Poor DotA 2 devs, despite having a really popular publisher, it never stopped their game from just being a simple hidden gem.
Jokes aside, calling League's system a paywall seems a bit odd to me, since you can also grind for the characters. Although, I guess it is still a paywall from one perspective, since you do still pay (regardless of if it is the in-game or premium currency).
However, by that token, DotA 2 has in-game purchases that give you an advantage: items. Sure, you spend in-in-game currency (gold) to buy them, but that is still a purchase.
Also, if anyone here ever wins some of that esports money, I'd be very interested in knowing. This is because that part of your pitch reminds me of a relative who was like: "Hey, you play games, what games do you play?"
"[Game that isn't DotA 2]."
"Well... DotA 2 has millions of dollars in eSports prizes!"
Anyway, starting with all characters unlocked is obviously pretty damn nice.
Other than that, I heard that DotA 2 was losing players, or dying, or whatever. Granted, all multiplayer games are always said to be dying by someone, so I was curious on your thoughts regarding it, as you'd def know more than me.
I can certainly imagine that being so complicated, if the matchmaking isn't putting newbs with other newbs, they might get discouraged rather easily. However, I do remember DotA 2 and LoL being the big two, and both having a shit-ton of players. I am seeing LoL ads a lot more than DotA 2 ads tho (heck, haven't seen any DotA 2 ads for ages).
You know, I don't remember where I was going with all this.
Ah, hidden gems? Maybe...
Duelyst!? It is interesting to see a card game with a board, and the cards generally had a high power feel to them. The replace mechanic where you take a card from your hand, and swap it with a random card from your deck, up to once per turn, is also something that felt great. The pixel art is nice too. Anyway, the game is no longer supported: no servers and you can't download it anymore. That must make it a hidden gem!