+ Show Spoiler [Update 1: OGN/KeSPA/Riot statements] +
Update:
Riot Games’ Position regarding the 2016 LCK Broadcast
Hello, this is Woody Rhee, the Korea Country Manager of Riot Games.
Recently, there have been various rumors and speculation about the broadcasting plans for the 2016 LCK (LoL Champions Korea). For quite some time now, Riot Games has been in deep discussions with the three-party committee (KeSPA, OGN, and Riot) to find ways to improve the LCK in 2016; and the highest priority for us is to ensure that the feedback that we have received from eSports fans is reflected in those improvements. Based on these discussions and considerations, Riot Games has reached a position on this matter, which I wanted to share with eSports fans.
Riot Games is considering broadcasting a portion of the regular season matches for 2016 LCK Summer season through another broadcaster, SPOTV.
Since a long time before these recent discussions, eSports fans have been providing feedback regarding the management of the 2015 LCK, and the overall game viewing experience. The reason why we are considering splitting broadcasts for the LCK Summer season next year is because we believe that this would alleviate and solve many of the discomfort and difficulties that fans have been experiencing. Some of the significant improvements that we anticipate are as follows:
First, the starting time of all matches can be clearly set.
The current LCK system is a double-header format that features two matches back-to-back on the same day; this arrangement has resulted in various problems. For example, a viewer who wants to watch the second match-up had to wait for the first match-up to end. This wait posed even greater problems for spectators attending the live event. Furthermore, if the matches were to drag on, then the second match-up would sometimes end past midnight, and fans would sometimes be stranded without access to public transportation. Another pitfall of this format was that the pro-players were not able to effectively regulate their waiting time to maintain optimal condition before their match.
Splitting the broadcast of the two matches to two different venues eliminates all of these conflicts, and both matches could start at a pre-determined time. With this split format, there is a possibility that some live match broadcasts may overlap, but we believe that the benefits to be gained from being able to clearly set start times are much greater.
Additionally, with this format, we can schedule matches at better time slots
In the past, some matches were held on a Thursday afternoon due to broadcast scheduling conflicts. These afternoon matches consistently recorded low viewership, and it was difficult for the fans to attend the live events. Pro-players were also inconvenienced by this time slot, which required them to arrive at the venue much earlier than their normal schedule.
Split broadcasts would allow much more flexibility in planning, and we expect to take full advantage of this benefit to schedule matches at time slots that are most convenient for both the fans and pro-players.
Lastly, the split broadcast system has some advantages in itself.
Assuming that the production quality of the new broadcaster will ramp up within a short period of time, players would now have two channels through which they can view high quality eSports broadcasts. Furthermore, in the long term we can expect to see incremental improvements to the LCK production quality resulting from healthy competition between the broadcasters. Some fans have voiced concerns about the potential complications that could arise due to this competition; and it would be Riot’s role to actively support the creation of positive synergy in this relationship.
There were also suggestions that a dual broadcast format (two broadcasters simultaneously broadcasting the same match) may be a better option. We agree that the dual broadcast format may also have its advantages, and we will continue to to explore this for the broader, long-term picture.
We know that this change in the broadcasting format cannot be a solution to all of the problems faced by LCK. Many fans have also told us of their disappointment at the lack of a proactive voice that clearly addressed even some of their basic questions and concerns related to live events, such as the price of tickets, ticket sales opening times, etc. Based on this need, Riot Games will make an effort to take more responsibility and assume a more proactive role in the management of the LCK, from live events to broadcasting elements. We will also receive all of the concerns and opinions that the fans have previously communicated directly to the broadcaster, and work to incorporate the feedback and continue to make improvements.
We are also aware that many fans have some apprehension about whether SPOTV may be the most suitable broadcaster for LCK. Some of the feedback pointed out that SPOTV’s previous LoL broadcast was relatively inferior in terms of overall production quality and the performance of its casters. We believe in SPOTV’s strong potential and possibility for future growth; as the only Korean channel dedicated to sports broadcasting, it has a solid track record of and accumulated experience in broadcasting various sports events and managing a wide range of sports leagues; experience that we expect would also be applicable to eSports.
However, we have taken serious consideration of these concerns, and have decided to focus on upgrading the LCK broadcast production quality, even if this takes additional time. For this reason, we have postponed the commencement of SPOTV’s split broadcast from LCK Spring to the Summer season. Until that time, Riot will support and help SPOTV with finding the right talent with Korean and English casting capabilities, building up the necessary infrastructure and data analysis skills.
I would also like to address our relationship with OGN, a relationship that has inadvertently been portrayed as one of competition. OGN is a valued partner of Riot, and a trailblazer in the development of LoL eSports, which has delivered fans with a top-of-class eSports experience. On the basis of this partnership, we have already asked OGN to broadcast the major matches of 2016, such as the LCK Play-offs, LCK Championship, as well as the major global events such as the World Championship.
This announcement of Riot’s position is not meant to take away from or divide up someone else’s achievement, but it is an attempt to bring everyone together to build the future of eSports. We value all of our partners: KeSPA, OGN, the various pro-teams and related organizations; and we consider everyone to be a companion with whom we are putting our heads together to create the further development and future of eSports. Within this camaraderie, Riot Games has also played its part in continuing to invest in the growth of eSports, both in size and quality, such as by subsidizing pro-team minimum pay requirements, broadcast production costs, and match prize money, among others.
At the Korea eSports Awards Ceremony this past November, I said, “eSports has been around in Korea for a long time, and LoL eSports was able to grow on this foundation. Now, it is time for us to think about what LoL could do to contribute to Korean eSports.”
Riot Games believes in the potential of Korean eSports, including LoL eSports, for further growth in the future. In order to fully realize this potential, it is important that we do not rest within our current comfort zone of the familiar; we must never cease to change by continuing to challenge ourselves both within the game and outside of it. And in this process of change, we will never lose sight of, and will always humbly accept, the opinions of the fans, which we value above all else.
I hope that we can look forward to the continued support and interest of all eSports fans. Thank you.
OGN’s official statement regarding the 2016 LoL Champions (LCK) Broadcast
Hello, this is OGN.
We would like to make an official statement about regarding the 2016 LoL Champions Broadcast statement released by Riot Games Korea earlier today.
First of all, we would like to say that we are taking this as a matter of Korean e-Sports sovereignty, rather than a financial one. It’s not simply about who takes the broadcasting right or who gains from it. It is about the whole e-Sports ecosystem in Korea. We do not consider ourselves as a production company, who simply receives money from the game publisher to make their contents.
That is to say, we do not define our relationship with game publishers as simple power dynamics between the twos. Of course, game publishers have the original IP of the games and decide to bestow the rights to us. However, we believe that we play a crucial role in establishing the league, brick by brick, and lead the direction. This is why most of the game publishers we work with us consider ourselves to be their ‘partners.’
For the last 16 years, OGN has always been ahead of everyone in e-Sports. We’ve started way before there was ever a concept of e-Sports in the world and we have invested our money and effort to make it relevant in the scene. We have always wanted to speak to game publishers on equal ground and we’ve put in a lot of our know-hows—that we have acquired over time—in producing the leagues. These days, we’ve heard a lot of people saying that game publishers could simply do what they want and it wouldn’t matter at all. Our answer is ‘no, that is not true.’ The league of legends Champions Korea (LCK) is a collaborative work among game publishers, OGN, and every one of you. Thus, no one here could simply make his or her choice regarding the Champions.
Today, we would want to get back to some of the rumors that were regarded as true in the league of legends community.
First of all, Riot Korea stated that they have long been engaged in ‘deep discussions with the three party committee (KeSPA, OGN, and Riot).’ However, none of the topics addressed in the three party talks was about ‘splitting days of the Champions.’ We were never included in the talk in the first place. We were simply told by Riot that we have to split days from year 2016.
We’ve made our best effort to improve what Riot KR referred to as the ‘inconvenience’ that the majority of the fans had to go through. For instance, we suggested that we would change the broadcasting schedule on Thursday. We suggested that we are willing to change the time to Thursday 5:00 PM/ 8:00 PM. Moreover, we have the capacity to cast two matches simultaneously now that we will move to the new Stadium in SangAm in April. We will definitely be able to do one of the matches in the main stadium while casting another in the secondary stadium.
It is also not true that Riot KR pays 100% of the Champions production fee and the prize pool. Riot Korea is only responsible for less than half of the whole production fee and the rest comes from sponsorship fee and license sales we make. Put it in other words, we personally pay the cost should we fail to raise enough money. On top of that, the Champions (LCK) was rather an adventure for us in the beginning because when we initially decided to make the Champions, we were in a deficit due to the Starcraft 2 broadcasting rights as you may already know.
OGN has been paying some share of the Champions (LCK) Revenues to KeSPA for the sake of ‘e-Sports development’ and we are fully responsible for the operation cost of the CJ Entus gaming. Obviously, it was rather a difficult decision for us to make because it costs a lot for a cable TV to bear. We only made this decision because e-Sports is what we’ve created and we wanted to develop the industry with our own money.
OGN, hereby, expresses deep concern about the ‘Riot Games’ Position regarding the 2016 LCK Broadcast’ released earlier today. The announcement was a unilateral decision made by the Riot KR. We will be making our final statement regarding the 2016 LoL Champions Korea in the near future.
We would like to say sorry to all the Champions fans, who have always supported us from the very beginning, for causing worries.
Best Regards, OGN
Riot Games’s Position on OGN’s Announcement
Hello, this is Riot Games.
First and foremost, we deeply regret the inconvenience this may have caused.
Riot Games has always accorded OGN with full respect and consideration as our eSports partner, and our hope to maintain this partnership remains unchanged. We were therefore very dismayed by the recent announcement by OGN, and the ambiguity and confusion that it has created.
It appears that there was some room for different interpretations in parts of our communication with OGN, and there are portions of OGN’s announcement that we would like to challenge and set clear and aright.
However, we do not believe that such a conflict would be beneficial to eSports, and Riot will once again discuss this matter with the three-party committee and make all efforts to deliver our official position on this matter as soon as possible.
Once again, we sincerely apologize for the inconvenience that this may have caused to all of the eSports fans.
Thank you.
KeSPA's statement on the 2016 LCK conflict
First off, League of Legend (LoL) is not a public good. Riot Games, the creator of LoL, holds virtually all the rights.
In its 15 years of operation, KeSPA has struggled to host independent tournaments due to the licensing requirements from the respective creators of the game.
KeSPA has learned a great lesson from the intellectual property dispute with ‘StarCraft’ in the past. To prevent such situation, Riot Games Korea (RGK), OGN, and KeSPA have agreed to form a council for decisions regarding the league operations.
This council has been discussing issues regarding general operations of LCK, except for the issue of league scheduling and broadcasting after September of 2015. So far, this discussion has remained exclusively between RGK and OGN, and KeSPA has repeatedly expressed need for a resolution between the two parties.
Some fans have wrongly suggested that KeSPA has been involved in this decision, and we would like to emphasize this is not true. KeSPA has only commented on the issues regarding the daytime games.
KeSPA is deeply concerned about the current conflict between RGK and OGN regarding 2016 LCK.
We wish for a swift and amicable resolution. If the situation continues, we are afraid that teams registered with KeSPA may not be able to participate in the pre-season.
We will, however, clarify some inconsistencies that have been thrown around by both parties and some of the fans.
RGK holds the licensing rights for LCK, and they invest nearly 10 billion Korean won (9 mil USD) towards LCK and tournaments worldwide. KeSPA also spends upwards of 10 billion KRW towards team operations and tournament hosting. KeSPA recognizes OGN’s production capabilities and their contribution to LCK’s advancement. However, even though OGN insists that they have been left out of the discussion, it is KeSPA that has been out of the loop. In fact, OGN has been minimizing the role of RGK and KeSPA’s continued investment and have insisted exclusive rights to LCK. Still, KeSPA have respected their position and have allowed the discussions to continue between the other two parties. It was our hope that the resolution regarding 2016 LCK would be reached soon, and we have been looking forward to gathering feedbacks from teams, players and fans. However, due to the delay in OGN’s response to the issues raised by RGK, the discussions have been stalling. While this decision has not been agreed upon by both parties, this was not a one-way communication.
It is the Association’s position that for optimal operation of the upcoming season and pre-season, both parties should announce the format for 2016 LCK to the teams, the players and the fans at least 1 month in advance, so we can gather feedbacks from the teams, the players and the fans and share our evaluation of the new LCK format.
To the fans of Korean eSports: in the past, we know KeSPA has caused a great deal of pain to the fans during the intellectual property dispute of ‘StarCraft.’ We have deeply regreted the situation, and have made every effort not to repeat such mistake. As fans, we urge that you contribute with constructive opinions and affection, and not resort to conflict, distrust and conjectures. During 2015 LCK feedback session, all three parties have listened to your criticisms and have made improvements accordingly. Please help us do the same. Please give us time. Thank you.
Update 2: Official LCK broadcast plans for 2016
http://www.leagueoflegends.co.kr/?m=news&cate=notice&mod=view&schwrd=&page=1&idx=252174#.VnC7_r8jY5F
LCK Broadcast: Agreement with OGN and Plans for the 2016
Hello, this is Riot Games.
We’d like to extend our deepest apologies to the fans for our premature announcement
regarding the split broadcast of the 2016 LCK (LoL Champions Korea); Despite the fact that
we had been continuously discussing the matter with OGN, we had not yet reached a mutual
agreement at the time of our announcement.
Additionally, we apologize for all the pain and concern that we have caused to the fans by
simply stating our decisions without explaining how we came to them, nor explaining the
context of our agreement in sufficient detail. Riot Games and OGN have agreed to do our
utmost to foster cooperation and collaboration as eSports partners, and create an LCK that is
more transparent with the fans, moving forward. Furthermore, in the course of our subsequent
discussions, we affirmed our alignment on the common goal of creating the very best LCK.
On the basis of this mutual understanding, we have conclusively agreed to the following:
1. 2016 LCK Spring season broadcast under the current status quo; split broadcast of
a portion of the LCK Summer by another broadcaster (SPOTV)
2. The entire 2016 LCK Spring and Summer seasons to be covered by OGN
(matches produced by SPOTV will also be broadcast by OGN in both English and
Korean, through the spectator mode)
3. 2016 LCK playoffs and finals, as well as global matches such as the World
Championship, to be broadcast solely by OGN.
In the case of No. 2 above, we have newly reflected the views of the fans who wish to view all
of the LCK through the OGN broadcast. With the exception of just a few instances where
match-times may overlap, we expect that almost all of the matches will be viewable through
OGN. Riot Games believes that this is an appropriate arrangement in full recognition of OGN’s
contribution to the LCK. In response, OGN has affirmed that they will continue to prove
themselves the number one game broadcaster in the world by delivering even higher quality in
its LCK broadcast. KeSPA has also sent its blessings and confirmed its alignment with our
agreement.
Riot Games hopes that the split broadcast format will foster healthy competition and lead to an
overall improvement in the quality of the LCK broadcast. As we have stated in our previous
announcement, we believe that SPOTV has sufficient capabilities and potential to achieve this
goal. SPOTV is well respected for their expertise as the only channel dedicated to sports
broadcasting, and have also accumulated the skills and experience relevant to eSports
broadcasting through their management of various eSports leagues over the past two years.
On the basis of these capabilities, we expect SPOTV to deliver an LCK broadcast that will
exceed the fans’ expectations.
Furthermore, we would like to also inform you of our following plans for the 2016 LCK:
1. Provide OGN with the same level of financial production support as 2015
2. Provide SPOTV with support in finding Korean/English casters, as well as financial
support for its broadcast production cost
Riot Games plans to increase investment in the 2016 LCK broadcast. Firstly, we will confer
and discuss with our valued partner OGN ways to overcome some of the difficulties that they
may experience as a result of the split broadcast format. Furthermore, we will provide SPOTV
with not just financial support for its broadcast production costs, but will also support them in
many other areas, including the search for top class Korean and English casters, with the goal
of further improving the quality of their LCK Summer broadcast.
With regards to fees for broadcast rights, to date Riot Games has never requested nor
received any broadcast rights fees from OGN, and have not had any discussions regarding
such fees with SPOTV. As in the past, we do not intend to collect any broadcast rights fees in
2016 from either broadcaster.
In all of our decisions regarding eSports, our number one priority is always to provide fans with
the best LoL eSports experience. We will ensure that the voices of the fans will continue to be
actively reflected in the future management of the league, by preparing an objective measure
for evaluating the quality of the split broadcasts and the broadcasting format itself.
We humbly look forward to continued interest and support from eSports fans.
Thank you.
+ Show Spoiler [Original DailyDot Report with comments…] +
Rumor:
Some rumors are floating around that apparently OGN is fully paid by Riot KR for the production cost and they can keep revenue money etc. The rumors also include that OGN makes a pretty big profit which they used to invest in competitor game developers.
South Korean channel OnGameNet may soon lose its exclusive rights to broadcast the world’s most competitive league for League of Legends.
Riot Games' Korean branch is pushing the channel to split the broadcasting rights for League Champions Korea (LCK) with one of the channel's biggest competitors, SPOTV, sources close to the broadcaster tell the Daily Dot.
Read the whole article on dailydot
Lilsusie on Reddit:
DoA commented on Reddit.
Would be a big change which I am not really sure how I feel about it. OGN had an huge impact on the popularity of LoL. Its also one of the big reasons why LoL was number one in PCBang charts for over 3 years now.
Some rumors are floating around that apparently OGN is fully paid by Riot KR for the production cost and they can keep revenue money etc. The rumors also include that OGN makes a pretty big profit which they used to invest in competitor game developers.
South Korean channel OnGameNet may soon lose its exclusive rights to broadcast the world’s most competitive league for League of Legends.
Riot Games' Korean branch is pushing the channel to split the broadcasting rights for League Champions Korea (LCK) with one of the channel's biggest competitors, SPOTV, sources close to the broadcaster tell the Daily Dot.
Read the whole article on dailydot
Lilsusie on Reddit:
Just putting it out there, from what I've heard, OGN does not want to share Champions and may not do it all together if it comes to it. Everyone in Korea has seen what happens to games when they are split between different broadcasting companies and OGN would rather not be involved than see an esport and a league they helped foster and build, die.
I think in the coming weeks we're gonna see a lot more news about this situation. I'm waiting for decisions to be made and for the Korean reporters to get on board. They know more than anyone.
I think in the coming weeks we're gonna see a lot more news about this situation. I'm waiting for decisions to be made and for the Korean reporters to get on board. They know more than anyone.
DoA commented on Reddit.
Oh boy! Here we go!
So the English casters at OGN have known about this situation for a long time. We're not involved any talks about it directly of course, but I'll try to give you the basic rundown of the situation.
From what I understand taking Champions away from OGN and giving it to SpoTV/having OGN to share days with SpoTV is a group effort by Riot Korea and Kespa (and SpoTV since they want a piece of that sweet sweet KR LoL action). Sharing the broadcasting days for a tournament isn't something that's without precedent in Korea if you're familiar with what happened to the Starcraft: Broodwar team leagues from the early/mid 2000s and then with Proleague in 2012. Kespa seems to have a history of pushing things in that direction for whatever reason although the situations between SC, SC2, and LoL are all different.
As for the "why" behind this, I don't completely know, but I'd be pretty comfortable assuming it's business politics and money as usual. I certainly don't think it's a move that would be that good for players, fans, or casters. Obviously I don't want it to happen, but it's not really in my control. Hopefully Riot NA will step in. I'm a bit surprised they haven't already since they're aware of what's been going on.
In the end I really doubt anything is going to change. OGN has been doing a great job with the league they themselves created three years ago and changing things would be a pretty big violation of the "If it's not broke, don't fix it" rule. I wouldn't be too worried about it yet.
For myself personally, OGN is where I want to be no matter what game I'm casting. They've been a fantastic company to work with and I don't plan on going anywhere. SpoTV, on the other hand, has a history of treating their english casters pretty poorly and have a lot to work on in that department before I'd consider them a viable career opportunity for anyone.
TLDR: Rito/Kespa plz. If it's not broke, don't fix it. In the end you'll still get to watch the Korean pros play no matter what and you'll probably still be watching us cast it for now.
So the English casters at OGN have known about this situation for a long time. We're not involved any talks about it directly of course, but I'll try to give you the basic rundown of the situation.
From what I understand taking Champions away from OGN and giving it to SpoTV/having OGN to share days with SpoTV is a group effort by Riot Korea and Kespa (and SpoTV since they want a piece of that sweet sweet KR LoL action). Sharing the broadcasting days for a tournament isn't something that's without precedent in Korea if you're familiar with what happened to the Starcraft: Broodwar team leagues from the early/mid 2000s and then with Proleague in 2012. Kespa seems to have a history of pushing things in that direction for whatever reason although the situations between SC, SC2, and LoL are all different.
As for the "why" behind this, I don't completely know, but I'd be pretty comfortable assuming it's business politics and money as usual. I certainly don't think it's a move that would be that good for players, fans, or casters. Obviously I don't want it to happen, but it's not really in my control. Hopefully Riot NA will step in. I'm a bit surprised they haven't already since they're aware of what's been going on.
In the end I really doubt anything is going to change. OGN has been doing a great job with the league they themselves created three years ago and changing things would be a pretty big violation of the "If it's not broke, don't fix it" rule. I wouldn't be too worried about it yet.
For myself personally, OGN is where I want to be no matter what game I'm casting. They've been a fantastic company to work with and I don't plan on going anywhere. SpoTV, on the other hand, has a history of treating their english casters pretty poorly and have a lot to work on in that department before I'd consider them a viable career opportunity for anyone.
TLDR: Rito/Kespa plz. If it's not broke, don't fix it. In the end you'll still get to watch the Korean pros play no matter what and you'll probably still be watching us cast it for now.
Would be a big change which I am not really sure how I feel about it. OGN had an huge impact on the popularity of LoL. Its also one of the big reasons why LoL was number one in PCBang charts for over 3 years now.