I don't follow yours or any other SC2 notable's exploits, so forgive me if this seems unbecoming. We the non-Korean eSports community have had this discussion before with this and other games. I see the merit of a pep-talk for those who believe in SC2 as a viable large-market sport. What this blog fails to address is why anyone else should feel this way. If your scope would have been to broad, I understand. I just don't see what a "rallying of the troops" does for SC2.

I support cleaning up forums and such, but active consumerism based on who has a hand in the SC2 scene just seems phony. And, that whole section about consuming in general felt somewhat like product placement. The logic seems sound, but wouldn't outreach to a potential competitor encourage more revenue and exposure? Creating an insular system of advertising and promotion has worked very well for SC2 in its infancy, but what if ASUS suddenly loses interest? Or maybe a company's stock goes way down, and they can no longer fund a $50k tournament.

The passion is there for the game, which is nice to see, but I do fear too fast a monetization of the game's assets. Maybe I'm just too blase to have the right fervor for SC2's rise. I would definitely be curious to see a well-done survey of SC2 players in relation to SC2 competition viewers. Is it a healthy percentage or a rabid fan base?

Appreciate the article, but question the merits of putting SC2 on the march. Why does moving more cash around make the game/community better?

Rampager

Australia1007 Posts

November 22 2011 09:17 GMT

#228

Read every word and loved it. Fantastic post, I agree completely and will endeavour to make SC2 bigger and better at (well, social circumstances accepting) every opportunity.

sN-Baloo

France19 Posts

November 22 2011 09:18 GMT

#229

Can't be more agree. Thanks for everything you did/do for this community. I will try to do my part !

Yugiohking

Canada10 Posts

November 22 2011 09:26 GMT

#230

I didnt think it was possible but i am even more excited about the future of sc2 and esports than i was before all thanks to you)

5/5

CharlieBrownsc

Canada598 Posts

November 22 2011 09:28 GMT

#231

Also, better souvenirs

A x i o M

United States78 Posts

November 22 2011 09:28 GMT

#232

This is exactly the kind of stuff we need to happen.

InControl, keep up the good work. You're a boss.

RiT4LiN

Netherlands131 Posts

November 22 2011 09:30 GMT

#233

nerd chills

Yoinhell

Canada49 Posts

November 22 2011 09:30 GMT

#234

I have always been a fan of Blizzard games ever since I first laid eyes on Warcraft II, and I have never once looked back despite the hard times I have been through growing up as a social outcast. I've been through so many different games and so many different sports, but for some reason I have never been ever to let go of Starcraft. There is just something about it that I cannot describe that sucks me in every time I try to get away from it, whether that be a good or bad thing. I love and hate this game for the experiences it's given me, but regardless of how I feel, it doesn't matter anymore, this game has become a serious part of my life.

I've never been to a concert or a sports game, I was never able to justify the money spent with the experience it would contribute to my life, but I found myself at an MLG event only but a year after I was introduced to Starcraft 2. I traveled to the United States for the first time in my life to support E-Sports, and I could not be happier. This game, this community, this... sport... is amazing. I still can't wrap my head around it. I mean, I've always dreamed of such a thing, but I'm a rational person, I know when something is simply not probable, but in this case I couldn't have been more wrong and happy as hell about it.

Your words have inspired me, although I feel like I have done a huge deal towards E-sports, supporting events, streams, social media, local tournaments, online tournaments, sponsors, teams, players, and the game itself, I feel like you're exactly right. It is as much my responsibility as it is yours that we further our medium to the next level. We can and will bring our passion to everyone in the world and we will do it in the most honorable and sincere way possible, simply because our community tops all others.

I thank you all for your dedication, I still cannot believe how many people share my passion.

Let us finish this year with a blast, and make next year even better!

SoniC_eu

Denmark1008 Posts

November 22 2011 09:31 GMT

#235

Inspirational

Nice write up man! Personally, I will write emails to thank Razer for their sponsorship of TL. I even got a twitter account to promote Esports. I suggest my fellow nerds heed the call, and start taking action like Mr. InControl is saying

As a community, if we step up, the effects can be huge. Like on a crazy lvl. I for one, will do what i can!
GOgogogo!

alteredclone

United States110 Posts

November 22 2011 09:36 GMT

#236

Posted on tumblr. For all the tumblr-ers to read.

SixSongs

Poland1455 Posts

November 22 2011 09:36 GMT

#237

Great read. Thank you Geoff.

Linwelin

Ireland7554 Posts

November 22 2011 09:38 GMT

#238

Well i was bored in class so i started reading tl on my cellphone. i saw this blog, opened it and started reading, reading and reading. took me a while but it was worth it. Great read and i like dreaming too. Hopefully we can all make ESPORTS even bigger than it currently is.

Sixen

United States126 Posts

November 22 2011 09:45 GMT

#239

Great post, Geoff!

Phenrock

United Kingdom132 Posts

November 22 2011 09:47 GMT

#240

Fantastic write up Incontrol!

I stumbled into SC2, just by curiousity. Typed in a 'SC2 finals' into youtube and away I went! Team Liquid, Streams, tournaments, bought the game... etc.

I then convinced 2 friends to join me to a barcraft event. They're both followers of SC2 now and in turn we have gotten 6 more people involved and I'm sure our influence will keep spreading and we will definitely do our part and will spread the word.

You are an inspriration Geoff! Many thanks for all you have done and what you'll carry on doing!