ciggaming: We have a great lineup for our pro-gaming chat today, Shane from Team Hot and Jim from 20 ID, not to mention plenty of top players from both teams, are all here to answer your questions about what it really takes to break into, and stay on top of the pro-gaming world.

ciggaming: I would like to have our special guests take a moment to introduce themselves…

[HOT] Lashton Bryth: My name is Shane Cousins: I run Team HOT and get to play as well :)

[20ID]Ji-hadicus: Hello, I am Jim derrick and I the manager/player for 20ID

[20ID]daskro: My name is Greer Carper, I'm the Team leader of 20ID WIC and a player for 20ID BF2

 

[20ID]daskro: "Pro Gaming" is a process, it's not like one day you're pubbing around and the next day you're on a top team, it's very much about sharpening your skills and learning good teamwork, over time if you have the skill and dedication, you can make yourself into a great player who can win the money $$$$

[HOT] NastygurL: Zaebos: yes you will lose your girlffriend

[HOT] Lashton Bryth: The very first tournament I played in was an invitation to CGS for Battlefield 2. The entire event was shot on stage with TV cameras rolling and a live audience, so it was much different than sitting comfortably at home at my desk. Talk about a rush

[HOT] Lashton Bryth: A regular practice: We are known for being hard workers. We practice Sunday-Thursday by scrimming mostly and figuring out what went wrong and how we fix it, then scrimming more. Talent will take you places but hard work + talent will take you further

[20ID]Ji-hadicus: I work a full time job, play video games competitvely and manage to stay in shape. And I have a pretty hot GF.

[20ID]Ji-hadicus: So I don't reallly have a lot of free time

[20ID]Ji-hadicus: Most of the time when people hear that I work in pro gaming I get looked at funny, and people say...you can make money doing that?

[HOT] Lashton Bryth: Pro gaming is kind of like the progression thru sports in a sense. Your body doesn't necessarily need to develop like other sports but your mind and maturity definitely do. Most of what seperates one top gamer from another is intelligence, staying calm under pressure, and the practice you should be doing to make you comfortable with your aim/movement/skills

[20ID]Ji-hadicus: Sponsors are hard to come by, the best way to get a sponsor is to be very good at the game that you are playing. Then you can approach sponsors or vice versa and you'll have a lot more susccess

 

[HOT] Lashton Bryth: Question: [NES]sonic: Where would I go to get a pro team/scouter see me play?:

Answer: Most players I have recruited have come off of teams that have beat us. I would advise you to work your way up by helping average teams become good and good teams become great. If you have what it takes, you will be noticed

 

pandemiclemley: Hey guys, Chris Lemley - President of Team Pandemic joining in - sorry I ran a little late ;)

 

[20ID]Ji-hadicus: Question: λlucard889 (mX): What happens if for any reason the game you are playing stops existing? the group just banishes?

Answer: Usually we look at playing other games

[20ID]Ji-hadicus: we don't just give up

 

[HOT] Lashton Bryth: Question: σ g g ι и: When Professional Teams loose members, how do you go around recruiting new team members?

Answer: I have several criteria I look for: I want someone who has talent, is easy to get along with, can compete on LAN as well as online, is available to put the hours in, and will be here for the long haul. I could write several paragraphs about each of those.

 

[HOT] Lashton Bryth: Question: λlucard889 (mX): What happens if for any reason the game you are playing stops existing? the group just banishes?

Answer: We have moved thru 4 or 5 games together, each different than the last. When one game stops become profitable or competitive, we pick a new game we want to play. I enjoy the process of learning new skills and new games since it provides new challenges and new tests. Good players always want to test themselves.

 

[20ID]daskro: Question: WHO IN XFIRE PRO NIGHT??!: Does pro gaming affect spending time with your family at all or do you have time to have fun relax and spend time with your loved ones

Answer: Yes it does, I've lost girlfriends because of it. lol

 

pandemiclemley: Question: f σ g g ι и: When Professional Teams loose members, how do you go around recruiting new team members?

Answer: This is an excellent question -- we just faced this problem yesterday in fact with the cancellation of the remainder of the WSVG season. It's certainly a case by case basis, but I see alot of the major organizations out there trying to stick to their guns and remain loyal to their former players in some aspect regardless of the circumstances

 

[HOT] Lashton Bryth: Question: WHO IN XFIRE PRO NIGHT??!: Does pro gaming affect spending time with your family at all or do you have time to have fun relax and spend time with your loved ones:

Answer: Very much so. Luckily my girlfriend is also a resident and puts more hours in the hospital than I do into gaming :)

 

[20ID]daskro: Question: your mama: when you were a kid were you called a nerd and unsocial because you played video games? if so how did you deal with being called names?

Answer: Everyone deals with it in their own way, some of us were jocks in high school, others were nerds

 

[20ID]daskro: Question: f σ g g ι и: When your Teams go to LAN Events, do you look around for potential players who you think has the all round experience for your team?

Answer: Yes and No. You won't find players you've never heard of there that will blow your socks off, but you definitely will meet players you've played before in competitive play and you will get to see how they interact with others in person. Frankly there are some players that are amazing in game but have no social skills what so ever and this CAN be a detriment to a team

 

[HOT] Lashton Bryth: Question: f σ g g ι и: When your Teams go to LAN Events, do you look around for potential players who you think has the all round experience for your team?:

Answer: If Im not currently looking to recruit, I won't scout potential players but Im always looking to see who plays well on LAN as well as online. Playing well on LAN usually means that person has the requisite hand-eye coordination as well as the ability to handle the pressure of playing in front of other people with bigger stakes. Those are the guys I put at the top of my recruiting list when it is time to recruit.

 

pandemiclemley: Question: NOTW_DualAction.NY: When a new game comes out, do you guys go straight into compention or do you and your team practice for a few months then start playing comp?

Answer: Again this depends entirely on the game; if it's something that we know a major league or event is picking up, we try and line up the best potential talent before the game is even released. If this isn't a possibility or the game presents a uniqueness that is hard to plan for, we give the community a little time for the dust to settle and hopefully the cream will have already risen to the top.

 

[20ID]daskro: Question: [H3D]Strange_kid: i kinda like the idea of being both a jock and a nerd do you think thats possible ?

Answer: Sure it is, you can be whatever you want to be

 

[20ID]daskro: Question: Hiro: Do you need the best parts in your machine to go pro? Or could you slide about with some lower-end parts/

Answer: Depends entirely on the game, if you're playing competitive DOTA (wc3) then you dont need great hardware, if you are playing qauke 4 or quake wars, entirely different story

 

[20ID]Ji-hadicus: Question: Does pro gaming affect spending time with your family at all or do you have time to have fun relax and spend time with your loved ones

Answer: It's all about healthy balances. You can't just throw yourself at one thing and expect other things not to suffer. I try and work my gaming schedule around my GFs schedule so that I am not on the PC when she is at home. I also try not to schedule things on nights that I know that I am going to need to see my family. I am also only on the computer to practice most nights, so I am on for a couple hours and that is it.

 

[HOT] Lashton Bryth: Question: Hiro: Do you need the best parts in your machine to go pro? Or could you slide about with some lower-end parts?

Answer: that depends on the game. I started Team HOT with a machine that could barely play the game I was competing in, had a great computer that turned into a poor one, so Ive done both. If you can afford a good computer or an upgrade, do it, but its not NECESSARY. You'll just have to get used to playing on very low settings.

[20ID]daskro: Question: Teh_killzx {CЯ3W}: Do you guys seperate ur everyday life from gaming? or is gmaing a lifestyle?

Answer: When you're putting 3-4 hours a day into gaming, it's more of a lifestyle, it's hard to seperate it at times!

 

[20ID]daskro: Question: [H3D]Strange_kid: How many hours a week do you typicaly work ?

Answer: I put in 40 hours a week at my normal job and another 20-30 hours a week in gaming

 

[20ID]Ji-hadicus: Question: How many hours a week do you typicaly work ?

Answer: I work about 60 hours a week at my day job

 

[HOT] Lashton Bryth: Question: teh_lawl: other then great victories and truthful losses with your family(clan) do you believe that spending time and having outings with all of them during your travels have made your team and you as the individuals much stronger mentally and socially, then regular social interactions ever could?

Answer: Social interaction is social interaction. Winning and losing with teammates and friends is always enjoyable and creates bonds but those same bonds can be created and sustained with family members and friends that don't game.

 

pandemiclemley: Question: ŁōŘĐ ÃŘċáńũş: is it nessacary to know all of the people in real life before you can be a successful team or can random people unite and become close knit and functional in the pro gaming circuit?

Answer: It's not necessary to begin competing in small events or online, but I definitely believe that true live interaction with your fellow players will go a long way in gauging how successful you can become, and what barriers - if any - you will encounter together.

 

[HOT] Lashton Bryth: Question: ŁōŘĐ ÃŘċáńũş: is it nessacary to know all of the people in real life before you can be a successful team or can random people unite and become close knit and functional in the pro gaming circuit?

Answer: Knowing each other helps in more of the psychological areas. Competing at the very top is often a grind, so the closer you are to each other, the more you can get out of the time you are putting in. It becomes difficult to say the things you need to say to people you might not be comfortable with.

 

[20ID]daskro: Question: <iN3X/nGu>teh_lawl: what is one thing that is the hardest to fend off and is the most threatening to tearing your team(family) apart?

Answer: Staying at the top and being competitive

 

[20ID]daskro: Question: B-Rad ♥: Have you ever been involved with the game creating Process?

Answer: Closest thing for 20ID is our participation in Quake Wars, Hot was also involved in this

 

[20ID]Ji-hadicus: Question: So, any recommended equipment for gaming?

Answer: Shameless sponsor plug .....OCZ memory, fUnc pads, and any of our other sponsors...lol. I think a majority of us use either logitech or razer mice, logitech keyboards, and sennhieser headphones.

 

pandemiclemley: Question: Hiro: So, any recommended equipment for gaming? [Keyboard, Mouse, stuff like that.]

Answer: Alot of your peripheral choices will ultimately come down to personal preference, but it certainly helps to try and find something comfortable within the top of the line hardware available. As for machines themselves, the XPS laptops we've used in competition have been wonderful assets because they've enabled us to bring the same desktop performance we experience at home with us on the road.

 

[HOT] Lashton Bryth: Question: <iN3X/nGu>teh_lawl: what is one thing that is the hardest to fend off and is the most threatening to tearing your team(family) apart?:

Answer: Expectation. Expectation kills more teams than anything else. Once you get to a certain point, every loss, every close match becomes a big deal since you are supposed to be this 'great' team. Other teams want to win more than you do at times, especially after you've won the first 4 or 5 tournaments in a game. The expectation you put on yourselves can drive you crazy and create disappointment, which leads to things falling apart. It is very difficult to be the best and even harder to stay there.

 

[20ID]daskro: Question: B-Rad ♥: Who gave you the most Support - on a personal level, my family and friends, for the team?

Answer: Xfire ofcourse

 

[20ID]Ji-hadicus: Question: How did you get into the Gaming Industry, was it influence from a friend or family member or did you just want to play games?

Answer: I just wanted to fly a B-17 in battlefield 1942 so I bought the game and started playing competetively. I was hooked ever since. Coincidently, I am the worst pilot in BF1942 ever.

 

[HOT] Strider | GigaFrag: f σ g g ι и: How did you get into the Gaming Industry, was it influence from a friend or family member or did you just want to play games?

Answer: I became intimately involved in the gaming industry when I first started running LAN's over 6 years ago. Over time, I've become more and more involved with actually playing and not just admining.

 

[HOT] Lashton Bryth: Question: f σ g g ι и: How did you get into the Gaming Industry, was it influence from a friend or family member or did you just want to play games?:

Answer: for me it was a natural progression from all of the sports I played. Ive been competing since I was 5, so after knee surgeries on both knees, I found that competing in online video games and LAN's could help to satisfy my competitive desires.

 

[20ID]daskro: Question: WHO IN XFIRE PRO NIGHT??!: What was there first step you took after playing in public servers to become pro gamers like your selvs

Answer: I formed a clan with soem friends and we played well, those of us that were successful moved onto better teams

 

pandemiclemley: Question: Capt.Tōshirō Hitsugaya: have you got to meet celebrities in this career?

Answer: Our trip to the Playboy Mansion recently was probably one of my most favorite, but the individual celebrities you run into from time to time are certainly enjoyable as well. I'm fortunate in that I can even call one a player for Team Pandemic, Shawn "Napster" Fanning represents our secondary World of Warcraft squad and has been an incredible asset to our organization not only as a player but as a source of inspiration as well.

 

[HOT] Strider | GigaFrag: [HOT] Strider | GigaFrag: NOTW_DualAction.NY: Since youve been with the same people for many years.. do you guys just consider your selfs as a family instead of a clan..?

Answer: After attending LAN events, and spending time in person with teamates, it just brings everyone closer together. I consider my teamates close friends and good friends are like family to me.

 

[20ID]daskro: Question: Hiro: What games do you think would be worthwhile to start practicing in for someone looking into the pro gaming aspect of the industry?

Answer: This requires an eye for games, will the game have a popular fan base? Will it have support for a competitive community? Can it be a spectator game easily? those sort of questions are really what you are looking at

[HOT] Lashton Bryth: Question: <iN3X/nGu>teh_lawl: just like in all competetive sports, heated rivalries occur between teams, and does this cause you to have a flaky relationship (off the field) in this digital battleground:

Answer: haha definitely. Its very hard for teams to compete against each other for years and not run into problems. Both teams are trying to beat each other for something only one of them can have. Most recently we had some issues with teams not scrimming us because they wanted us to lose, but you deal with it and move on. I tend to take things more personally than others, but everyone has their own way of reacting to the nuances of competition

 

[20ID]Ji-hadicus: Question: What benefits do u get for being a pro gamer?

Answer: Aside from all the ladies and the deep respect of other people? We get a lot of stuff from our sponsors and you get to travel to LAN events with your buddies ona regular basis. Some money on the side doesn't hurt either.

 

[HOT] Lashton Bryth: Question: Do you think CGS and Direct TV's telecasts have helped societies veiw of pro gaming?:

Answer: Its helping. Gaming has issues all its own that is going to take work from collective groups interested in seeing it succeed, but watching games go mainstream and being televised is giving it more credibility

 

[20ID]daskro: Question: Do you think CGS and Direct TV's telecasts have helped societies veiw of pro gaming?

Answer: Personally I think anything related to pro gaming on tv can help pro gaming in the future, personally I think CGS is a bit of a gimmick, but I'd rather see a gimmick for pro gaming on tv than no pro gaming on tv at all

 

[HOT] Lashton Bryth: Xfire loves 20id and HOT :p I'm the poor newbie : With a lot of good teams doing great things :)

 

[HOT] Lashton Bryth: Question: f σ g g ι и: Just like all sports there is a number of injuries you can recieve, have you ever had Carpal Tunnel Syndrome due to excessive Gaming, or have you been the wise one and took regular breaks?

Answer: I guess Ive been lucky because I haven't had any real issues with my hands and wrists and Ive been doing this for a lot of hours over the past 4 years

 

pandemiclemley: Question: <CC>< Suki ﺖ: Do you think CGS and Direct TV's telecasts have helped societies veiw of pro gaming?

Answer: CGS has certainly helped bring competitive gaming much further along into the view of the general public. It's unfortunate that for now its an exclusive league, but once the doors begin to open on a stage this large, I feel that we'll begin to see an incredible fan following -- this kind of league is exactly what we need to start bringing professional gaming to the next level.

 

[20ID]Ji-hadicus: Question: Do you think CGS and Direct TV's telecasts have helped societies veiw of pro gaming?

Answer: Gaming right now is like the NFL of the 30-40s, ibut people are trying to treat it like it's hip-hop music in the 90's. They are trying to make it flashy and throw money around it, but commerically...it's just not ready for the mainstream. I think that in 10-15 years it will be in a much better situation. This is why you see things like the WSVG failing. You need to grow the industry slowly and build momentum. You can't just expect an audience to be there.

pandemiclemley: Ji-hadicus is right. From a business standpoint, despite what I said earlier about it being the proper move for gaming, we indeed have a long way to go before we're finally 'there.' CGS is one of our best hopes in the current day simply because it's the series with the largest potential reach; backed largely by Newscorp, there's no telling how many television stations we could begin to see their coverage on in the near future. Bringing in the gaming community at-large as an audience, however, is and will continue to be the hardest part for us 'pros' in such a niche market.

 

[20ID]Ji-hadicus: Question: Which of your teams is going to win the Enemy Territory: Quake Wars Siege of September Tournament on Xfire? ^^

Answer: Aren't we all winners just for trying?

[20ID]Ji-hadicus: :-)

 

[HOT] Lashton Bryth: Question: Capt.Tōshirō Hitsugaya: is tactics just as important as skill?

Answer: Tactics in the traditional sense can hurt skilled teams, but intelligence, ingenuity, creativity, and having a solid strat are at least as important as skill, if not more. Depending on the game, you'll want to leave some room for players to be dynamic and react to situations, so don't over strategize, but put players in positions to be successful.

 

[20ID]daskro: Question: SkateGirl=VHB=: What's it like traveling to the competitions and meeting other teams?

Answer: It can be a lot of fun but also very stressful, especially when there's a lot of money on the line and every player may lose money from their travel costs if they dont win any cash, but over all its alot of fun and for those who are over 21, drinking with your competitors is a blast

 

[HOT] Lashton Bryth: Question: Which of your teams is going to win the Enemy Territory: Quake Wars Siege of September Tournament on Xfire? ^^

Answer: make sure you watch and find out :)

 

[20ID]daskro: Question: Hiro: So, what's your favorite over-caffineated drinks? :D

Answer: Coffee, I take my coffee black just like my metal

 

[20ID]Ji-hadicus: Question: Capt.Tōshirō Hitsugaya: is tactics just as important as skill?

Answer: I think that set strats in games are what hurt a lot of teams. One of the best things you'll find about pro gaming teams is that they adapt their strat to whatever it is that you are trying to do and prevent you from doing it. It's hard to do, but that is what makes it work so well

 

[HOT] Strider | GigaFrag: Hiro: So, what's your favorite over-caffineated drinks? :D

Answer: I tend to stay away from too much caffeine while gaming. However, I'll hit the Mountain Dew while running a LAN. ;)

 

[HOT] Lashton Bryth: Question: f σ g g ι и: From all the experience Professional Teams have, what would you say the main structure of an up and comming team needs?:

Answer: A solid leader, talented, loyal players, and a good work ethic is a start

 

[20ID]Ji-hadicus: I liken the gaming industry to MMA about 14 years ago. Seriously, we just need our Dana White to lead us into the future. I nominate lashton.

 

[20ID]daskro: Question: f σ g g ι и: From all the experience Professional Teams have, what would you say the main structure of an up and comming team needs?

Answer: Good teams need good management, solid financial planning, skilled committed players and good ethics. A lot of teams win money and lots of it, but dont know how to use it correctly for future events, its a "cash flow problem"

 

[20ID]Ji-hadicus: Question: Does your clan see each other out of work times for a drink or a chat or do you just see each other at lan events and that is all

Answer: When we are done playing....there is definetly a lot of drinking

 

[HOT] Lashton Bryth: Question: RedNeck[TiTi]: Do you have any advice for someone wanting to get into the game industry? Im mostly disabled (at he age of 23) and cannot get a "regular " job in my area or go back to school. all i do is play games 10-14 hours a day, and i play multiple genres of games.:

Answer: Well, if gaming is what you love to do, then you need to start making connections. Become knowledgable about the areas you wish to be a part of and work hard to achieve them. You seem like you enjoy working hard with 10-14 hours a day, so make sure you work smart as well.

 

[20ID]daskro: Question: =APT= The Bennonator┌╦╤─: Do you need a mixture of skill in a clan to become pro?eg Snipers, Assault ect??

Answer: Depends entirely on the game, games like Cstrike are much more myopic, whereas games like battlefield, quake wars and the like require much more diverse skill

 

pandemiclemley: Question: f σ g g ι и: From all the experience Professional Teams have, what would you say the main structure of an up and comming team needs?

Answer: This guy asks awesome questions. Your foundation is infinitely important, and don't be afraid to set your goals early. You absolutely need to know where you're headed before you start branching out, looking for sponsors, and trying to compete on the highest levels. When that day comes, market to your strengths, stay within your boundaries, and don't be afraid to do what you think is right wether or not it mirrors the moves of the surrounding community. Competitive gaming is more than a flash-in-the-pan simply because individuals continue to come along and refine our ideas and our communities to the point there's always something new and exciting on the horizon.

 

[20ID]daskro: Question: [MGF] eCK0: How important is geographical location to teams? In otherwords, is it easier for a team that lives near each other to succeed than a team with international members?

teams that have players in more than 4 time zones are bad news. This is not to say this can't be done, but having players from europe add a time issue for practice and add a latency issue for the gaming side of things, if you are in america, stay with american players

 

[HOT] Lashton Bryth: Question: WHO IN XFIRE PRO NIGHT??!: Does your clan see each other out of work times for a drink or a chat or do you just see each other at lan events and that is all:

Answer: Ive had a couple of teammates stay the summer with me (I live on the beach) and we get to get together for LAN's pretty often (probably 8 or 9 in the past year), plus you are on vent together every day. We probably spend too much time together :)

 

[20ID]Ji-hadicus: Question: In otherwords, is it easier for a team that lives near each other to succeed than a team with international members?

Answer: I think it's easier if you are spread out over a greater distance. That way you always have someone near a LAN event or in different parts of the country to rely on.

 

pandemiclemley: Question: Teh_killzx {CЯ3W}: WOuld you say that gaming is all fun and games or a serious job that takes a lot of work?

Answer: From a professional standpoint, it's absolutely a business..but the most successful players never forget their roots; after all, we're out here playing a game for a living. If you can't have fun in our line of work, something is terribly wrong with you ;)

 

[20ID]daskro: Question: Teh_killzx {CЯ3W}: WOuld you say that gaming is all fun and games or a serious job that takes a lot of work?

Answer: It's work, but its the fun kind of work, there will be times where you just want to stop playing, you want to just stop and give up, but like life, these lows pass

 

[HOT] Lashton Bryth: Question: Teh_killzx {CЯ3W}: WOuld you say that gaming is all fun and games or a serious job that takes a lot of work?

Answer: High level gaming is all work. I went over 2 years playing and competing in games I didnt' even like (and liked less once you start putting 40+ hours a week into them). I find it difficult to emotionally enjoy playing a game that I play every day over and over. I liken it to listening to the same song over and over. However, competition motiviates me more than whether or not Im actually enjoying the game Im playing.

 

[20ID]daskro: Question: PeepQ]Lacabesa: do hotels ever advertise you to get more buisness?

Answer: No, if we were throwing 10-15K dollars then it may be different, but no team's hotel costs get nearly that high

 

[20ID]daskro: Question: Octane: at what age did you start to compete in your game?

Answer: and how long have you been competing ? I started around 15, I'm 23 now

 

[20ID]daskro: Question: 101ST Phoenix [LT]: what makes a good manager/caller for a competitive team ?

Answer: Getting players to work well with another, making important roster and game play decisions that can hurt feelings, and being good at budgeting time and money when it counts

 

pandemiclemley: Question: ŁōŘĐ ÃŘċáńũş: do you guys ever try to pitch cool ideas to hardware comapnies who make mice and keyboards with innovative ideas to improve ergonomics/functionality?

Answer: Yes, but it's so much bigger than even that. When you are in the process of looking for a sponsor, like I stated earlier, you absolutely must market your strengths. Companies want to hear what you can do for them, not the other way around. Keep in mind that they hear the same thing over and over every day from groups coming to them wanting money or support; bring something to the table unique, something that is absolutely useful for them.

 

[HOT] Lashton Bryth: Question: WHO IN XFIRE PRO NIGHT??!: What would be the youngest member you would accept into your clan or doesnt it really matter and do you have to be from a certain country

Answer: age matters and it doesn't matter. Sometimes subject matter isnt' appropriate for younger players and things can get heated when we are trying to figure out the best way to do something. I tend to look for people over the age of 18 so they have less problems with travelling to LAn's and such.

 

[20ID]Ji-hadicus: Question: do you guys ever try to pitch cool ideas to hardware comapnies who make mice and keyboards with innovative ideas to improve ergonomics/functionality?

Answer: not really, but I did pitch an Idea to Old Spice about promoting their product at LAN events. I mean, what better way to build a product than in a dark muggy room with 500 computers pumping out heat. add the 500 nerds with poor hygene and you have yourselves a marketing DREAM.

 

they were not receptive......

 

[20ID]daskro: ̣Makaveli-ѕнוFτ: Would you say age has anything do to on how good you play?

Answer: Yes, but it has more to do with time availability than growing old - younger people go to high school and college and have LOADS of free time to practice, many of us who are older do not have the will to play competitively after a 40 hour work week

 

[20ID]daskro: Question: =APT= The Bennonator┌╦╤─: Do you have totally computer unrelated jobs or do you link in your job with your gaming time????

Answer: I work in the defense industry as a financial analyst, In the future I'd like to link my gaming to my job in the form of creating integrated user interfaces for the military that would accomidate gaming interface design

 

[20ID]Ji-hadicus: Question: The Bennonator┌╦╤─: Do you have totally computer unrelated jobs or do you link in your job with your gaming time????

Answer: I work in the IT industry but in a side that has nothing to do with gaming. It's nice to work with the technology though.

[20ID]Ji-hadicus: I work in the healthcare industry

 

[HOT] Lashton Bryth: Question: 101ST Phoenix [LT]: As an individual or team what is the best way in improving your gaming skill ?

Answer: Good question. As an individual, I tend to put as much practice in what I am doing as I can. Lets stay Im working on keeping my mouse on someone while Im moving and they are moving: I'll figure out what is helping and what is hurting me from accomplishing my objective and try to do more of what helps and eliminate whatever is hurting. Try to think critically about how to get better beyond just 'trying harder'.

 

[20ID]Ji-hadicus: Question: I hear Killer Nics can pretty much eleminate lag do any of you have one and you experiences with it..

Answer: Had one, not worth the money in my opinion(i can't spell)

 

pandemiclemley: Question: =APT= The Bennonator┌╦╤─: Do you have totally computer unrelated jobs or do you link in your job with your gaming time????

Answer: Personally, managing my team has become my full-time job. This was a tough decision to make and undoubtedly a risky one, as I wasn't even through with college at the time I made the move. However, I've seen a number of very successful managers come through this business while holding down full or part-time jobs in a number of fields. It comes down moreso to how well you can manage your time and what your schedule and situation allows you to do.

 

[20ID]daskro: Question: 101ST Phoenix [LT]: As an individual or team what is the best way in improving your gaming skill ?

Answer: Practice against those that you know are better than you. Eliminate your pride and seek these players out, even if they are assholes, their ability to beat you will allow you to figure out when you need to do to play better

 

[20ID]daskro: Question: f σ g g ι и: From the success of your Professional Teams, Would you ever consider making an Academy for up and comming players that need that little more guidence and confidence in Gaming?

Answer: Sure, there's golf camps, basketball camps, and computer camps, there is certainly room for pro gaming camps if the industry continues to grow

[20ID]Ji-hadicus: Daskro, we have to wait until we are old has beens before we start the camps.....so give us like 9 months and you'll start seeing them.

 

pandemiclemley: Question: [NES]sonic: What game system out (besides PC) is your personal favorite?

Answer: Old NES, without a doubt. I could play Double Dragon 2 or RBI Baseball all day. I'm all about some new X360 games as well - Guitar Hero for sure.

 

[HOT] Lashton Bryth: Question: f σ g g ι и: From the success of your Professional Teams, Would you ever consider making an Academy for up and comming players that need that little more guidence and confidence in Gaming?

Answer: We've looked into doing projects that involve training would-be managers and players and helping them clear some of the hurdles that we've cleared, but finding the time can be hard to do. It is something Im interested in.

 

[20ID]daskro: Question: Huggy: Has there been a time in your life when you have wanted to throw in the towel?

Answer: Tons, Back in Bf1942 during the DDOS scandals, getting 2nd in the CAL championships on a techinicality pissed me off. Losing a few LAN tournaments due to shitty rule callings or just bad performance ranks second

 

pandemiclemley: Question: Huggy: Has there been a time in your life when you have wanted to throw in the towel?

Answer: Yesterday morning when I received the phone call that the WSVG had cancelled the rest of its stops, I had at least a 5 minute period where I felt this way.

 

...Then I realized we'll be JUST fine. :)

 

[20ID]daskro: Question: [NES]sonic: How much do you guys see pro gaming becoming?

Answer: Skys the limit, I think in 10 years it will be ten fold as large as it is today.

 

[HOT] Lashton Bryth: Question: Huggy: Has there been a time in your life when you have wanted to throw in the towel?

Answer: I created this team, have played in every single match it has ever had except 3 (out of 400+) and been to every LAN, etc. Despite all of that, Ive resigned like 4 times and probably will again at some point. Putting a lot of time into anythign can be draining and this is no different. It is very rewarding but never ending, yet here I remain.

 

[20ID]daskro: Question: ŁōŘĐ ÃŘċáńũş: do you guys ever make promotional videos for your teams? if so do you use someone else whos not on the team to film or do you film yourselves? what programs do you use?

Answer: Yes, We use in-house people who know how to do video editing and we have production companies such as GameplayHD that produce it for us. Utilize your inhouse talent!

 

[HOT] Lashton Bryth: Question: =APT= The Bennonator┌╦╤─: Do you find gaming exciting 24/7 or does it get a bit ovewr the top sometimes?:

Answer: I find competition exciting. Gaming itself can be fun but without the competition, I wouldn't be playing. I dont ever play single player games and rarely play games for fun (except WoW).

 

[20ID]daskro: Question: =APT= The Bennonator┌╦╤─: Do you find gaming exciting 24/7 or does it get a bit ovewr the top sometimes?

Answer: Sometimes you dont want to practice or even play but you do it because you have a commitment to being a good player and you have a commitment to your fellow teammates.

 

[20ID]Ji-hadicus: Question: Do you find gaming exciting 24/7 or does it get a bit ovewr the top sometimes?

Answer: you'd be suprised how burnt out you can get on a certain game. One of our favorite games to unwind with is albatross18. its akorean golf game, but it's a lot of fun to unwind with. No competition, just you and your buddiies playing golf with a bunch of koreans dudes pretending to be adolescent girls.

 

[20ID]daskro: Question: your mama: whats is the youngest aged person youve ever recruited?

Answer: 14 and it was all trouble, but eventually he grew up and matured

 

pandemiclemley: Question: [NES]sonic: How much do you guys see pro gaming becoming?

Answer: Kids today are spending less time outside and so much more on video games. This is a unique issue in itself that certainly could be negative in some ways, but I think it just reflects the modern changes of our culture. Instead of playing pick up baseball games in the park, we're at home playing pick up counter-strike pugs and halo 2 with our buddies, etc. If this is any indication of our audience and our reach for the years to come, pro gaming has yet to even imagine its potential.

 

[20ID]daskro: Question: Teh_killzx {CЯ3W}: What are you hoping to get for christmas?

Answer: a galil assault rifle, I'm serious btw

 

[20ID]Ji-hadicus: Question: Okay, rephrased. Is it good for you if you stay up into the wee hours of the morning playing, and would that help hone your skills, or would fatigue and caffeine mess you up, and it would just be better to practice a few hours a night or something?

Answer: Practice is practice, but if you are having to push your body and mind with caffine and other "stuff" to stay awake, I personally don't think it's worth it. Do that stuff to have fun, ot to practice.

 

[HOT] Lashton Bryth: Question: Hiro: Okay, rephrased. Is it good for you if you stay up into the wee hours of the morning playing, and would that help hone your skills, or would fatigue and caffeine mess you up, and it would just be better to practice a few hours a night or something?:

Answer: There comes a point where any time you are putting in can actually hurt your skills if your body is tired. You dont' want to start developing bad habits that your body remembers because you can't bear to go to sleep. My advice: work hard but make sure you take care of yourself as well.

 

[20ID]daskro: Question: f σ g g ι и: When you first built your Professional Teams, did you ever think that you would be in the position you are today?

Answer: Not at all, I first started playing because I wanted to be the best, the money was all secondary

 

[20ID]Ji-hadicus: Question: how long were you playing a game for before you was introduced into a pro clan

Answer: about 2 months?

 

[HOT] Strider | GigaFrag: Hiro: Okay, rephrased. Is it good for you if you stay up into the wee hours of the morning playing, and would that help hone your skills, or would fatigue and caffeine mess you up, and it would just be better to practice a few hours a night or something?

Answer: I couldn't agree more with Jihad and Lashton. There comes a point where you have to stop and let your body rest. Taking good care of your body (what you eat, exercise, etc) will help with this as well

 

[20ID]daskro: Question: your mama: has anybody tried to mess up your computer before? because your pro and all?

Answer: Yes, Getting DDOS'd has happened to many palyers and it still happens, just part of the territory

 

[20ID]Ji-hadicus: Question: Do you want your children to follow in your footsteps to become a gamer?

Answer: I have a 4 year old ephew that will wreck you at Star wars legos. I am serious

 

[HOT] Lashton Bryth: Question: your mama: has anybody tried to mess up your computer before? because your pro and all?:

Answer: At CPL, we had a few guys put dirty screen saver images on our computers we didn't have locked, but that's about the extent of it :)

 

[HOT] Strider | GigaFrag: Teh_killzx {CЯ3W}: What are you hoping to get for christmas?

Answer: A bigger gun safe

[20ID]daskro: Us pro gamers have an affinity with firearms iit seems

 

[HOT] Strider | GigaFrag: =APT= The Bennonator┌╦╤─: Would you call gaming a hobby or a sport?

Answer: Both

 

[20ID]Ji-hadicus: Question: I think gaming can bring people together that normally might not come together and is better than watching tv for the youth of america whats your take on this?

Answer: I think that social gaming is good for young people that usually don't get out of the house. If playing on a computer is your life, getting involved with the LAN scene can really open someones eyes up to what else is out there!

 

[HOT] Strider | GigaFrag: [20ID]daskro: Us pro gamers have an affinity with firearms iit seems

;)

 

[HOT] Lashton Bryth: Question: [DFG] D4RK_4NG3L: I think gaming can bring people together that normally might not come together and is better than watching tv for the youth of america whats your take on this?:

Answer: I personally think people should have a well rounded experience. Playing games, watching TV, etc. can be a part of everyone's lives but should be tempered with exercise and sunlight. Its hard to stop doing something you enjoy so learn to enjoy lots of things.

 

[20ID]daskro: Question: Huggy: How do you relieve yourself from the stress of gaming? or is gaming your stress relief?

Answer: Target shooting rifles and pistols, it's an expensive hobby but its a huge stress reliever

 

[20ID]Ji-hadicus: I personally dislike guns, I more of a MacGuyver guy....Bow and arrow for me.

 

[HOT] Strider | GigaFrag: Huggy: How do you relieve yourself from the stress of gaming? or is gaming your stress relief?

Answer: Road racing (Laguna Seca, Willow Springs Raceway, etc) in my EVO, target shooting, movies and books.

 

[HOT] Lashton Bryth: Question: Teh_killzx {CЯ3W}: What would you do if you hadnt gone into prog gaming?:

Answer: I have a double major in business and history, attended law school (but didn't graduate), enjoy writing and plan on publishing an epic fantasy novel, and am quite pretty

 

pandemiclemley: Question: [DFG] D4RK_4NG3L: I think gaming can bring people together that normally might not come together and is better than watching tv for the youth of america whats your take on this?

Answer: Interactivity and networking possible through gaming are incredible social benefits that are often overlooked or underappreciated. I have learned everything from teamwork to litigation skills through my experience as a competitive gamer / manager. Gaming is quickly becoming this generation's 'golf,' in that business acquaintances are becoming just as likely to meet up over the World of Warcraft as they are out in public. It's very intriguing and exciting at the same time.

 

[20ID]daskro: Question: f σ g g ι и: Most young gamers have there eyes set on becoming Professional Gamers now, however some are restricted because of finacial problems, what would your advice be to these nextgen gamers?

Answer: Barriers to Entry in pro gaming in my opinion are the biggest restriction for new gamers. Unlike football or even xbox games, PC gaming requires a fairly significant amount of money to play. It's reserved mostly for the middle class and up. You're not seeing people in the ghetto rising out of strife because of pro gaming because its very much exclusive to people WITH money. There isn't an easy solution to this, but I'd like to see console systems like xbox and ps3 integrate more into the PC gamign market to allow a greater scope of gamers playing

 

[HOT] Lashton Bryth: Question: =APT= The Bennonator┌╦╤─: How many hours sleep do you need to make sure you don't get tired while playing?:

Answer: oftentimes at LAN's we get very little sleep and it can affect performance. Most people know how much sleep their body needs to stay sharp (especially intellectually), so I'd go for that amount.

 

[20ID]Ji-hadicus: Question: Most young gamers have there eyes set on becoming Professional Gamers, however some are restricted because of finacial problems, what would your advice be to these next gen gamers

Answer: Where there is a will, there is a way. I have spent time carpooling accross the country for Lan events, I have let people sleep at my house forevents. I have slept in places I probably wouldn't have otherwise to get to an event. It's all a matter of determination.

 

[20ID]daskro: Question: [DFG] D4RK_4NG3L: How do I find Gamers chicks that will love me for who I am lol.

Answer: Gamer chicks are a different breed, they may be gamers, but they're not playing the same games as you. My girlfriend plays on neopets.com prolly 3-4 hours a day

 

[HOT] Strider | GigaFrag: =APT= The Bennonator┌╦╤─: How many hours sleep do you need to make sure you don't get tired while playing?

Answer: This varies for each person. For me to function, I need to average around 6 hours of sleep each night. Sometimes that means less sleep a couple of nights, and then make up for it later. LAN's are probably the most exhausting, but some of the most fun.

 

[20ID]daskro: Question: Teh_killzx {CЯ3W}: Do sponsors pressure you to get high placings in tournaments?

Answer: Ofcourse, that's the expectation, but just as much as high placing, it's making an appearance and being seen at the events. If people can't recognize that your gaming team was at a tournament, the sponsors will not be happy

 

[HOT] Lashton Bryth: Question: Huggy: The best game on any platform?:

Answer: Best game ever made for its time? Doom. Best game out right now? Tough question. Probably WoW (as much as it hurts me to say it)

pandemiclemley: ;)

 

[20ID]daskro: Question: 101ST Phoenix [LT]: If your team is looking to get a sponsorship what is the best way of going about it ?

Answer: Seek it out, sponsors do not come to you, you must come to them, meet their marketing represenatives at events, email them, call them, get a business plan with hard figures about who you are as a gaming team

 

[20ID]Ji-hadicus: Question: Do sponsor pressure to get high placings in tournaments?

Answer: Not at all, obviously it's better, but you would be suprised what a sponsor looks for in a team. They want you to be marketable (which means going to lots of LAN events and being seen), and they want you to be approachable by other people. The main stigma for "Pro" gamers is that we are all dickheads and we are mean to average gamers. Talk to any of the guys in this room and I am sure you'll see the exact opposite.

 

[20ID]daskro: Question: 101ST Phoenix [LT]: If your team is looking to get a sponsorship what is the best way of going about it ?

Answer: Depending on the game and whether its in season, sometimes twice a year, sometimes twice a month.

 

[HOT] Lashton Bryth: Question: Teh_killzx {CЯ3W}: Do sponsor pressure to get high placings in tournaments?:

Answer: Nobody puts more pressure to win than we put on ourselves. That being said, sponsors want us to suceed but don't threaten or anything.

 

[20ID]daskro: Question: [PeepQ]Lacabesa: how did you do on your first tourney?

Answer: 1st place, at some small LAN event, if you can easily win small LAN events, then you prolly have potential for greater stuff

 

[20ID]Ji-hadicus: Question: As pro gamers do you get frusterated at the people who claim violence in games translates to violence in r/l?

Answer: Jack Thompson is a tool, I am probably going to get sued for saying that. Video games are the new ambulences. We are heavy metal in the 80's

 

[20ID]daskro: Question: f σ g g ι и: Do you make sure everyone is in a fit condition before entering LAN Events, If they are not what do you do to counter it?

Answer: The first time you meet some of you players, you may think they need to get in better shape, the best policy is to tell them to look presentable

 

[HOT] Lashton Bryth: Question: ōŘĐ ÃŘċáńũş: As pro gamers do you get frusterated at the people who claim violence in games translates to violence in r/l?:

Answer: I play games where cartoon players shoot other cartoon players, yet the game doesn't stop. The other player respawns or plays the next round so this idea that games are promoting killing is a bit silly. When tragedies occur, everyone wants to blame something and we do engage in activities that mimic killing, so its important to make sure that everyone taking gaming for what it is

 

pandemiclemley: Question: Hiro: So, travel wise, do you all travel much a month? If so, how long can you usually plan to be gone?

Answer: I never expected to travel as much as I am now. It's been a wonderful experience and I still wake up in the morning expecting the dream to be over. During season, I'm gone every weekend to some new location doing god knows what for god knows who, and I love every minute of it. If you're ever given the opportunity to become a part of this community, I thoroughly suggest that you don't miss out -- you only live once, might as well spend your days doing what you truly love.

 

ciggaming: Sorry all, but we are out of time, hope you enjoyed yourselves and got your questions answered. Stick around for the online gaming event next! Add the accounts from this page http://www.xfire.com/cms/xf_gaming_careers_thursday/

ciggaming: Will the following 5 winners pm for details on how to claim their prize.

DFG] D4RK_4NG3

[H3D]Strange_kid:

Huggy

Daniel

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