Players refuse Blast access to voice comms and camera

Due to recent stream sniping issues amongst teams, ESIC issued a ruling to limit stream sniping. This ruling began the recording of video streams and voice communications of each player.

Players refuse Blast

The Counter-Strike Professional Players’ Association (CSPPA) released a statement over the issue 15 minutes before Blast Premier Fall finals’ first match. In short, it says the players are concerned over the use of the stored data, and they have every right to be. Blast posts “Mic’d Up” segments on YouTube, which showcase the team comms during certain critical moments of the game. However, one of these segments leaked FaZe Clan’s strategies. Such leaks are unacceptable, so players have decided to refuse Blast access, resulting in the delay of matches. Set to start at 10:30 ET, the Mousesports vs. Vitality stream sat idle with thousands waiting.

Players refuse BLAST access to voice comms and video screen recordings without agreement on how information is handled pic.twitter.com/8RoofaQRA1

— Counter-Strike Professional Players' Association (@CSPPAgg) December 8, 2020

While this issue may seem very sudden, Blast had known about the issue and “declined to discuss [the issue] with the players.” It is unknown if a resolution is agreed on, but several analysts and coaches have commented on the issue. Janko “YNk” Paunovic said, “Having been on the wrong side of these recordings myself at BLAST LA, protecting the teams is the priority before all else.” He went on to say that while it is “insightful when you can listen in on teams… anything you hear is confidential.” On top of that, YNk offered the best apparent solution: Non-Disclosure Agreements. NDAs would legally bind production staff not to share any strategies they might overhear in Teamspeak, and hopefully resolve the issues between Blast and the CSPPA.

If there's any talent out there, or production people, who have been abusing this and sharing this information further they should be reprimanded by the TO.

You could add NDA's into the mix for the future as an extra deterrent, although this shouldn't be an issue to begin with.

— Janko Paunovic (@YNk) December 8, 2020

Dan “apEX” Madesclaire tweeted that the game is about to start at around 1 PM ET. Additionally, he said, “Blast has promised to start talks with CSPPA regarding the use of voice comms and video.” The commencement of the game marks the beginning of Blast Premier Fall Final. Check here to see the full schedule of the tournament.

Ready to play ! Blast has promised to start talks with CSPPA regarding use of voice comms and video. Let's get started !!!

— Dan Madesclaire (@Vitality_apEX) December 8, 2020