FLIGHTThe problem is that the ranked matchmaking was a huge failure
Was it a failure because it was done badly or because noone showed interest? I mean, even the existing comp community won't play it because of obvious reasons.
FLIGHTtf2center which is supposed to be the hub for newer players gets around 200 players which for a competitive game is fuck all
tf2center is definitely not a "perfect" hub for newer players at all. it containes many internal failures and even if you would measure it by player count you're way too late. There were far more players a few years ago (which was more the time valve should have took action)
FLIGHTInsomnia that is the main event gets barely any viewers
For a rather casual game which came out over a decade ago to get more than 10k viewers for a main event is not bad at all. It's pretty much impressive tbh.
FLIGHTinsomnia is seen as a low tier competition
Not being a Tier 1 esport doesn't equal being no esport at all. Nobody wants TF2 to be the biggest esport there is, most of us really only want to be recognized. No matter if it's a Tier 2 or 3 or 4 esport, there has to be some support from somewhere.
FLIGHTIf there is no initial interest in competitive TF2 putting that amount of money into their game is just stupid.
In 2017 (literally a decade after it's release) TF2 was still in the silver tier of the top games as measured by gross revenue of the year on the whole steam platform. This game is far from being dead, there was even a really bad competetive mode added. Valve's organisation and management in just fucking unaware of anything that's happening.
FLIGHTValve have done as much as they can to try and make it work
What have they ever done besides adding medals, writing some budget blog posts and adding a fucking broken comp mode (which was basically made in a hurry to prevent people to switch to overwatch)? Valve is no fuckin newborn Indie-studio, it's one of the most famous game developers out there. For a game which generates so much money you should be able to expect more than this.
FLIGHTTF2 competitive is way too small of a community to make a full competitive scene out of
We managed to have a somewhat healthy and even intercontinental competetive scene for a decade now anyways. Imagine what we could have done with some support
Btw, I also think this video is well made and it gives a lot of insight, especially to people rather new to comp or those, who were there from the start and want to relive the nostalia. Well done Mr. Doomsday!