After Riot changed the gamedays for the 2023 season, Azael expressed concern about the LCS’ survival.
Azael, an LCS broadcaster, expressed his concerns about the decision to transfer LCS games from the previous weekend schedule to Thursdays and Fridays on Twitter after Riot Games made the announcement.
Azael wrote, “It’s a change I expressed a lot of concerns about internally.”
He acknowledged his concern for the league’s and his professional future as an LCS commentator and termed the development as frightening. He also raised concerns about the information Riot disclosed in an earlier today esports broadcast update.
He questioned, “How will this relate to our audience? There is statistics indicating as many or even more people in certain situations are watching Twitch on weekdays.
Other concerns include how the typical Twitch viewer compares to the usual LCS viewer and whether or not those same Twitch viewers are interested in esports material in contrast to the other media they generally watch.
Azael understands it will take some time before the effects of these changes are completely understood because there are still so many crucial questions that need to be resolved. He then changed the tone of his statement to one that was more encouraging and listed the advancements the broadcast crew had achieved over the course of the 2022 season. He made a point of highlighting a greater focus on the players in the broadcasts, interviews, and general material.
As he closes the discussion, he expresses his belief that the LCS may be more competitive than ever before and offers a personal message to any frightened League fans.
to the AD, and all our side content really improved.
I also think the league could be the most competitive it has ever been, and I'm really excited for ALMOST every roster.
The whole team is working hard to create an amazing product, and I hope you'll give the changes a shot.
— Isaac CB (@AzaelOfficial) December 16, 2022
Fans of the LCS complained in great numbers in the comments section of Azael’s thread on Twitter about how the new schedule will probably prohibit them from watching.
LCS moving to weekdays is scary.
It's a change I raised a ton of concerns about internally, & it's one that makes me worried for the future of the league that I love, and for my career as an LCS caster.
I was left with a lot of questions about what will happen to the LCS next..
— Isaac CB (@AzaelOfficial) December 16, 2022
LCS moving to weekdays is scary.
It's a change I raised a ton of concerns about internally, & it's one that makes me worried for the future of the league that I love, and for my career as an LCS caster.
I was left with a lot of questions about what will happen to the LCS next..
— Isaac CB (@AzaelOfficial) December 16, 2022
Streamer and game designer Brian Kibler also shared his displeasure with the LCS schedule change, which earned a like from Azael.
It’s a huge bummer, man, and it’s got to suck for all of you because it’s clearly going to majorly hit both immediate viewership and any growth potential for the audience. Good luck to them getting new young players interested with broadcasts during school hours.
— Brian Kibler (@bmkibler) December 15, 2022
Even the LCS G.O.A.T. himself, Doublelift, voiced confusion over the new schedule and start times.
ROFLLLL wtf? 12pm Thursdays HAHAHAHA https://t.co/8YfYwyDPQY
— Yiliang Peng (@Doublelift1) December 16, 2022
While there’s undeniable logic, data, and reasons behind the changes, it’s clear not everybody within the League esports scene is totally convinced the gamble will pay off.