Valve has gathered a prize pool of over RM 9 million (US$ 3 million) for this year’s edition of the Dota 2 International Championship; eclipsing the already impressive amount of money that was offered last year. More importantly, the prize money was crowd sourced from players and comes from sales of the Dota 2 Compendium.
The Compendium is an interactive book that allows players to watch games, pick favourite teams, and even make match predictions. It also features a leveling system that provides additional bonuses in Dota 2; not all of which are cosmetic. The battle point booster increases as you gain levels and players receive an additional Immortal Treasure for every 10 levels they obtain.
Fans can buy the Compendium for US$9.99, and a quarter of the proceeds of the sale go to the prize pool. Like any good crowd sourcing program, Valve is offering stretch goals as the prize increases. At US$3.5 million there will be new chat emoticons, while the US$4 million goal offers a special mini-Pudge carrier for all owners of the Compendium. Valve is also offering a new 1v1 middle lane only matchmaking option to all players if the prize pool reaches US$5 million.
The Dota 2 International Championship takes place 18-22 July 2014. Players can buy the Compendium and support the effort here.
