12 dota 2 beta keys to be given away - PlayDota launches its photo contest!

I know everyone is going crazy to get involved in the Beta phase of DotA2. Well, here's everyone's chance to get a key! PlayDota - the official DotA website just launched its photo contest and guess what? The winners will be given a beta key. There will be only 6 winners in this contest.

Here are the details of the contest:

WIN-YOUR-OWN-DOTA2-BETA-KEY

PlayDotA U-Photo Submission 

In this contest, you are required to take a photograph of yourself holding a sign that reads "Dota 2" and your "PlayDotA.com Username" in any creative fashion (interesting, wild, weird, funny, strange, conceptual or any other adjective you see fit) you can.  

The primary target is to ensure that your photo reflects your love for DotA and give us an idea what it means to you. 

Rules and Regulations:
All images should be above 600x400 px in size. Images smaller than the mentioned size will not be considered. You are allowed to submit only one entry. Multiple ID submissions will lead to a disqualification. You are allowed edit your submission until 48 hours from the time of your submission. No edit is allowed after the deadline is hit. Do not heavily edit your images digitally. You are allowed to do some basic fixes like contrast, brightness and etc but anything which has been manipulated far from original will be disqualified. 

Contest Dates:
Begins: 12:00 AM GMT -8, September 21, 2011
Ends: 11:59 PM GMT -8, September 27, 2011
Submissions after the deadline will not be considered under any condition.
Submission Thread: dota-2-beta-key-u-photo-contest-submission-thread

Prizes:
12 Dota 2 Keys are up for grabs in this first contest. 6 winners will be chosen by the PlayDotA Staff and each winner will be rewarded with 2 beta keys that they can share with their friends.
So what are you waiting for? Get started on the planning.  

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q) How many photos may I enter?
A) Only one entry per member. 

Q) How much photo editing may I use?
A) The only photo editing allowed will be minimalistic such as lighting. Any major changes will not be allowed. If you are unsure then do not edit the submission. 

Q) Can other people be in my submission photo?
A) Yes you may have as many as you like. However you need to be in there and you need to be holding the sign displaying "DotA 2" and your "PlayDotA username". 

Q) Do I have to be literally holding a sign?
A) If you can think of a creative other way to include the 2 requirements it will most likely be accepted. 

Q) Where do I send/attach/upload the photo
A) Please use the dedicated photo submission thread that you can post an entry and can attach your photo to. No other posts must be made in that thread. 

Q) Will you accept private photo submissions?
A) No. All photo submissions must be made in the dedicated photo entrant thread. We do it publicly to allow member critique and discussion. All discussion is to be kept in the original announcement thread. 

Q) Am I allowed to post a gif or photo series?
A) No, this is a still frame photo competition, not a movie or story competition. 

Q) Can staff enter?
A) Staff may enter but they cannot win. 

Q) How will winner be decided?
A) There will be multiple staff members choosing the winners to give a well rounded assessment. 

Q) But what about us die hard fans who have supported the game forever?
A) There are other ways to get a beta key coming very shortly. This is just the first. 

Q) Are the PlayDotA staff just trolling us?
A) Maybe the best troll post ever! Or you could actually win a beta key. 

Q) I submitted my photo in the correct thread but its not showing up!
A) You are more than likely a member with very few posts. As a safeguard against spam bots all new posts of these members need to be approved. Your entry will not be affected and your post will be approved within a short time.

So what are you guys waiting for? Submit your photos now. Here are some photos submitted by some DotA fans:

sources: http://www.playdota.com/forums/540954/win-your-own-dota-2-beta-key/
sources: http://www.playdota.com/forums/541248/dota-2-beta-key-u-photo-contest-submission-thread/

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Posted in: dota2,dota2 beta keys,dota2 news,dota2 updates

Redesigns in DotA2 Heroes

I loved the way valve responded to the voice of the gaming community. To be honest, I'm not a fan of the artwork of Valve in DotA2. HoN and LoL hired various artist to come up with unique hero models. As for valve, their heroes almost look the same but it's a good thing they always want to improve on their graphics. These screenshots were from a DotA2 blog showing the new looks of the heroes.

Ancient Apparition

Antimage has new blades and made some changes with his face

Axe was introduced

Chen

Clockwork

Crystal Maiden with more colors

Dark Seer

Dazzle

Beast Master with more details

Doombringer with big ass horns and armor

Drow Ranger curves emphasized. More sexy look!

a more detailed EarthShaker

ES ultimate is more scary

Enigma

minor change in void - elbow bands!

Lina has new clothes. Sexy!

Mirana's tiger was slightly ammended

Morphling new model

Necrolyte

Night Stalker/Balanar with new pants!

Shadow Fiend looks more scary and intimidating. Added small wings and more detail in the eyes.

Puck

Pudge has a new hairstyle and added chains as well

Pugna

Razor

SandKing with more details

Shadow Shaman

Sniper oops wait, look at the inclusion of a shop keeper from the trailer >.<

Slardar with more details

Sniper

Spectre

Storm Spirit is a bit bigger now

Sven looking good

Leviathan

Tinker

Tiny

Vengeful Spirit

Venomancer

Viper has new wings

Weaver looks much stronger/sturdier

Windrunner has a new bow

Witch Doctor

Zeus with new clothes

So that's about it. What do you guys think about the changes? Are they good? Well, I believe valve cannot please everybody so if there's something that you want to say, just go for it. Communication will always be the key. It's not about them, it's about us gamers. >.<

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Posted in: dota heroes,dota2,dota2 news,dota2 updates