It's no secret that the state of Heroes in NA has disappointed fans. Whether it was the drama exposed by B-Step's former manager or the unexpected roster shakeup from Galeforce eSports, it seemed like NA was destined for another season of interpersonal drama that would affect the region's strength.

Team 8 Rolls High

But things seem to be looking up. Pictured above, Team 8 has secured sponsorship from the leader in digital RPG tabletops, Roll20. The sponsorship couldn't have come at a better time for the top NA team, as Roll20 has fully sponsored a week-long boot camp in Sweden to help the team prepare for the Mid-season brawl. Bootcamping before a major event is what is expected of a top team, but something Team 8 wouldn't have been capable of doing prior to sponsorship.

Old faces and Free Agents

Now that the first season of HGC is over, former professional players and new hopefuls are coming out of the woodwork and increasing the number of free agents in the region. Most notable is the return of former Tempo Storm ranged assassin, Arthelon.

Arthelon was once considered a premier ranged assassin player as a part of the 2015 Tempo Storm lineup that once dominated the entire region. Arthelon isn't the only ex-Tempo Storm player to start playing seriously again either. While not as vocal, So1dier has been seen scrimming with fellow NA veterans Dunktrain and Dreadnaught in what appeared to be serious attempts at shaking off the rust and re-entering a competitive mindset.

2016 Heroes of the Dorm competitor, MiST, didn't win the tournament with his fellow UT Arlington teammates, but that hasn't stopped him from chasing his eSports aspirations. An active player in the HGC Open Division, MiST streams regularly with the title "I want HGC" and is another well-known free agent clearly hungry for a chance to compete.

In light of B-Step's unexpected roster disbandment that left McIntyre, k1pro and KingCaffiene as free agents, many experienced Heroes players are up-for-grabs. With each HGC team allowed two roster swaps going into the next seasons, now is the perfect opportunity for teams to remove weak links and ensure each member of their teams are dedicated to becoming a top-tier team.

Naventic Gets a Second Chance

Few people expected Naventic to survive their crucible match, but as the saying goes, a cornered dog is sure to bite. Naventic has rightfully earned their second chance and the team is already taking the steps to reverse the popular opinion that they are among the worst teams in the entire HGC.

One of those steps is taking Kenma out of the game. The oft-maligned support player for Naventic hasn't had a very good season, and will likely fare better in his new position as the team's coach. In his place, mechanical powerhouse iDream will complete the roster under the Melee Assassin role.

Even in Death - the wild card

B-Step's disbandment created an unexpected spot in the HGC. Despite losing their crucible match, Even in Death was the Open Division Playoff Champions, meaning that the new spot goes to them and not to Imported Support. Realistically, this is a lucky break for Even in Death. Their 1-4 loss to No Tomorrow doesn't bode well for the amateur team, but there is always a chance that routine HGC league play will quickly level-up the roster.

Even in Death is one of the open league teams that Tempo Storm Cattlepillar is referring to. Now that they are officially in the HGC, it's up to the previously amateur team to make the needed adjustments to pose an actual threat.