PGC NEWS

Team Flash, a prominent esports organization in Vietnam known for its success in League of Legends and Arena of Valor, has voiced concerns regarding VNG’s approach to esports. With VNG poised to publish Riot Games’ highly anticipated Valorant and League of Legends: Wild Rift (Wild Rift), Team Flash CEO Nguyễn Phương, also known as Phương Top, has publicly expressed reservations about VNG’s ability to effectively manage the esports scene for these titles.

Phương Top

VNG’s Track Record and Phương Top’s Concerns

Phương Top emphasized the need for careful consideration of VNG’s involvement, questioning their commitment to fostering a thriving competitive environment. He cited VNG’s handling of PUBG Mobile as a key example of his concerns.

Why Team Flash Avoided PUBG Mobile

In discussions with fans, Phương Top revealed his reasons for not investing in PUBG Mobile, despite its global popularity. He stated that while PUBG Mobile isn’t a “dead game” internationally, it effectively is in Vietnam due to VNG’s management.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XaLVkHV8kbo&feature=youtu.be

Explanation for not investing in PUBG Mobile

He criticized VNG’s community building and marketing efforts, arguing that investing in a game lacking adequate promotion would be detrimental to his team. He believes VNG’s approach has negatively impacted the game’s potential in the Vietnamese esports market.

Recommendations for VNG

Phương Top offered specific advice to VNG, suggesting they invest heavily in poaching talent from Garena, even offering to pay double Garena’s salaries to secure the right individuals. This strategic recruitment, he believes, is crucial for building a successful esports program.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THJopgh6QNc&feature=youtu.be

Suggestions for VNG’s esports strategy

He further emphasized the importance of strong community engagement and marketing, highlighting that without a vibrant community, attracting sponsors becomes significantly more challenging.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpAXBsFGxkU&feature=youtu.be

Impact and Future Outlook

Phương Top’s comments have sparked considerable discussion within the Vietnamese gaming community, raising concerns about the future of Valorant and Wild Rift under VNG’s leadership. His extensive experience in the Vietnamese esports scene lends weight to his criticisms, prompting many to question whether VNG can deliver the support and infrastructure necessary for these games to thrive competitively.

Conclusion: A Call for Change

Ultimately, Phương Top’s message is a call for change. He urges VNG to reassess its approach to esports, focusing on community building, strategic marketing, and talent acquisition to ensure the success of Valorant and Wild Rift in Vietnam. The future of these highly anticipated titles, and potentially the broader Vietnamese esports landscape, may depend on VNG’s willingness to adapt and evolve.