14 DAY TRIAL // Video game developer Valve has introduced a number of changes to the beta stage of its MOBA titles DOTA 2, including a number of updates to the spectator mode and space that can be used for advertisements.
At the moment, the space is used by Valve to show ads for the upcoming DOTA 2 Invitational tournament but the same areas of the screen can, presumably, be used to advertise content for any other company once the game is launched, creating a new revenue stream for the developer.
Valve has not offered any official information on how it plans to use the advertisement space.
The updated spectator mode includes a new timeline view, new visuals for the menu that appears before the game, which shows whose turn it is and information about their status and their actions.
Gamers can also now sort ongoing matches by number of likes, so that they can spectate the most interesting DOTA 2 games taking place.