who aren't familiar with the show, what is Dota Insight?

Dota Insight: Dota Insight is a podcast that talks about everything Dota 2. We usually talk about what we’ve done in Dota 2 that week, discuss news in the Dota 2 world, and answer questions that viewers write in. We also don’t have any strict structure or format to these shows, so expect crazy stuff.

What made you guys decide to create Dota Insight?

DI: Last February when we created the show, we didn’t feel like there were any quality podcasts on Dota 2, so we decided we would fill the void. We also created the podcast in hopes of bringing a positive light to the otherwise abrasive Dota community. Since then, our podcast community has grown into a great place with some awesome people.

Having seen the audience reactions at The International 2, the number of players on steam and community content such as your show, what do you think it is about Dota 2 that makes people so passionate?

DI: It seems like the team aspect of Dota is what makes the community so passionate, both in a good and bad way. When people go into a game of Dota, they are forced to work with four other people, and quickly learn to synergize well with them. This close contact you must have with your teammates is what creates such strong reactions from people while playing the game, and it seems like those reactions also carry over to spectators. I think we can all relate when a pro team lands a great black hole or has an awesome teamfight that puts them back in the game.

Although it's still in closed Beta, we've already seen Dota 2 make an impact on the E-sports scene. How do you think this will change as the game gets closer to release?

DI: Dota 2 is already huge, and can only get bigger from here. The WC3 Dota scene is still huge in China, but it seems Valve is looking to capture the Chinese and Eastern audience with the game’s release. Dota 2’s success in the Eastern world will be a large factor in how large Dota 2 will become. E-sports as a whole seems to be getting larger and larger every year though, so either way Dota 2 should do well as a competitive game.

Is the show something that you guys have considered doing full time?

DI: We would absolutely love to cover Dota 2 full time, and have been looking into making this a possibility.

What can we expect from Dota Insight in the future?

DI: We are looking to expand to video content for the podcast. Do not worry if you are a fan of audio-only though, we will still release the mp3s of the sessions. We just feel that video would allow us to interact a bit more with our audience. Also, lots of hero editions.

Dota 2 is notorious for it's difficult learning curve, which isn't helped by it's acrimonious player base. Do you think the steps Valve have taken so far to fix this issues have helped? Do they need to do more?

DI: Acrimonious, that is definitely a more polite way to put it. The community issues are definitely things we looked at while creating our show and community, and I feel like we’ve created a great group of people who definitely are not acrimonious. Dota will continue to have issues like these, it’s characteristic of a game where teamwork and the abilities of the people you are playing with are crucial parts of winning a game. Valve has taken appropriate steps with the commend/report system, and I think this is all they need to do. The community issue won’t be fixed by developer intervention, but by the community bettering itself.

If you were to give one piece of advice to players, what would it be?

DI: Just because some heroes are capable of jungling doesn’t mean they should jungle... Also, map awareness.

Normally in your interview's you ask the person what Dota character they would go on a date with, but which character would you turn for? (I totally understand if it feels too weird to answer this question)

DI: We’re getting out the wiki for this one...
Loud: Wisp - It’s ambiguous enough that I’d be cool with it.
Sky: I guess I would go with Enigma... Black Holes all day...
Finch: Puck - It’s still ambiguous if it’s a he or she.

If people want to get involved in Dota Insight, what should they do?

DI: Join the DotaInsight channel ingame if you want to get involved with the community! We also have a steam group that we use for organizing events, and of course listening to and telling your friends about the show is a great way to support us! www.dotainsight.com

 

The podcast is available on the Itunes store, or you can seach Dota or Dota Insight.  I hope that this has given you some insight (I had to do it) into the show and inspire you to get involved with the wider Dota community. Or maybe even start your own podcast. Until next week, happy gaming!