SoulKey has said repeatedly in past he wanted to branch out more into variety stream, just like Rain/Horang2 did. However, most of SoulKey's viewers are there for his BW skills, while Rain/Horang2 has personality to pull off these streams
After 4-peat ASL wins, his stream grew due to his ASL wins/skill, but that's opposite of what he wanted. He wanted to be more free with streaming. However, his audience doesn't allow that and has struggled a bit getting funding from viewers for Major ProLeague at times.
He's been taking lot of criticism recently due to him competing in streamer League tourney a week before Ro.16, and has been taking more frequent breaks off of streaming (and playing League) than previous seasons. He won the streamer League tourney, and joked that he's "aiming for winning a double" in both League and SC tourney.
Although he has done same (slacking) in previous seasons, it's been more frequent this season and also didn't keep up results-wise, so he got tons of flack.
'' However, his audience doesn't allow that and has struggled a bit getting funding from viewers for Major ProLeague at times. ''
Dunno how I feel about that... I mean at this point, this is your job. The fact that he even involve his audience is weird because that's the same people that helped him make a living out of this game.
Maybe I'm lost in the translation so please correct me but I was raised under the saying ''don't bite the end that feed you''.
On the other hand (no pun intended), if he want to explore other ventures or games, go ahead. I would 100% understand if he feel burned out and want to try something new (Imaqtpie anyone?!?)
I just feel it's kinda low to blame your viewers for that but again if I'm getting it wrong let me know.
On September 18 2025 03:25 vTv.Marine wrote: '' However, his audience doesn't allow that and has struggled a bit getting funding from viewers for Major ProLeague at times. ''
Dunno how I feel about that... I mean at this point, this is your job. The fact that he even involve his audience is weird because that's the same people that helped him make a living out of this game.
Maybe I'm lost in the translation so please correct me but I was raised under the saying ''don't bite the end that feed you''.
On the other hand (no pun intended), if he want to explore other ventures or games, go ahead. I would 100% understand if he feel burned out and want to try something new (Imaqtpie anyone?!?)
I just feel it's kinda low to blame your viewers for that but again if I'm getting it wrong let me know.
I really don't understand why league is so fun lol.
Edit: Also i know their comfortable situation gets them to become lazy but have them quit streaming and try going out to work and this will quickly fix their mindset lol. They don't know how good they have it
On September 18 2025 07:24 Shinokuki wrote: I really don't understand why league is so fun lol.
Edit: Also i know their comfortable situation gets them to become lazy but have them quit streaming and try going out to work and this will quickly fix their mindset lol. They don't know how good they have it
just a different game. variety is the spice of life etc etc. also no one has expectations of him when hes playing LoL so he can just chill and enjoy it. the stresses of always performing when eyes are on you will take its toll on most people. soulkey taking the foot off the gas pedal isnt surprising.
also he gave credit where credit was due. effort was well prepared for him and wondered if calm coached him on the hidden hatch build.
On September 18 2025 03:25 vTv.Marine wrote: '' However, his audience doesn't allow that and has struggled a bit getting funding from viewers for Major ProLeague at times. ''
Dunno how I feel about that... I mean at this point, this is your job. The fact that he even involve his audience is weird because that's the same people that helped him make a living out of this game.
Maybe I'm lost in the translation so please correct me but I was raised under the saying ''don't bite the end that feed you''.
On the other hand (no pun intended), if he want to explore other ventures or games, go ahead. I would 100% understand if he feel burned out and want to try something new (Imaqtpie anyone?!?)
I just feel it's kinda low to blame your viewers for that but again if I'm getting it wrong let me know.
The burnout seems to eventually affect every champ. Remember in Kespa era where after winning 5/6 tournaments in 2010 flash lost out in the MSL and OSL in the first group stages?
Hopefully he can take a bit of a break and then come back recharged and feeling competitive again. I'm hopeful that when flash eventually comes back to ASL it will re-inspire a lot of the competitiveness.
I really want to see flash vs SK finals eventually. Both are tied at 4 ASL golds so we need a rubbermatch.
Burnout is understandable. I mean League is his hobby basically and something he does for fun, and he wants to make money off it, but at the same time as others have said, playing Brood War is his job. I mean, I golf for fun, I would love to play golf and make money from it, but I can't and instead I have a day job that pays the bills. As with any job, you're sometimes just stuck with it, and your performance is tied to your pay (maybe not as much as streaming is at least).
Hope he can take a bit of a break and refresh his mental and get back into it. Soulkey's understanding is second to none and I love how he plays.
On September 18 2025 03:25 vTv.Marine wrote: '' However, his audience doesn't allow that and has struggled a bit getting funding from viewers for Major ProLeague at times. ''
Dunno how I feel about that... I mean at this point, this is your job. The fact that he even involve his audience is weird because that's the same people that helped him make a living out of this game.
Maybe I'm lost in the translation so please correct me but I was raised under the saying ''don't bite the end that feed you''.
On the other hand (no pun intended), if he want to explore other ventures or games, go ahead. I would 100% understand if he feel burned out and want to try something new (Imaqtpie anyone?!?)
I just feel it's kinda low to blame your viewers for that but again if I'm getting it wrong let me know.
His job was originally to play on a team and win games. Streaming was barely a thing when he started. I can imagine it sucks to go from playing for sponsors in tournaments to having to constantly be on a stream in order to have an income. While I get your point, where he's at probably doesn't match his original vision of being a competitive gamer.
On September 18 2025 07:24 Shinokuki wrote: I really don't understand why league is so fun lol.
Edit: Also i know their comfortable situation gets them to become lazy but have them quit streaming and try going out to work and this will quickly fix their mindset lol. They don't know how good they have it
Same can be said in reverse, you have no clue how hard it is to be in that position. It can also be argued, having a job dependant on your skill in videogame isnt nearly as fullfilling in many ways, as it sounds is it?
I can't find it now but FWIW I seem to remember in the late SC2 era the Woongjin Stars coach gave an interview where he said that Soulkey was one of the most talented players he ever worked with but he really struggled with motivation and practice. Or he might have just said he was lazy
On September 19 2025 10:33 prion_ wrote: I can't find it now but FWIW I seem to remember in the late SC2 era the Woongjin Stars coach gave an interview where he said that Soulkey was one of the most talented players he ever worked with but he really struggled with motivation and practice. Or he might have just said he was lazy
This really seems visible in the way he spoke Compared to the way flash and JD speak. Their mentality is completely different. They are super competitive and have always win no matter what mentality. With SK it seems like he is just heaps talented and probably half the reason he won 4 in a row is because bw is less competitive now than before. It allows for talent to shine more
On September 18 2025 07:24 Shinokuki wrote: I really don't understand why league is so fun lol.
Edit: Also i know their comfortable situation gets them to become lazy but have them quit streaming and try going out to work and this will quickly fix their mindset lol. They don't know how good they have it
much more social game. starcraft is just focus and pain
On September 18 2025 07:24 Shinokuki wrote: I really don't understand why league is so fun lol.
Edit: Also i know their comfortable situation gets them to become lazy but have them quit streaming and try going out to work and this will quickly fix their mindset lol. They don't know how good they have it
I would 100% rather work a 9-5 than play broodwar 8 hours a day. Broodwar is fucking grueling mentally, moreso than any video game I can think of. Physically it's also more demanding than any game other than like, ddr or something, just the sheer amount of time you have to be moving as quickly as physically possible. I'm surprised the top players even have the stamina they do.
On September 18 2025 03:25 vTv.Marine wrote: '' However, his audience doesn't allow that and has struggled a bit getting funding from viewers for Major ProLeague at times. ''
Dunno how I feel about that... I mean at this point, this is your job. The fact that he even involve his audience is weird because that's the same people that helped him make a living out of this game.
Maybe I'm lost in the translation so please correct me but I was raised under the saying ''don't bite the end that feed you''.
On the other hand (no pun intended), if he want to explore other ventures or games, go ahead. I would 100% understand if he feel burned out and want to try something new (Imaqtpie anyone?!?)
I just feel it's kinda low to blame your viewers for that but again if I'm getting it wrong let me know.
His job was originally to play on a team and win games. Streaming was barely a thing when he started. I can imagine it sucks to go from playing for sponsors in tournaments to having to constantly be on a stream in order to have an income. While I get your point, where he's at probably doesn't match his original vision of being a competitive gamer.
That and you need to stream long hours + every day to reach your maximum success as a streamer. PLUS as Soulkey says, people are only there to watch him play Brood War. Either stream BW or make much less money.
And then it really becomes a chore, as you need to do something 7 days a week for 10-12 hours that's just no fun for you.
On September 18 2025 07:24 Shinokuki wrote: I really don't understand why league is so fun lol.
Edit: Also i know their comfortable situation gets them to become lazy but have them quit streaming and try going out to work and this will quickly fix their mindset lol. They don't know how good they have it
I would 100% rather work a 9-5 than play broodwar 8 hours a day. Broodwar is fucking grueling mentally, moreso than any video game I can think of. Physically it's also more demanding than any game other than like, ddr or something, just the sheer amount of time you have to be moving as quickly as physically possible. I'm surprised the top players even have the stamina they do.
I mean they only play like few games a stream if they do stuff like major proleague. They sit around and banter and chat for most of the time they are participating.
On September 18 2025 03:25 vTv.Marine wrote: '' However, his audience doesn't allow that and has struggled a bit getting funding from viewers for Major ProLeague at times. ''
Dunno how I feel about that... I mean at this point, this is your job. The fact that he even involve his audience is weird because that's the same people that helped him make a living out of this game.
Maybe I'm lost in the translation so please correct me but I was raised under the saying ''don't bite the end that feed you''.
On the other hand (no pun intended), if he want to explore other ventures or games, go ahead. I would 100% understand if he feel burned out and want to try something new (Imaqtpie anyone?!?)
I just feel it's kinda low to blame your viewers for that but again if I'm getting it wrong let me know.
His job was originally to play on a team and win games. Streaming was barely a thing when he started. I can imagine it sucks to go from playing for sponsors in tournaments to having to constantly be on a stream in order to have an income. While I get your point, where he's at probably doesn't match his original vision of being a competitive gamer.
That and you need to stream long hours + every day to reach your maximum success as a streamer. PLUS as Soulkey says, people are only there to watch him play Brood War. Either stream BW or make much less money.
And then it really becomes a chore, as you need to do something 7 days a week for 10-12 hours that's just no fun for you.
He doesn't stream 7 days a week, 10-12 hrs a week. Most stremears maybe do 6 hrs a day and do 5x a week. People thinkin they pull 70+ hrs a week when all soulkey does is play 4-5 games at most and play 25~30 hrs. You guys are delusional for saying you'd prefer 9-5 working job in korea. Soulkey makes upper bracket income while having big tech WLB.
On September 18 2025 03:25 vTv.Marine wrote: '' However, his audience doesn't allow that and has struggled a bit getting funding from viewers for Major ProLeague at times. ''
Dunno how I feel about that... I mean at this point, this is your job. The fact that he even involve his audience is weird because that's the same people that helped him make a living out of this game.
Maybe I'm lost in the translation so please correct me but I was raised under the saying ''don't bite the end that feed you''.
On the other hand (no pun intended), if he want to explore other ventures or games, go ahead. I would 100% understand if he feel burned out and want to try something new (Imaqtpie anyone?!?)
I just feel it's kinda low to blame your viewers for that but again if I'm getting it wrong let me know.
His job was originally to play on a team and win games. Streaming was barely a thing when he started. I can imagine it sucks to go from playing for sponsors in tournaments to having to constantly be on a stream in order to have an income. While I get your point, where he's at probably doesn't match his original vision of being a competitive gamer.
That and you need to stream long hours + every day to reach your maximum success as a streamer. PLUS as Soulkey says, people are only there to watch him play Brood War. Either stream BW or make much less money.
And then it really becomes a chore, as you need to do something 7 days a week for 10-12 hours that's just no fun for you.
He doesn't stream 7 days a week, 10-12 hrs a week. Most stremears maybe do 6 hrs a day and do 5x a week. People thinkin they pull 70+ hrs a week when all soulkey does is play 4-5 games at most and play 25~30 hrs. You guys are delusional for saying you'd prefer 9-5 working job in korea. Soulkey makes upper bracket income while having big tech WLB.
I'm good at my job, I suck at starcraft. I get far more fulfillment from the real-world impact, too. It's really subjective.
On September 18 2025 03:25 vTv.Marine wrote: '' However, his audience doesn't allow that and has struggled a bit getting funding from viewers for Major ProLeague at times. ''
Dunno how I feel about that... I mean at this point, this is your job. The fact that he even involve his audience is weird because that's the same people that helped him make a living out of this game.
Maybe I'm lost in the translation so please correct me but I was raised under the saying ''don't bite the end that feed you''.
On the other hand (no pun intended), if he want to explore other ventures or games, go ahead. I would 100% understand if he feel burned out and want to try something new (Imaqtpie anyone?!?)
I just feel it's kinda low to blame your viewers for that but again if I'm getting it wrong let me know.
His job was originally to play on a team and win games. Streaming was barely a thing when he started. I can imagine it sucks to go from playing for sponsors in tournaments to having to constantly be on a stream in order to have an income. While I get your point, where he's at probably doesn't match his original vision of being a competitive gamer.
That and you need to stream long hours + every day to reach your maximum success as a streamer. PLUS as Soulkey says, people are only there to watch him play Brood War. Either stream BW or make much less money.
And then it really becomes a chore, as you need to do something 7 days a week for 10-12 hours that's just no fun for you.
He doesn't stream 7 days a week, 10-12 hrs a week. Most stremears maybe do 6 hrs a day and do 5x a week. People thinkin they pull 70+ hrs a week when all soulkey does is play 4-5 games at most and play 25~30 hrs. You guys are delusional for saying you'd prefer 9-5 working job in korea. Soulkey makes upper bracket income while having big tech WLB.
I'm good at my job, I suck at starcraft. I get far more fulfillment from the real-world impact, too. It's really subjective.
Sure you find fulfillment at your job while soulkey has no other real skills than starcraft and might have to work grueling 50-70 hrs a week in that strict korean culture as an alternative. Why do you think action came back immediately after quitting streaming? This is why he's getting lot of pushbacks from koreans. He's making 120k++ with world class WLB. Your own situation doesn't even compare to his "alternative."
EPT
