Kingdoms of Amalur Preview and Demo Impressions
February 7, 2012
In my days playing WoW (admittedly quite long ago) there was a commonly shared thought amongst my inner circle of gaming buddies: “This would be so great if it had a single player component.” 
Read on…
GSL 2012 Season 1: Previewing the Code S Round of 16
January 25, 2012
The introductory season of the GSL 2012 showed promise long before Sen and Jjakji kicked off Group A. A host of intriguing story lines were embedded in the round of 32. IdrA’s return from the West, Fin’s (aka FOrGG) Code S debut, a reinvigorated MC’s acsent from Code A (this time without the help of MLG), and yet another new format. With every group match now converted to a best of three, players would have a better opportunity to display longer-term strategic thinking as opposed to tactical prowess. Diversity of play style is more valuable than ever for players hoping to advance. Read on…
MLG’s Initial 2012 Format Changes, Return to Columbus
January 19, 2012
Major League Gaming, fresh off a season of explosive growth, has released an initial batch of information about upcoming format enhancements for 2012. The organization has decided to move away from its more ambitious year long format, opting instead to divide 2012 into four major seasons. A move that perhaps implies that eSports is not yet in a position where long-format seasons can really succeed. Players aren’t fiscally comfortable enough with the commitment, and audiences demand more consequential, high stakes matches.
Might as well be honest, the 2011 MLG long-form point system never really worked. The occasional appearance of high level Koreans was directly at odds with it, and the seeding at Providence was wildly inaccurate as a result.
Leenock vs Jjakji: Thoughts on the Best GSL Finals
December 10, 2011
I don’t think I need to dwell on the whole “GSL finals are lackluster” thing. It’s a tragic fact of eSports life, a mantra spoken by casters and fans alike since the second open season. One player will be strong, confident, while the other is nervous and underprepared. We can call it MVP vs MKP syndrome. So when I tuned in to GOMtv last week to catch Leenock vs Jjakji, my expectations were understandably minimal.
Leenock was a solid favorite, returning from the West with a shiny new MLG Championship trophy. Jjakji was the underdog. The guy whose only exploit was all-killing FXO in the GSTL back in July. The expected narrative had written itself. Leenock would crush him in unceremonious fashion, heft his trophy, hug his mom, and be the richest self-made 16 year old on that half of the globe.
Was I ever in for a surprise. Read on…
Rumble in the Bronze Returns on Saturday, December 10
December 6, 2011
The event will be broadcast here.
Way back in the Fall of 2010, a plucky, unassuming forum user over at Penny Arcade named “JoeK” was struggling mighty to escape the impoverished trenches of the Starcraft II Bronze league. Despite the ridicule one would assume this status would evoke, Joe’s efforts were instead embraced as endearing by his more accomplished forum buddies. One day, almost by accident, the SC2 forum thread stumbled upon an idea. What if Joe, along with equally bronze cohort “HLPRMNKY”, were to headline a show match?
Last year’s Rumble in the Bronze Trailer
Metal and Meta-Gaming: an Interview with EG’s Geoff “InControl” Robinson
December 2, 2011
Recently, I got the chance to correspond with Evil Geniuses’ Protoss player (and resident power lifter) Geoff “InControl” Robinson. I first encountered Geoff at PAX East, the annual Penny Arcade Expo in Boston, MA, where he was happily taking on all challengers from a crowd of fans. Ever the showman, he opted for entertaining strategies like mass sentries against the gleeful group of amateurs. When more serious opponents took the stage, however, his eyes focused, his builds solidified, and he unleashed some scary, multi-pronged dark templar harassment.
Photo taken from InControl’s Facebook page.
A former caster for the NASL and a regular on the State of the Game podcast, InControl is never one to censor himself. He’s also one of the most enthusiastic eSports spokesmen in the community. As a mid-20′s Starcraft fan who coincidentally enjoys metal and is also named “Jeff”, I’ve always wanted a chance to interview him. This past week I got my wish. Read on…