Dota 2, once a crown jewel of Chinese esports, has seen a sharp decline in recent years, leaving fans and analysts wondering what went wrong. While simplistic explanations like government restrictions or a lack of marketing from Valve have been floated, the true reasons behind this decline are more complex and rooted in unique regional factors. Below, we break down the real culprits behind this downturn in detail. 1. Tencent’s Dominance in the Market One of the largest contributing factors to Dota 2’s decline in China is Tencent’s overwhelming control of the gaming industry. Tencent owns or has stakes in hugely popular games like League of Legends (LoL) and Honor of Kings (HoK)—titles that have proven far more accessible and marketable than Dota 2. Both games feature simplified mechanics and shorter match times, making them far more appealing to casual players who don’t have the time or energy to invest in Dota 2’s steep learning curve and long matches. Moreover, Tencent-backed games have unparalleled financial resources for marketing, sponsorships, and local tournaments. LoL, in particular, has dominated esports in China, with the League of Legends Pro League (LPL) boasting a robust infrastructure, regular broadcasts, and massive viewership. In comparison, Dota 2 lacks such local organization, and its competitive ecosystem pales in comparison. Casual players and aspiring pros alike gravitate toward games with more vibrant, structured scenes, pushing Dota 2 to the sidelines. 2. Demoralizing Competitive Losses From 2018 to 2021, China suffered back-to-back defeats in Dota 2’s premier event, The International (TI). For a region with a rich history of success in Dota 2, these losses were devastating. To make matters worse, these defeats occurred during a period when China’s League of Legends teams were securing victories at the Worlds Championship—further driving the narrative that LoL had become the superior esport. The psychological impact of these losses cannot be overstated. Large esports organizations became reluctant to invest in Dota 2, fearing a lack of return on investment. Without support from big orgs, the competitive scene struggled to retain momentum. Younger players and aspiring professionals began shifting to League of Legends or Honor of Kings, where the prospects of success and career stability were far more promising. 3. Perfect World’s Mismanagement of Chinese Servers Valve entrusted Perfect World with the management of Dota 2 in China, but this partnership has been fraught with problems. Chinese Dota 2 servers have become notorious for rampant issues, including smurfing, boosting, match-fixing, paid actors, and win-trading. While these problems exist in other regions as well, Perfect World’s inability—or unwillingness—to address them has exacerbated the situation in China. Additionally, shady practices tied to betting sites have further polluted the competitive integrity of the game. These cartels not only harm the experience of casual players but also undermine the legitimacy of online tournaments and matchmaking. The result is a player base that feels disenfranchised and alienated, driving even more people away from the game. 4. Match-Fixing Scandals in the Pro Scene The Tier 2 and Tier 3 Dota 2 scene in China has been rocked by numerous match-fixing scandals, culminating in permanent bans for dozens of players. Match-fixing, while not unique to China, is particularly rampant in the region due to the aforementioned issues with server management and shady betting networks. These scandals have decimated the talent pipeline. Young players who might have risen to prominence were banned before they had the chance, leaving a vacuum of fresh talent to revitalize the scene. Moreover, these scandals have further tarnished the reputation of Chinese Dota 2, pushing sponsors, fans, and aspiring players toward other esports. 5. Broader Cultural and Market Shifts Finally, the decline of Dota 2 in China reflects broader trends seen worldwide. LAN cafe culture, once the backbone of gaming in China, has been replaced by mobile gaming as smartphones became more accessible. Games like Honor of Kings cater perfectly to this new mobile-first audience, offering quick, casual gameplay that can be enjoyed on the go. Simultaneously, the complexity of Dota 2 has become a deterrent for many. With its steep learning curve and increasingly intricate meta, Dota 2 appeals primarily to hardcore gamers. Casual players, who make up the majority of the gaming audience, find themselves drawn to more user-friendly titles. Older players have also started to age out of the game, moving on to other life responsibilities, further shrinking the player base. The decline of Dota 2 in China cannot be attributed to a single factor but rather to a combination of cultural shifts, mismanagement, and intense competition. Tencent’s dominance, competitive losses, server mismanagement, match-fixing scandals, and changes in gaming habits all play a role in the game’s waning popularity. The migration of Chinese players to Southeast Asian servers underscores the extent of the dissatisfaction within the community. However, this exodus is not a solution but a symptom of the deeper, systemic issues plaguing Dota 2 in China. Without addressing these underlying problems, any hope for a resurgence in Chinese Dota 2 seems increasingly unlikely.