When I first watched Beasty's video I completely agreed with his points and frustrations. I hated the idea of rule changes in a major tournament that so heavily affected the careful balance of civs. Then, I remembered that the most fun I've had watching AoE4 by far was the the Octagon, a tournament with several mid-tournament rule changes and a format that totally changed civ balance. Demuslim even left the tournament over frustrations with teaming and what was or wasn't allowed. But it was such a wildly fun ride with stellar moments throughout, that none of that really seemed to matter much. It's was just FUN, and ultimately that's what this is all about.

As that realization has set it, the complaints from Beasty have felt more and more entitled, selfish, and franky, bratty. And I say that as a fan who has often watched - and rooted for - him. While I still understand the frustration, especially from someone who makes their living playing this game competitively, to be able to do so is a unique privilege to be respected and appreciated. The tournaments and their organizers are what makes that possible, so they should likewise be respected and appreciated.

Pro players can and should express their opinions, but they need to do so to the appropriate audience - the tournament organizers and their fellow pro players. They should do so with the intent of putting out the best product possible. I like Beasty and will give him the benefit of the doubt that this was his genuine intent, but his complaints are pretty clearly self-serving as someone uniquely positioned to practice and prepare more than most, and his choice of audience and timing feels woefully misguided.

The whole situation just makes me sad, and hope the community as a whole can learn and grow from this.