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iNcontroL, or as I liked to call him Geoffrey John Vincent INCONTROL Robinson, was my first big brother in StarCraft.
I first met Geoff at MLG colombus 2012, when I was just starting out with my stream and dreaming of being a pro. I'd like to clarify that I was at the time, a nobody. I got to see a side of many StarCraft personalities from not just a friendly perspective but also just one of those starry-eyed fans who loved the game and respected the pros/personalities. I walked up to him and I very nervously said "hey I just wanted to say you're super inspiring and I love that you're into sports and working out because it makes all this seem a lot less nerdy." He nodded his head at me and said "right on man thanks for taking the time to tell me that" and I was giddy.
Of course I have my story and we all know how it went, but I will never forget tuning into State of the Game and hearing the discussion around my proleague bootleg stuff among other things, Geoff was one of the kindest folks and said something along the lines of "yeah the guy with the belt on his head bedroom casting isn't bad" and he even eventually got me hired to do the EG-TL Proleague with him. He apologized to me profusely for how little they could pay me since they were supposed to have other casters that couldn't make it and did his best to make sure I was comfortable since he was the huge name and I was still a nobody who hadn't really done any events.
Then I met him for real at Dreamhack Summer 2013, my first ever StarCraft 2 event I got hired to cast. I usually go on about my bromance with Apollo here but Geoff was the first person to come up to me and say "hey bud you look super nervous what's on your mind" and we just chatted for hours during rehearsals and before we went on. I knew Geoff loved to roast and troll his co-casters but he was so kind and friendly to me especially the first day and I knew I did a terrible job because I really was so scared to screw up my big chance to make something of this passion I had for StarCraft. He saw that and helped me cultivate it, I'll never forget him asking me when the event was done how much I got paid and he immediately said "ask for double next time you'll get it 100% you deserve more don't let people use you and you can always ask me if you need advice on this type of stuff. We gotta look out for each other."
Geoff really nails the strong/silent type when it comes to personal stuff and I had the pleasure of doing many events with him over the years, laughing and hanging out and generally being a nuisance as I was the young guy constantly fucking up or overstepping my bounds. Perhaps the biggest thing we shared in common was being ridiculed by Blizzard for saying dumb shit we didn't mean since we were both pretty emotional people at times as well.
In the last year I started talking to Geoff a lot more and we both opened up about our personal failures, fears and goals. Many a day after WCS I'd get dinner with just him and we'd let it all out and I remember telling him we were both gonna make it and things were gonna be good and when I was down he'd say the same thing right back to me. Every experience with Geoff was so typical of what you'd expect, he was always easygoing and when the line at the restaurant was too long we'd just say fuck it and go find a hole-in-the-wall and just shoot the shit over a little meal and talk about the good times, the bad times and everything else we wanted from life.
It has been one of my greatest pleasures to do WCS Challenger with Incontrol in the last year. We both went up to Marc who was in charge last year and made a case that we should be allowed to be more stupid on air since it was not a premier tournament and we had to be up at 5am to cast what would amount to "group stage 3" type games from Dreamhack until the top 4 of NA(top 16 of EU Keepo). Blizzard gave us free reign to troll on air and we both talked about getting Feardragon out of his shell more too(I think we've accomplished that as Ravi has become such a more confident caster and I love working with him). We kinda owned that show in the last year and every season we'd talk about new things to focus on and drag out to keep things interesting since we knew Serral couldn't lose (and when he did oh boy it just made things super fun tbh lol).
Being stuck at airports, taking 2 hour shuttles to Jonkoping, and casting until the dark hours were some of the best memories I had with Geoff. He was never short of a story to tell or a way to make the most difficult(or boring) of times a treat to spend with him. We'd also been playing some games on stream lately and it was nice to be more of a friend and less than just a coworker with him this year.
I love you so much Geoff and I just want to say I appreciate everything you've done for me so much, and I'm so sorry for the hardship you've had to endure the last 12 months so go knowing that you are loved and many people will carry you with them for the rest of their lives. You have shaped me in a way I couldn't ever thank you enough for and I appreciate every bit of ribbing you've ever given me because I definitely needed it. We've had this chat already so I'll just say regardless of any beliefs I hope you're up in heaven having a cold one with TB and if you get a chance tell my mum I love her too. Cheers <3
 
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Thanks for sharing, Nathanias.
I've been lurking/watching/playing Starcraft since about 2005 and have always loved watching Geoff play or commentate. I wish I got the chance to meet him.
Don't even know what to say, but it feels like losing a brother even though I never met the guy. One of the guys who made me love Starcraft for the last 15 years.
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Thanks for sharing this Nate. I love you both.
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Beautiful, thank you for sharing Nate. Geoff was a wonderful man, and I hope we can all be the people that he believed we can be.
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Thank you for sharing this.
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Thank you for sharing this, Nate. Made me tear up once again, even though I've never met iNcontroL in person, he still was one of the people I looked up the most to. Love both of you.
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Nate, you have become the best co-caster to Geoff and it was a pleasure having you both on desk. I miss Geoff already and nothing can fill that void. I'm going to enjoy every second of your and others' casts on SC2 in the memory of Incontrol. Thank you for sharing!
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Thank you for sharing this, we will all miss iNcontroL.
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Thanks for posting this, what a legend!
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Thanks for posting this Nathanias, it was a nice story
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Great read, tears coming to my eyes, thanks for sharing Nate ;(
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This is beautiful. Thank you for sharing Nate.
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Thank you Nate for this honest story. Much love to you and Geoff. This is a sad day.
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I sent this message to ZG on reddit but want to make sure you see it too. No idea what you must be feeling. You're in our thoughts.
I just want to reach out and tell you that the whole SC community is thinking of you guys (Rotti, Feardragon, Tasteless, Artosis, Zombigrub, all of the casters, etc.) and despite all of the caster comments on your youtube VODs and who we think is the best or whatever bullshit we throw at you all, we love you guys. It might not seem like it at times, and we say hurtful things, but at the end of the day we need you all.
You all are the backbone of the professional scene. I myself have been part of starcraft for almost a decade as a fan and player, and watching you all has been a treat. It hurts me so much to learn that Geoff has passed, even though I never met him in real life. I feel like I knew him... To be so young and to encounter such misfortune. It's extremely saddening.
The point is, I am sitting here at work choking up and almost crying because of the horrible news. Feels silly coming from me, a nobody, but emotions are emotions, I suppose. From my own reaction, I can't fathom what you and your coworkers must be going through and feeling after losing a friend like that. You actually did know him. I just wanted to offer my sincere condolences, and I hope you and the team can get past this together. Please know that the SC community mourns and has you all in their thoughts. I think I speak for everyone in saying this. <3
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Thought I could it. But finally broke into tears.
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esports are a little less whole now; ain't nobody gonna fill the void that big man left behind
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Thank you Nate. I'm so sorry but glad you got to become a little closer with him recently. What a wonderful and talented man.
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RIP Geoff. You will be absolutely fucking missed.
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Rest in peace Geoff. A pillar in the SC community from the very beginning.
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Thank you for sharing this! It's so great you had a chance to spent time in awesome way with him!
Still don't belive that happened...
Geoff left a huge and positive mark on my hearth even tho I never met him peronally 
I'll miss his voice and personality so much...and his humor...
RIP Geoff, you will always remain for us as esports/starcraft titan!
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Thanks for sharing this story Nathanias, sorry for your loss mate.
Ugh, so devastated
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I loved this real and personal post!
Thank you for sharing it with us Nathanias.
Hope won't dissapoint <3
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Thanks for that, I've spent countless hours listening to you both and he will be missed.
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Thank you for sharing Nathanias. Your beautiful writing helps to understand my own feelings after these shocking news. I am sad for so many reasons. I am sad for not being able to watch his stream anymore. I am sad for you and the rest of the "core" SC2 team as I see you as friends and I can only imagine your feeling. I am so sad for Anna. I am sad for everyone who would have met him if he was still with us because he really seemed like the guy who brought joy with him wherever he went.
Rest In Peace Geoff
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On July 23 2019 03:34 Tongue wrote:
I sent this message to ZG on reddit but want to make sure you see it too. No idea what you must be feeling. You're in our thoughts.
I just want to reach out and tell you that the whole SC community is thinking of you guys (Rotti, Feardragon, Tasteless, Artosis, Zombigrub, all of the casters, etc.) and despite all of the caster comments on your youtube VODs and who we think is the best or whatever bullshit we throw at you all, we love you guys. It might not seem like it at times, and we say hurtful things, but at the end of the day we need you all.
You all are the backbone of the professional scene. I myself have been part of starcraft for almost a decade as a fan and player, and watching you all has been a treat. It hurts me so much to learn that Geoff has passed, even though I never met him in real life. I feel like I knew him... To be so young and to encounter such misfortune. It's extremely saddening.
The point is, I am sitting here at work choking up and almost crying because of the horrible news. Feels silly coming from me, a nobody, but emotions are emotions, I suppose. From my own reaction, I can't fathom what you and your coworkers must be going through and feeling after losing a friend like that. You actually did know him. I just wanted to offer my sincere condolences, and I hope you and the team can get past this together. Please know that the SC community mourns and has you all in their thoughts. I think I speak for everyone in saying this. <3
I echo everything you just said. In a weird way we have this feeling that we know them, and the sadness we are feeling just proof how much we care about them too.
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The impact this man had speaks to his character. Thank you for sharing your bit of the story. I hope everyone has a good of Monday as they can. <3
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On July 23 2019 04:26 Dutra wrote:Show nested quote +On July 23 2019 03:34 Tongue wrote:
I sent this message to ZG on reddit but want to make sure you see it too. No idea what you must be feeling. You're in our thoughts.
I just want to reach out and tell you that the whole SC community is thinking of you guys (Rotti, Feardragon, Tasteless, Artosis, Zombigrub, all of the casters, etc.) and despite all of the caster comments on your youtube VODs and who we think is the best or whatever bullshit we throw at you all, we love you guys. It might not seem like it at times, and we say hurtful things, but at the end of the day we need you all.
You all are the backbone of the professional scene. I myself have been part of starcraft for almost a decade as a fan and player, and watching you all has been a treat. It hurts me so much to learn that Geoff has passed, even though I never met him in real life. I feel like I knew him... To be so young and to encounter such misfortune. It's extremely saddening.
The point is, I am sitting here at work choking up and almost crying because of the horrible news. Feels silly coming from me, a nobody, but emotions are emotions, I suppose. From my own reaction, I can't fathom what you and your coworkers must be going through and feeling after losing a friend like that. You actually did know him. I just wanted to offer my sincere condolences, and I hope you and the team can get past this together. Please know that the SC community mourns and has you all in their thoughts. I think I speak for everyone in saying this. <3 I echo everything you just said. In a weird way we have this feeling that we know them, and the sadness we are feeling just proof how much we care about them too.
100% agree. I have been watching him for years and I feel like I know him. Even though I never met him it still hurts all the same bc in many ways I looked up to him. His passion for things outside of starcraft (physical fitness and health) really helped me to cultivate my love for that lifestyle. I had always said I would visit a dreamhack and meet the SC2 personalities that I have been watching for many years. I am saddened to know that I will never get the chance to have a beer with Geoff. "Yesterday is history, today is a gift, tomorrow is a mystery".
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Thanks Nate. That was touching.
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Katowice25012 Posts
Beautifully written, thank you.
On July 23 2019 02:22 Nathanias wrote:
It has been one of my greatest pleasures to do WCS Challenger with Incontrol in the last year. We both went up to Marc who was in charge last year and made a case that we should be allowed to be more stupid on air since it was not a premier tournament and we had to be up at 5am to cast what would amount to "group stage 3" type games from Dreamhack until the top 4 of NA(top 16 of EU Keepo). Blizzard gave us free reign to troll on air and we both talked about getting Feardragon out of his shell more too(I think we've accomplished that as Ravi has become such a more confident caster and I love working with him). We kinda owned that show in the last year and every season we'd talk about new things to focus on and drag out to keep things interesting since we knew Serral couldn't lose (and when he did oh boy it just made things super fun tbh lol).
I'd also like to thank you for this specifically, as one of the few people who knows exactly how difficult this is.
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I met geoff in 1999 at an event. We were together in 88) clan and then in ToT)(. I didnt heard of him lately but this is shocking =( RIP.
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Thanks for sharing Nate, these posts and stories are making it slightly easier to process this awful news. He's gone but clearly will never be forgotten
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This is such a wonderful post and such a wonderful thinking about Geoff, thank you for sharing this <3
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Thank you Nate for sharing this. I've never felt this type of emotional impact from the passing of someone I've never met. For me, it is a testament to his character. Geoff's incredible intelligence, humor, and passion while being so welcoming was magnetic. I feel like I lost a true friend. RIP Geoff.
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Thanks Nate <3 love you buddy.
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Sorry for your loss Nate, and thanks for sharing.
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thanks for sharing. i didnt know geoff but i think he would´ve liked that.
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Thanks for sharing.
All these stories about Geoff almost make even me want to build a friendship or maybe try to live a little in a way.
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You made me cry man. These tribute stories to Geoff are so awesome, and reinforce every positive impression I already had of the man.
It's been a day and I still cannot believe I'll never experience his infectious banter and humor again. For someone who seemed to be dealing with a lot of hardship behind the scenes, he was also a role model and inspiration for me. Thank you for sharing this, Nathanias.
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So sorry that this has happened. Thanks a lot for the blog, Nate.
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A lot of love to both of you from Rio de Janeiro.
Its too sad.... But its also warming to realize how loved Incontrol is.
And im sure all the love he shared will go on on each person that was touched by it... that's what im choosing to focus on, and that's what i'm thankful about!
Rest in peace, Incontrol!
Kindly, Rômulo.
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Thanks for taking the time to write this out  That was an amazing and thoughtful read.
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I didn't realize Geoff was going through some hardships for the last 12 months. That's a real shame. He didn't let it show when I watched him stream.
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Thanks Nate, this is a great write up. And thanks for all the work you do for our community. I will now buy Incontrol's voice pack and cry while I ladder.
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Thank you so much, I just can't have enough today
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Thank you Nathanias, I still can't process what has happened. I never even met Incontrol, but now never being able to meet such a magnificent person in the future hurts me. The world has certainly lost something dear today.
Thanks to all casters for being such a great part of our lives.
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Thanks for the sentimental post. The SC community stands with you and wants to help you in these hard times. Stay strong.
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China6329 Posts
Thanks for sharing Nate. I vividly remember the days of you radio casting SPL when proper English stream was almost not a thing, and you deserve every single bit of success you got these years. I'm sure Geoff wouldn't want it any other way.
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Have strength, Nathanias. I'm so sorry...
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Thanks Nate, sending love man... for you and Geoff and the community.
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Joy and sadness mix in a great struggle and It's hard to control those two emotional demons inside. Because I want to remain with joy by knowing that iNcontrol was and always be a part in this SC family. I mean I really don't want to spend all these moments in tears and mourning but with a smile remembering so many cool moments while watching his incredible honesty and humor.
It's nice to read this letter by Nate. Keep it cool, buddy.
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Thanks for sharing, wish you all the best!
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"hey bud you look super nervous what's on your mind"
This kind of skill is perhaps by many misunderstood. This level of empathy, and as you, say his non-need to troll and burn your breakthrough on the stage as you cast your first big event alongside him, is EXACTLY why his legacy stands as strong as it does.
It is a display of leadership that from his position in Starcraft has been truly needed.
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Beautiful words, thank you Nathanias.
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So sorry for your loss. Thanks for sharing. :-(
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Lovely stories, thanks for sharing.
From all the testimonies it is clear just how much Geoff was liked and appreciated.
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Thank you for sharing this Nathanias. We lost a cornerstone of the scene and you and many others a dear friend.
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I just want to give you a big hug, Nathanias. It's personal stories and introspectives like this that really hit home. Thanks for sharing, no doubt this is a difficult time.
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Thanks for sharing that man. I still can't believe my eyes when I come to the forum and see his article.
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Thanks for your words. Like many others have said, even though we may not have known him in real life, it feels like we've lost a close friend. I can't imagine what it must feel like for you and his other real-world friends.
I'm glad to hear that he was kind to you when you needed it most. That's a rare thing to find. The world needs more people like Geoff.
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Thanks for sharing that Nathanias.
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He always seemed like such a warm, kind-hearted guy when I'd see him stream, cast, or talk. I'm so glad to hear that it wasn't just an image and that he was genuinely that way away from the cameras. Thanks for the tribute, Nathanias.
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Thanks for sharing Nate, Rest easy Geoff
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I'm still in shock he's gone, I need to be reminding myself of that constantly and it is heart wrenching every time... Even more so for a guy that I never really got to know more of than some short talks in a skype server
Take care of TB wherever you are Geoff
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This was so amazing. Thank you for sharing it Nathanias. I'm in tears right now. Geoff was the reason I got into DND. He was also always so fun to watch cast and play SC2. It's still so crazy to think how recently he was streaming and seemed completely fine. <3 miss you.
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thanks for sharing this - INcontroL, you'll be missed.
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Great post & great read, Nathanias, thank you for sharing.
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Reading this posting, watching Day[9], and Catz remembering Incontrol, is quite strange.
At one occasion I read or watched (don't remember) Incontrol that when he meets fans, he wants to take time to interact with them. I thought that would be great to meet him and one day I would do it.
I met, often very shortly, some of the wc3/sc2 community. Some I only saw, others I exchanged a couple of words with. And there was seemingly the chance to talk with Incontrol if I meet him? There were a couple of occasions I could have went to a HSC. But never did. I follow HSC since the original one which had no number yet, but only followed it online.
If I ever should see Nathanias again (in Leipzig I took a photo but did not approach him), I hope he has a couple of seconds for me to just let me say: Thank you.
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Beautifully written and very nice of you to open up and share this story about him. We appreciate you and your contributions, as we do Geoffs.
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RIP Geoff. Sorry about your Loss Nate, I know this is very hard for you, you both had a solid connection while casting, it was nice watching you both together.
Stay strong bro
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EPT
