PH’s new government regulations concerns Valve

Galaxy Battles II: Emerging Worlds, an international Dota 2 tournament which will be held in the Philippines this January, has been stripped off of its Major title after Valve expressed its concern over esports players coming in the country,

In an announcement posted earlier today, Valve stated that they have decided to “rescind the tournament’s Major designation, including [its] Pro Circuit qualifying points,” due to “new government regulations for esports players entering the Philippines.”

Valve never specified which ‘government regulations’ led them to the decision, but they added that it was based on what they feel are “unreasonable infringements on the privacy of the players, as a condition to enter the country.”

Favorite place to go for tournaments and best fans in the world, hope we get to go to the Philippines regardless of the circuit points and valve support.

— Cr1t- (@Cr1tdota) January 4, 2018

Regardless of its exclusion from the Dota Pro Circuit or its involvement with Valve, the Galaxy Battles II, however, may still carry on as planned. Valve also clarified that their decision is not a reflection on how they feel about the Filipino fans and expressed their apology for those planning to attend the event.

Despite the circumstance, Valve, together with the tournament organizers Fallout Gaming, are still trying to find a way to pull off a Major tournament with the invited and qualifying teams, as well as with the Pro Circuit points that would have been available for the Galaxy Battles.

As of the writing, the Fallout Gaming management is yet to release a statement regarding Valve’s decision.