DotA vs League - The History of Pendragon

Summary

In this video, Jinzo delves into the controversial history of 'Pendragon' and his role in the evolution of Dota. The script explores the early days of Dota Allstars, the formation of the community website, and Pendragon's transition to Riot Games, where he worked on League of Legends. It examines Pendragon's motives, his controversial actions including the shutdown of the community website, and the subsequent trademark disputes. Jinzo invites viewers to form their own opinion on Pendragon's legacy in the Dota community.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video discusses the controversial history of 'Pendragon' in the context of the game DOTA and its community.
• 📚 The script revisits the formation of 'Clan DOTA Allstars' in April 2004, which included Pendragon, Ginsu, and IceFrog.
• 💻 Pendragon created the 'DOTA Allstars' website in October 2004, which became a central hub for the DOTA community.
• 💡 The script raises questions about Pendragon's intentions and actions, such as his involvement with Riot Games and League of Legends.
• 💼 It is suggested that Pendragon may have used the DOTA community for personal and financial gain, particularly through advertising for League of Legends on the DOTA Allstars website.
• 📉 The departure of IceFrog from DOTA Allstars in 2009 is highlighted, with implications that it was due to disagreements with Pendragon's commercial ambitions.
• 🚫 Pendragon's decision to shut down the DOTA Allstars website is criticized, with the implication that it was to suppress community dissent and promote League of Legends.
• 📝 The video references legal disputes, including the sale of the DOTA Allstars trademark to Riot Games and subsequent sale to Blizzard Entertainment.
• 🤔 The script presents Pendragon as a figure of controversy, with actions that may have been detrimental to the DOTA community and its interests.
• 🛡 IceFrog is portrayed as a silent hero, continuing to develop DOTA without seeking personal gain or recognition.
• 🔍 The video encourages viewers to form their own opinions on Pendragon's actions and the impact they had on the DOTA community.

Q & A

What was the main reason Jinzo decided to make a video about Pendragon after the previous video on the history of Dota?

Many viewers expressed interest in the Pindragon incident and asked why Jinzo omitted much information regarding Pendragon in the previous video.

Who were the original members of Clan DOTA Allstars formed in April 2004?

The original members of Clan DOTA Allstars included Pendragon, Ginsu, and IceFrog, among others.

What significant event happened on October 14th, 2004 in the Dota community?

On October 14th, 2004, Pendragon created the DOTA Allstars website, which became the central hub for the Dota community.

Why did Ginsu announce his departure from the development of Dota Allstars in February 2005?

Ginsu lost interest in developing for Dota and was involved in the early stages of developing a new game, which later became known as League of Legends.

What was the role of 'makers' in the development of Dota Allstars according to his statement on Reddit?

Makers described his role as a bridge between Ginsu and IceFrog, taking over the project from Ginsu when it was clear that the map was dying without updates or attention.

What was Pendragon's claim about his involvement with Riot Games and League of Legends?

Pendragon claimed that he joined the Riot Games team working on League of Legends in September 2008 with the original intent to work on League of Legends full-time while continuing to build the DOTA Allstars community.

Why did IceFrog leave the development of Dota Allstars according to Pendragon's letter?

Pendragon suggested that IceFrog left because IceFrog had been secretly working for S2 Games and was attempting to sell a full Dota game concept to various companies, including Riot.

What was the community's reaction to Pendragon's actions, particularly the shutdown of the DOTA Allstars website?

The community was furious with Pendragon for shutting down the website, as it was seen as a betrayal and an attempt to monopolize the MOBA genre through League of Legends.

What was the outcome of the legal dispute between Blizzard and Valve over the Dota trademark?

The dispute resulted in Riot Games selling the trademark of Dota Allstars to Blizzard in 2011, giving Blizzard an upper hand in trademarking the title.

How did IceFrog respond to the situation involving Pendragon and the Dota community?

IceFrog remained silent throughout the drama and focused on developing and improving the game, eventually starting a new community site for Dota.

What was the final stance of the video creator, Jinzo, on Pendragon's actions and IceFrog's dedication to the Dota community?

Jinzo expressed that despite trying to remain impartial, the actions of Pendragon and Ginsu left a sour taste, while IceFrog's dedication and resolve to develop Dota without asking for anything in return were commendable.