The International (TI), Dota 2's premier esports tournament, has long boasted the largest prize pool in all of esports, thanks in part to a unique crowdfunding model. But recent developments suggest that this model might be undergoing a significant change.

For years, Valve, the developer behind Dota 2, has funded TI's massive prize pool through the Compendium, an in-game digital product packed with cosmetic items, lore content, and features like fantasy Dota. A portion of the Compendium's sales directly contributed to the prize pool, incentivizing players to purchase it and fueling the tournament's growth.

However, there's been a noticeable absence of a Compendium for the upcoming TI. While Valve hasn't officially confirmed the model's discontinuation, the lack of any announcement suggests a potential shift in strategy.

This raises several questions:

• Will the Prize Pool Suffer? The Compendium's contribution was significant. Without it, reaching the same heights for the prize pool might be challenging. Valve might need to find alternative funding methods or adjust the prize structure.
• What's Next for The International? If the Compendium is truly gone, what will take its place? Will Valve introduce a new in-game monetization strategy or explore sponsorships more heavily?
• Impact on Players and Viewers? The Compendium offered players a way to directly contribute to the tournament's prestige. Its absence might affect fan engagement, though Valve might have alternative plans to keep them involved.

The lack of a Compendium has sparked debate within the Dota 2 community. Some fans worry about a potential decrease in prize money, while others are curious about what Valve has planned as a replacement.

While the future of TI's crowdfunding model remains uncertain, one thing is clear: The upcoming International will be a turning point. With the Compendium potentially out of the picture, Valve will need to adapt its strategy to ensure the continued success of Dota 2's biggest event.