Stochast1cPutting what I posted in the rgb discord here as well, but I'm not really happy with this announcement.
It really feels like I and others like me who just want to go to an event to play games on lan and enjoy time with internet friends are getting pushed out from this event. Even more expensive tickets, no easily accessible hotel (have to drive/uber to the event now), and what looks to be an even noisier environment since there isn't a dedicated hall, is a huge disappointment. It is great that you are able to collaborate with a bigger event, but for someone who does not care about going to panels or buying merchandise, to have to pay more money and deal with worse surrounding circumstances does not feel like an upgraded experience.
The more frustrating part is feeling like we are second-class here since hotels are already full and prices are going up. A more timely announcement so that we could fairly compete for close hotel rooms, or a deal with a further hotel that is a good discount, would help feeling alienated here. A discounted ticket price (that matches closely with what the last rgb was) (done through a code shared here, or through the old website) would also be a great way to get those that might not necessarily care for the new "extras" still excited for the partnership.
I could not disagree with you more on this front, and until otherwise proven by comments in this thread, I believe I speak on behalf of the vast majority of the community when I say this.
Yes, going to a laid back LAN to hang out with your buddies is definitely part of the fun of these smaller LANs, but to say that the way this LAN is organized is a detriment to the community is outrageous to me. When it comes to events like this for our community, I believe it is priceless and every single event like this is a huge source of motivation for our competitive players, even if it’s on the more casual side in comparison to rewind or insomnia.
I’d just like to take the time to say; I appreciate all the hard work and the many hours that have gone into this from all the RGB staff and Fragile over the years and nothing you guys change or do to this LAN will make it unmanageable for the majority of the community. Please keep doing what you’re doing and we know you will give us the best result possible for TF2.