Basically how I feel and why the single player stuff intrigues me so much. I think putting these mechanics into a deterministic puzzle context opens it up a LOT. I also believe that if they fully embraced that, even if it meant going entirely into a spinoff game, they could make it more interactive in really compelling ways.
I admit I'm also bitter because I LOVE everything they're doing with the setting of Whitespire within the world of Dota, but... the game is so boring to me that I just... can't enjoy the vast majority of my time with it.
that's the real kick in the pants
artifact died immediately but valve had plenty of resources to day one a auto chess iOS app and then launch a robust system of extras around it
like damn... imagine if they tried that instead of reskinning the market place and hoping for the best. thankfully it seems like the auto chess fad is over, and artifact 2.0 is coming with a mobile emphasis.