posted by Malystryx.GDS,
Erik Johnson: Valve would consider hosting TI outside the US
According to PCGamer, Valve's Erik Johnson said during a 3-hour roundtable discussion that Valve would consider hosting The International outside of the US following controls on immigration.
“We're gonna run the event no matter what. Ideally we'd run it here (In Seattle) because it has a bunch of advantages being close to our office. But the event's going to happen. So yes, if it became too difficult, we'd find a way," said Johnson. “Any pressure on visas getting into the United States is worrisome for us.”
The comment comes after the Donald Trump administration imposed a 3-month travel ban on citizens from seven countries, a decision that Gabe Newell mentioned has resulted in certain Valve employees being unable to return to their home countries.
Donald Trump has also mentioned plans to shut down the Visa Waiver Program, more commonly known as ESTA, which grants electronic visas to citizens from 38 countries which include countries such as Sweden, Denmark, Germany and Finland.
Travel ban on ice but could return
However, the 7-nation travel ban which has been in effect before is currently suspended after government lawyers failed to convince the Court of Justice yesterday that it should be reinstated. President Trump said on Twitter and in an interview that he planned to take the judges to court, and said it is a "decision we will win very easily".
SEE YOU IN COURT, THE SECURITY OF OUR NATION IS AT STAKE!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) 9 February 2017
At previous Internationals visa issues have been a recurring theme, and should Trump continue to impose more serious regulations on the movement of people into the United States, hosting TI in the States this year could be troublesome. There is also the possibility that KeyArena, the venue for the last three TIs, could be demolished or rendered unavailable.
Do you think Valve will manage to host TI in the US this year?
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