Dota 2 to sell in-game tournament spectator passes

Dota 2 boasts a jolly impressive in-game spectator system, supporting multiple audio streams from commentator and oodles of camera options. How natural and pleasant, then, that Valve plans to sell in-game spectator passes for tournaments, much like web streams are sold now.

Valve explains in a blog post that it'll be testing this with its second International tournament, then rolling it out for every tournament host later. Ticket money will be shared between Valve and hosts.

"Our goal here isn't to replace web-based streams--we think those are fantastic, and we'll continue to do the best we can to support them," Valve said. "But we think there are some customers who'd like to invest in a higher fidelity, richer experience that they have more control over, and we hope to be able to provide that with the in-game Tournament view."

Dota 2's Tournament tab will show past and current tournaments, for you to watch games live or catch up. If I never have to pay for an over-compressed video stream again, it'll be too soon.

Valve also hints that it's plotting ways to integrate advertising for tournaments' sponsors.

Team features are currently being tested too. You'll be able to form a team with your chums to get statistics, team matchmaking, and natty little logos to show off:

Valve's team logo plastered by the fountain