So I've been thinking for a long time about how I would try to talk about how crazy this year has been, and how to best thank everyone that helped me and made this possible. SO let me begin by saying it's been easily one of the craziest years of my life.
To set the stage for my story, I started playing StarCraft: Broodwar in 2004 ( I was about 12 at the time). I never knew there was a proscene until my Junior year of highschool when my friend discovered the OSL Aircraft hanger finals VoD and hadn't thought much more of it until SC2 came out. Outside of this, I knew absolutely nothing about any type of competitive gaming except that pro Halo players existed.
I also come from a pretty poor-off family, which I think is what really makes this year so special to me. I don't talk a ton about it but I come from a single-parent family and have two brothers. One of them is in University right now working 2 jobs to pay his rent while staying above a 3.0, and the other is (hopefully) going to college in the coming year. My father is a disabled photographer whose life is too interesting for me to completely talk about in this thread, but he's always done his best to teach us that hard work is one of the most important keys to success in life.
All this being said, most people never heard of me until I decided to do an audio-only cover of the SPL's first StarCraft 2 season. I've said many times before how i got into SC2 and my motivation of being a progamer, but this was the first time I really sat down and focused on something other than just mindlessly laddering. The only times I casted prior to 2013 were 5 games for the IPL casting competition, and 2 online cups my former stream sponsor (Realm eSports management) paid for. I felt like a complete noob at it, but the small following I had built up on my stream encouraged me to keep at it and insisted there was a chance I could make it big.
The community feedback was amazing, and gave me a sudden determination to really see how far I could go just talking about the game I was too bad to actually be a pro at. I barely understood the metagame, but had a decent grip on how compositions interacted and was already used to doing normal commentary for my own ladder sessions. I never intended to make SNM/Whiplash look bad, but as someone with no connections it was impossible to get casts even for free online cups. I just really wanted to cast starcraft and it was the only way I could think of.
Within a few months of starting full-time casting, I had managed to get the B stream for IEM World championships after ToD helped me get my first consistent gig (Russian Starleague Season 1). Soon I would also get the opportunity to cast the first season of Acer TeamStory cup as well.
It took a while before I realized how much my commitment to attempt to cast all of these games was messing with my actual life. Since everything was in EU times, I'd often be waking up at 2am to cover tournaments, and SPL would run deep into the morning as well. I found myself eating lots of unhealthy food in order to stay awake and alert enough to cast, while sleeping through the entire day next to my computer as I waited for the games to start up again. I can't say I'm proud of the weight I put on, which to this day still haunts me as I recall being much slimmer at IPL5.
My whole family seemed to disapprove for the longest time, telling me to get a real job and that if I couldn't contribute to bills with my work then I shouldn't waste my time playing games all night. Ever since I had been kicked from University (no money for tuition/rent, I still had over 3.0 gpa) my streaming was seen as something preventing me from getting my life back on track.
There were a few times I thought things would get better. I had been offered a spot at IPL6 to be one of the main casters, my first live tournament. As the event approached I was also in contact with MLG about casting/observing for their events and was planning a meetup at their offices in NYC. Of course IPL6 never ended up happening, and to my dismay after a lengthy back and forth there didn't seem to be space for me at MLG just yet.
Then came a fateful morning during April 2012. I had to cast an ATC match, and set my alarm for 5am to make sure I was alert enough to cover the games. I saw a message from Hellspawn, someone I'd only seen on the GD show before. I was half awake, being offered my first real casting job since IPL6 was cancelled, and it would be in Sweden of all places! Imagine me, living broke on the floor of a 2-bedroom apartment being offered to work in front of tens of thousands of people on the other side of the world! I had never left the US, or even the east coast before I started getting into Starcraft.
I've already blogged enough about my experience at Dreamhack, but it really reinvigorated me and put a final end to a depression that had plagued me since my father told me he had nothing left to give for my tuition costs. People I had waited in lines to get autographs from at MLGs were suddenly offering me advice, encouraging me to keep working and to never give up.
The Summer passed quickly. I had been offered Dreamhack Winter and IEM New York months in advance, allowing me without fear of a lack of work to simply play the game I love and improve my craft. I spent a month at the ROOT house, easily one of the scariest and most fun experiences I've had this year. Everyone there was super kind to me even though I was the new kid on the block, and their help allowed me to bring my game to a new level but also my appreciation for how players really work and live in the StarCraft scene. I spent many nights talking to Drewbie about strategies and cool games we saw on WCS, him and Succeed especially giving me the push to reach top 500 of all master league players on the KR server during my stay there.
Eventually I found out there wasn't any work for me on the West Coast, and had to head home in preparation for Fragbite Masters, my second gig I'd be covering in Sweden. I miss the practice environment quite a bit, but work is work and for me it seems to only come from European companies. My father had left town after I went west and my brother back to school, so I ended up moving into a spare room in my friend's house. I've never enjoyed leeching off of people, but too many possible jobs had fallen through for me to afford my own place.
My month in Sweden really changed my perception on the world and how a lot of people seem to live in Europe. I became obsessed with the idea of public healthcare and education, two things that had made my life in the US incredibly difficult(Aside from school, I've been booted off of free child healthcare since I turned 18). It's really funny to think how other Americans despise the idea of government-run healthcare when I'd give anything just to get regular check-ups without being down thousands of dollars.
Since I came back, it's mostly been looking for work wherever it may be. I've come to terms with the possibility that I might not be able to afford much if I want to stay in StarCraft, but being flexible is simply a necessity in such a volatile scene. The time before I went to Dreamhack Winter was mostly spent working on my personal material, trying to secure enough income between events that could allow me to take care of myself if I needed to move away from Scranton. I also learned the value of things like invoices (lol) and how hard it is to present yourself to a sponsor as a commentator.
The strangest thing to occur this year was the realization that no matter what I do, there will always a vocal group of people letting me know how much they don't like who I am or what I do. I think I may be the second most easy to troll person in the scene behind Totalbiscuit. I've come to accept that I probably care too much about what random people say to me, but as a young naive man I don't think it should really be that surprising. I've gotten the vibe that most people in this community are very nice and caring, but as someone who takes feedback very seriously I realize it's simply not possible to accommodate the wishes of everyone that offers advice. I mean, while I still feel like a 20-year old kid about so many things in life, I guess eventually I'll get a thicker skin and learn to accept some people's minds just can't be changed about things.
So that's basically it, I'm of course writing this from Tyreso, Sweden at the GD Studio after casting Dreamhack, and I still have that feeling like I'm doing something that someone my age simply wouldn't normally do, talking to businesses and CEOs about contracts, invoices, and keeping my mouth shut about important things.
All in all, I'm happy about the year, and I think things can only go up from here. As long as I can continue to cover SC2 events next year I'm not really looking to start anything big like my own company, just improving my own brand and putting out content with the hopeful support of sponsors as I become more known and active in the community. Before the competitive scene really gets going again next year, I've managed to settle a few debts with friends, put a dent in my college loans, and finally made plans to purchase a tombstone for someone who's deserved it for many years.
Big thanks to those who've read this whole thing(too much for a tl;dr), and especially those who supported me in this very difficult but rewarding year for me. You all know who you are, and as always if there's ever more I can do for this scene you know you don't need money to buy my love <3
Until next time, stay Kappa and have a fantastic Christmas/whatever else you celebrate . I hope even if you're not a fan of my casting that you understand I'm doing the best I can, and will continue to do so into the new year!
As someone who has been following the Starcraft II scene from the beginning I really enjoy your casting. Don't let random angry forum nobodies get you down, you had a great year, keep up the good work!
I had the chance to meet you in Toronto and say it but I'll say it again, you really are inspiring. I admire the tenacity you demonstrated this year and I look forward to seeing what 2014 has in store for you .
Certainly one of the best SC2 casters in my books. Best player intro's PE ( Planet Earth ) ! And i have to add that your determination really is inspiring. Can't wait for 2014 !
Great blog Nathanias. Don't let the vocal minority stop you from caring about what you do and the game we love. I think part of what makes a great caster is the passion that they bring to their job, something we fans can clearly feel. Keep your head up and never stop trying to be better. Also it's really cool to see you around the player streams just enjoying SC2 like the rest of us peasants.
Seems like a pretty wild year that was definitely worth writing about. You became an established caster in a scene where many would say there wasn't room for another. Something to be proud of for sure.
Read it all! Even though money and stuff is really important to maintain a healthy and somewhat reasonable life, doing something you really enjoy is what most people dream of.. Anyway not far from Tyresö, I wish you all luck in 2014 mate!
You've been an inspiration to me ever since I first started listening to your SPL Raidcalls. Your determination has led me to want to strive for my goals and maybe one day enter the scene as a journalist after I create more opportunities/more come up. Thanks man!
We're so glad to have you as a premium caster Nathanias! I never would have thought your background looked so glum, trying your best to make it in the scene.
I always enjoyed watching your stream even though you are not GM. Don't let negative comments get into your head you are doing great. Best of luck for the years to come.
Terrans casters were lacking, so having one that has so much passion, plays a lot and knows his stuff (or at least tries hard to) is really great. You'll always get hate whatever you do, so just do your best to focus on the right thing (which is in my opinion, only talk about what you know, don't state facts about what you don't; the rest is kinda subjective, different people like different ways of casting). Your ladder streaming sessions are also really nice, your commentary and interactions with the chat are great (it's always nice to get answers to your questions, and to see that the streamer is actually reading the whole damn chat). So grats for what you've achieved, thanks for what you provide, and best of luck for the future :D (and fuck haters, and maphackers too)
You're a good man, Nathan. So down to earth and real. Teared up a bit when I read "and finally made plans to purchase a tombstone for someone who's deserved it for many years." I don't know the context at all of this statement, but my mom passed away last year on February 14 and it's been a huge struggle for me to deal with this(I too grew up with a single parent, and now I have no parents at all). Anyway... aside from this, you probably know what I'd say about you and your SC2 casting. It's great and it's underrated and you definitely deserve more than what you've been offered. Your dedication and your passion for the game is inspirational and is a necessity in e-sports. Wishing you the best in whatever is to come, bro.
I remember the first time listening to Nathan cast and not really caring for it all that much, (would much rather have Apollo, Artosis or Tod cast everything) Just seemed there were too many good caster and not room in the scene.
Well as one of the naysayers I am hear to eat my words. With his casting improved so much and also seeing how well he pairs with other casters its amazing to see him find his niche.
Thank you Nathanias for all your hard work and giving to community with the late nights and hoarse voices after hours of passionate service...
I remember your streams where you got below 100 viewers consistently, and really enjoying seeing someone coming up in the scene who was just as frustrated dealing with things as Terran as I was at points. I really like your casting man, still improvements to be made but you're fucking solid.
Congrats on your success, Nathanias. You're an awesome caster. I was very excited for you when i saw that you were going to be at dreamhack after watching you cast a bunch of smaller events. Well deserved. Keep it up!
Thanks for the blog Nathanias. You're as wonderful a writer as you are a caster. Keep at it. I've been watching you since your first RSL gig, and I can't wait to see what bright and beautiful things life has in store for you.
Cheers Nathanias. You're an inspiration for hardwork for all of us. It's overstated advice to say don't let the haters get you down, but you know it's easier said than done. Just remember to take every piece of feedback with a grain of salt. Keep it up, you're seriously a fantastic commentator and I love sitting down and listening to your commentary and picking apart all the stuff I love so I can steal it for my own commentary! Keep doing what you do and best of luck with your finances. It sounds like stuff has been looking up for you in that regard lately and I'm sure you'll find a more stable position in 2014. Much love man. <3
Your casting has been a breath of fresh air in the stagnant casting lineups we had in 2012 and most of 2013. There's not a lot of nonsense and you hype up only relevant things. I hope to see you again in upcoming tourneys!
Nice blog. You came in to the scene after the caster spots had already been filled. And still you made it through by hard work, initiative and dedication. That's an enormous achievement you should be proud of.
Every major event could be happy to have you. You´re an absolute top-notch caster, knowledgable and likeable. I really hope you get contracted more often and can establish yourself as one the bigs, a place you truly deserve.
Nathanias, I've always enjoyed your casts, watched your stream from time to time, played you on ladder. Everything I know about you is that you are an awesome addition to the sc2 scene. Keep up the work bud.
I've really come to enjoy your passionate yet knowledgable casting style and would love to see you at more events. I hope you get picked up for a more regular casting gig and get some more stability in your career. Fighting <3
Inspiring story to read, I hope you manage to stabilize your life in the wild world of eSports. If there would be a poll for the best casters in 2013, I would vote you in top3 with Apollo and Artosis.
Great blog, lots of respect to you. I enjoy your casts and your stream, fuck the haters. Who cares what some people cry about on the internet, none of them would ever try to make something themselves.
your casting seems to have improved so much over the last year (or maybe i´ve had a wrong first impression when I saw you first quite some time ago) but anyway: GoGo! (but don´t bring back the weird headgear! ;-) )
On December 07 2013 04:19 Erik.TheRed wrote: Awesome blog mate! How long are you staying in Sweden for?
I'll be in Sweden until the 10th, and I'll be back in the US on the 16th
Cool! Don't forget to bring some glögg (swedish spiced wine) and västerbottensost (amazingly good cheese) back with you! That stuff is awesome during this time of year
Didn't follow sc2 for several months and tuned in for the Dreamhack finals and was wondering how this guy casting with d'apollo was. But really liked your casting GL in the future
Thanks for all the work dude! Only got into watching sc2 tournaments and events this year but have spent pretty much every weekend since the summer since getting into them watching. Really rate your casting and energy and would love to see a lot more of you and Kalearis and Idra casting next year as you were my 3 favorites. Best of luck, Hope you get everything you have worked for and more!
Dreamhack Winter 2013 was the first thing I ever heard or saw from you. I had no idea who this "Nathanias" person next to dApollo was going to be, and I haven't yet seen enough of you to really decide whether I like your commentating style or not.
That said, I think you did a good job and weren't noticeably worse than the much better known inControl or dApollo. I hope to see more from you, it's a good thing if the casting scene gets a little variety added in addition to the already well-known people (whose job I also appreciate). I hope it works out for you to make a living casting (if that's what you want to do), but I'd avoid putting all eggs in one basket, especially given that the scene is fairly volatile, as you pointed out yourself.
I remember watching your stream because you were the only Terran streamer (back in WOL) with about 100 viewers. I liked how you were responding to everyone in chat back then. It's always nice to hear how far you've come. Don't let the haters pull you down. Good luck!
Keep going Nathanias! Your casting is great, don't let anyone else tell you otherwise. Just remember to keep playing the game as much as you can. Also let me know if you're going out for beers in Stockholm and want to drink some with sc2 swedes
Your work is awesome, I hope you will succeed in esports! I read a really good quote from a book that went something like this: Nobody cares, except maybe one or two friends, and family. People really just want themselves to succeed and aren't too thrilled when people succeed more than them. So screw the naysayers and just do what you love man.
I don't know how anyone could hate Nathanias. He's one of the most legitimate SC2 personalities I've met - always honest, supportive of community members and realistic about the eSports industry. And he works incredibly hard.
Thank you, Nate, for supporting me in my endeavors. Good luck in 2014! =)
Good job Nate, most people don't have the guts to keep trying when everyone is telling them to give up.
Entrepreneurs keep knocking on those doors waiting for someone to answer when all of the others have already given up and gone home -- because when the door opens you're the one ready to step through it... and if no one answers keep looking for another door to knock on until someone does.
As to the haters -- it's easy to snipe from the comfort and anonymity of your keyboard somewhere but it takes effort and guts to get out there and try and make something happen. So make something happen.
So two final bits: "you'll always miss 100 percent of the shots you don't take" and "when you're going through hell, keep going".
EPT
. I hope even if you're not a fan of my casting that you understand I'm doing the best I can, and will continue to do so into the new year!
