Mobile MOBA Vainglory gets a spectator mode, its first step toward e-sports play

Vainglory takes its first steps toward competitive play.

Mobile multiplayer online battle arena game Vainglory sees the addition of a private spectator mode in its newest update, available today. San Mateo, Calif.-based Super Evil Megacorp says that this is one of the most requested features from its player base. This addition makes Vainglory more conducive to broadcasting, further strengthening Vainglory’s potential as a professional-level e-sports game. Research firm Newzoo predicts that e-sports will hit revenues of $465 million in 2017.

The addition of a spectator mode will enable two viewers to watch competitors 3-on-3 matches, with full reign over components like stats and camera angles, bringing the mobile title closer to its well-established PC counterparts such as Riot’s League of Legends. Prior to this addition, players would host 2-on-2 matches, leaving the third spot open for spectators.

Super Evil Megacorp is working to go even farther toward competitive play, saying that it will factor in all competitive considerations in future updates. According to the company’s update notes, it says that there’s still “a great deal more work to take all forms of spectator to scale,” but they wanted to get some form available for its players as quickly as possible.

Aside from proper hosting of tournaments, the company points out that the feature is perfect for teaching new players.