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'Dota 2' app rewards you for predicting pro match winners
Valve doesn't just want you to watch Dota 2 eSports matches -- it wants you to have a small stake in them. It just released a Dota Pro Circuit app for Android and iOS that lets you win Shards (the in-game currency for Dota Plus members) by predicting the winners of Circuit matches. It's sports betting, just without spending real money beyond your existing subscription.
‘Dota 2’ update improves the subscription's in-game coach
In March, Dota 2 players were introduced to Dota Plus, a monthly subscription service Valve likened to an evolved battle pass. Gamers who sign up get access to an in-game coach, special challenges and better post-match analytics. Today, Valve is rolling out a summer update that improves the Dota Plus experience even further.
Valve’s new ‘Dota 2’ subscription adds an in-game coach
Dota 2 is a completely free-to-play game, with all the MOBA's heroes available to new players from day one. Valve makes money by selling different in-game cosmetics, announcers, HUDs, etc. When major tournaments roll around, the house that GabeN built also puts out time-limited "Battle Passes" that add challenges, co-operative game types, fantasy leagues and other things that encourage your participation in exchange for special effects and the latest hero skins. That's how it's worked in the past, but this year Valve is trying a more consistent approach to monetization with the new Dota Plus subscription.