Ryan Goodrich
According to a recent tweet by professional Apex Legends player Gabe “gabeismon” Brunelle, Electronic Arts plans on “refunding every individual up to $1500 [USD] in travel costs for the postponing of the major. Happy to see them do this for those that paid out of pocket without org support.” This announcement comes on the heels of the decision to postpone the Apex Legends Global Series (ALGS) Major One.
What’s the word: Both Electronic Arts and Respawn Entertainment have come forward to confirm that they will give reimbursements for all non-refundable purchases that were made by players planning to attend the ALGS Major One event. The tournament was originally expected to take place at the Esports Stadium Arlington in Texas from March 13-15. Yet it was ultimately due to Coronavirus concerns that the decision was made to reschedule when it would occur.
Expenses that can be reimbursed: According to a number of players that expected to participate, the senior director and commissioner of Apex Legends Competitive Gaming sent out an email to all competitors with an outline of the parameters under which reimbursements would be made. Participants simply needed to provide proof of their personal, non-refundable, and travel-related costs made on behalf of attending the event. These costs included:
- Air-rail, and/or ground transportation
- Hotel and/or other accommodations
- Travel documentation (namely visas)
- Cancellations/change fees
Finding ways to raise money: Reimbursing players comes in response to a massive concern by org-less teams that had to self-fund their trip to the Major One. Teams not directly seeded into the semi-finals were expected to self-fund this trip, which was a major issue for teams coming from less-funded regions. Such teams relied on tips, family investments, and money from personal accounts to effectively reach the competition and live their dream. One team in such a situation, South Korean group High Quality, had to rely on charity streams. TSM’s Diego “diegosaurs” Raymond Navarrette helped to raise $3,700 for High Quality to attend the Major One. But this was just one team of many that had to find ways to fund the venture.
This marks yet another event impacted by the ever-spreading Coronavirus epidemic. Yet it marks yet another good decision by event planners to help curb the rate of the virus spreading. Let’s keep everyone safe and healthy!
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