Ban Phase

Term from Esports industry explained for recruiters

A Ban Phase is an important pre-game strategy period in competitive video games where teams take turns prohibiting certain characters, maps, or strategies from being used in the upcoming match. It's similar to how sports teams might make specific lineup choices before a game. This process is especially common in games like League of Legends, Dota 2, and other competitive team games. The ability to handle the Ban Phase effectively shows that a player or coach understands high-level strategy and can make important decisions that affect the entire match.

Examples in Resumes

Led team strategy during Ban Phase discussions, resulting in 30% improved win rate

Developed Ban Phase analytics tools to track opponent tendencies

Created Ban/Pick strategies that became standard practice for the team

Coached players on optimal Ban Phase decision-making

Typical job title: "Esports Coaches"

Also try searching for:

Esports Analyst Team Strategic Coach Game Strategist Draft Coach Team Manager Professional Gamer Esports Professional

Where to Find Esports Coaches

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you develop a ban strategy against a team you've never played against before?

Expected Answer: A strong answer should discuss researching team's past matches, analyzing their most successful characters/strategies, and having backup plans ready. Should also mention adapting strategy mid-series based on new information.

Q: How do you balance player preferences with optimal ban choices?

Expected Answer: Should discuss managing team dynamics, weighing individual player comfort against overall strategy, and methods for building consensus within the team while maintaining competitive advantage.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What factors do you consider when making ban decisions?

Expected Answer: Should mention current meta trends, opponent's known strengths, team's own capabilities, and map-specific strategies. Should demonstrate understanding of how bans affect overall game strategy.

Q: How do you track and analyze ban phase patterns from opposing teams?

Expected Answer: Should explain methods for recording and analyzing opponent tendencies, using data to predict likely bans, and adapting strategies based on collected information.

Junior Level Questions

Q: Explain the basic concept of a ban phase in competitive gaming.

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain the basic process of banning characters/maps, the order of bans, and why certain choices might be better than others in simple situations.

Q: How do you stay updated with the current meta for ban phase decisions?

Expected Answer: Should discuss following professional matches, reading patch notes, participating in community discussions, and practicing with different strategies.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-1 years)

  • Basic understanding of game mechanics
  • Knowledge of current meta characters/maps
  • Ability to follow established ban strategies
  • Understanding of basic counter-picks

Mid (1-3 years)

  • Development of ban strategies
  • Analysis of opponent patterns
  • Adaptation to meta changes
  • Communication of strategic decisions

Senior (3+ years)

  • Advanced strategic planning
  • Team leadership during draft phase
  • Meta trend prediction
  • Training others in strategic thinking

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No knowledge of current competitive meta
  • Unable to explain basic ban phase strategy
  • Lack of experience with major competitive games
  • Poor communication skills during team planning
  • No understanding of data analysis for strategy development