Content Exclusivity: The battle between Kyle and AdmiralBulldog continues

Content exclusivity is more or less a given right in the modern world. But it is practically non-existent in the professional Dota 2 scene. Now, the latest feud between Kyle “Kyle” Freedman and Henrik “AdmiralBulldog” Ahnberg has added more fuel to the fire.

How It All Began

It all started back in January 2018. There was some controversy surrounding ESL One Genting. Popular streamers like AdmiralBulldog were casting official games on their stream. ESL stepped in and issued him (as well as the other streamers) a DMCA notice, claiming the content was exclusive. 

Valve released a statement declaring that no one besides them can send DMCA notices for games footage captured on the spectator feature within the client. It’s different if the streamer uses a broadcasters’ unique content (camera movements, voice, etc.). But that wasn’t the case in this incident.

They also mentioned the broadcasting guidelines were flexible on purpose to allow up and coming casters and community figures to stream game footage captured within the client. However, they did mention it wasn’t a license for smaller commercial organizations like Beyond The Summit to compete with an event’s primary stream. And if that happens, Valve will intervene and decide whether a violation has occurred.

Kyle chimed in on the issue during an interview back in February this year. He said the lack of content exclusivity in Dota 2 is a problem and believes the game will struggle to survive if tournament organizers aren’t able to reap the benefits of the services they provide.

He also claimed popular streamers like AdmiralBulldog are no different to small commercial organizations and shouldn’t be an exception, which is debatable. There was a bit of backlash at the time. But for the most part, the hatchet was buried. No rules were broken and the streams were allowed to continue.

How It Reignited

A few days ago, Kyle expanded on his views again during WePlay! Pushka League.

“It’s become a little frustrating for me to see the same huge personalities with massive followings that are doing very well for themselves, consistently stream and cast every single day of the tournament,” he said.