When Valve announced a new round of International prize pool stretch goals two days ago*, there was a yawning gap between the remarkable $6 million marker we’d just crossed and the Daily Hero Challenge at $6,800,000.
Money has continued to tumble into the pot steadily since, however – and just now overturned a “hidden stretch goal”. The first of many?
The hitherto unseen $6,400,000 goal is a promised taunt animation for Techies.
When used, the player heroes will perform the taunt accompanied by mystery “visual effects”. In addition, enemies killed by the player will see the Techies taunt them in their death cam.
The taunt is still “under construction” – the heroes it’s attached to haven’t yet been released. But Valve have pledged to grant it to all Compendium owners once the Techies are uncaged – after The International concludes in July.
Dota 2 fans have topped up the International prize pool by millions of dollars over the last two weeks by buying copies of Valve’s tournament guide and betting hub, the Dota 2 Compendium. Every copy purchased sees $2.50 added to the pot.
New rewards for Compendium owners now extend to $10 million, and include a model update, an alternate voice pack, and new models for creeps – as well as a far-reaching quest progression system for all Dota 2 players.
Do you think the prize pool will top 10 milli before the International finals on July 18? I’d sooner bet against last year’s winners, the Alliance.
*And by ‘announced’ we mean ‘slipped onto a webpage’ – Valve rarely need to shout about anything.