Have you ever wondered what it's like to be as good as Innovation or Life, or any top Korean for that matter?
Having played somewhere over 20,000 games, I have had moments of invincibility while playing, and I would like to address my view on the psychology of the best players in the world based upon those brief feelings of invincibility. Innovation comes to mind, then Life.
In my mind there are two predominant broad psychological states while playing starcraft: one where the player focuses on micro and macro and tries to keep up with the game, and one where the player constantly sheds a euphoria of beauty for how the game plays itself, and micro and macro naturally fall into order. The first attitude takes more mental burden on the user, whereas the latter allows to user to follow the workings of the game, and by doing so become more in tune with the flow of the game. Take the facial expressions of people like Innovation and Life for example during an intense tournament game. Do they look like they are worried about their micro and macro; about the outcome of the game; about the seriousness of the situation? No, they are probably less worried than the average kid queuing up for his diamond ladder game. Was Life scared of lilbow even though he was rank 1 GM on EU? No. Because top players like Life take the latter psychological stance, and let the game flow for them, rather then trying to control the flow. Now, you might be thinking, well you have to master state #1 in order to allow state #2 to work. True, and this is my point exactly. Nearly all of us, even progamers, I would argue, fall into state #1 most of the time. What sets top Koreans apart from the rest of is that they are unable to feel fear of other players, even other top Koreans. Because they are able to let the game play itself; they are just in the backseat. Imagine if you were stuck in mindstate #1 playing vs a top GM or a top Korean, you would make more mistakes because you would be unable to let the game roboticize itself; instead you would be in an endless battle with yourself trying to compensate for the mistakes you know that you are constantly making. It all boils down to living up to your potential. And I think that Koreans have falsely let us believe that we are less capable, when in fact, we are just too busy trundling along in state #1.
one where the player constantly sheds a euphoria of beauty for how the game plays itself
Can you define this better? Maybe I need to experiment with drugs before I understand what you mean by that.
Edit: I guess you mean that you can experience momentum, in a game of SC2 mistakes tend to lead to more mistakes. For example a supply block can cause you to miss your timing, which messes up your state of mind which leads to micro mistakes or whatever which snowballs into more mistakes. The opposite can be true when things are going right for once, that's where the euphoria comes in I guess.
I don't agree with there being 2 different states of mind, it's all the same thing. (Top) Koreans are just better practiced (so more experienced) and playing at a higher level than foreigners. Each individual experiences games that go well (could be due to a good minset) and games that don't go well (could be experiencing tilt).
Because they are able to let the game play itself; they are just in the backseat.
and let the game flow for them, rather then trying to control the flow
This is because they're better, they just do their thing and they feel comfort knowing that they should beat their opponent. I think you're reading wayy too much into this and make too many assumptions (as you don't know how they feel) to be honest.
one where the player constantly sheds a euphoria of beauty for how the game plays itself
Can you define this better? Maybe I need to experiment with drugs before I understand what you mean by that.
It is a sort of zen flow that happens where you play at a higher level than you are, a sort of spike of potential. I cannot really define it other than in a philosophical sense. Perhaps, drugs would help.
one where the player constantly sheds a euphoria of beauty for how the game plays itself
Can you define this better? Maybe I need to experiment with drugs before I understand what you mean by that.
It is a sort of zen flow that happens where you play at a higher level than you are, a sort of spike of potential. I cannot really define it other than in a philosophical sense. Perhaps, drugs would help.
Well, pass whatever you're smoking because we're about to have us a party.
one where the player constantly sheds a euphoria of beauty for how the game plays itself
Can you define this better? Maybe I need to experiment with drugs before I understand what you mean by that.
It is a sort of zen flow that happens where you play at a higher level than you are, a sort of spike of potential. I cannot really define it other than in a philosophical sense. Perhaps, drugs would help.
Well, pass whatever you're smoking because we're about to have us a party.
Lol, you are the one in the netherlands. No smokin goin on here
On November 06 2015 03:27 gyrus wrote: In my mind there are two predominant broad psychological states while playing starcraft: one where the player focuses on micro and macro and tries to keep up with the game, and one where the player constantly sheds a euphoria of beauty for how the game plays itself, and micro and macro naturally fall into order.
I don't necessarily agree with just the 2 predominant states, but I know exactly what you're talking about with the latter one.
In those rare 1/1000 games, I macro (almost) flawlessly until lategame, set up gorgeous flanks with 3 control groups and drop like a madman while saving most of units.
For a lack of a better phrase, I felt "one with the game". I didn't have to constantly remind myself to look at the minimap or hit my macro cycles, I just did those things naturally and felt like I was actually a commander in the game.
Have you ever wondered what it's like to be as good as Innovation or Life, or any top Korean for that matter?
I would rather say that they are involved into organizations whose job is to make them top players with professional coaches... Also they went through all possible builds while practicing and they know what to do in every situation... I'm not sure if foreigners will ever catch them, even if some foreign country would have as good organizations and coaches as Koreans have...
I think what you are talking about is mindfulness. When the top players play, they are literally unaware of anything else, but the game. When you reach a certain level of focus, the experience of 'self' falls away, and in this state of mind, there is no fear, worry, insecurities etc. Focusing on anything (not just starcraft) can get you into a state of mindfulness. This is the basis of meditation. I reckon the top players reach this level of focus more times than less skilled players.
Everyone experiences mindfulness sometimes. It happens when you focus so hard on something that everything else, even the 'self' falls away, and you are completely on autodrive. Mindfulness is the same as completely being in the present moment.
"...one where the player constantly sheds a euphoria of beauty for how the game plays itself." This is a good description of that very feeling.
If you are interested I would suggest you look up 'Sam Harris on Mindfulness', a neuroscientist who has explored this idea in great depth. This video is very enlightening, the point you are making is discussed between 6:30 and 8:00 minutes of this video
I recommend you watch the whole video at some point though
EngrishTeacher, it seems you have experienced this too.
and btw, drugs would help. This IS the base feeling that is experienced when taking any psychedelics, or even MDMA.
Have you ever wondered what it's like to be as good as Innovation or Life, or any top Korean for that matter?
I would rather say that they are involved into organizations whose job is to make them top players with professional coaches... Also they went through all possible builds while practicing and they know what to do in every situation... I'm not sure if foreigners will ever catch them, even if some foreign country would have as good organizations and coaches as Koreans have...
I understand that. I am asking the question of what it REALLY feels like...maybe you should read my post again.
On November 06 2015 04:47 LunarPenguin wrote: Hi Gyrus,
I think what you are talking about is mindfulness. When the top players play, they are literally unaware of anything else, but the game. When you reach a certain level of focus, the experience of 'self' falls away, and in this state of mind, there is no fear, worry, insecurities etc. Focusing on anything (not just starcraft) can get you into a state of mindfulness. This is the basis of meditation. I reckon the top players reach this level of focus more times than less skilled players.
Everyone experiences mindfulness sometimes. It happens when you focus so hard on something that everything else, even the 'self' falls away, and you are completely on autodrive. Mindfulness is the same as completely being in the present moment.
"...one where the player constantly sheds a euphoria of beauty for how the game plays itself." This is a good description of that very feeling.
If you are interested I would suggest you look up 'Sam Harris on Mindfulness', a neuroscientist who has explored this idea in great depth. This video is very enlightening, the point you are making is discussed between 6:30 and 8:00 minutes of this video
I recommend you watch the whole video at some point though
On November 06 2015 04:47 LunarPenguin wrote: Hi Gyrus,
I think what you are talking about is mindfulness. When the top players play, they are literally unaware of anything else, but the game. When you reach a certain level of focus, the experience of 'self' falls away, and in this state of mind, there is no fear, worry, insecurities etc. Focusing on anything (not just starcraft) can get you into a state of mindfulness. This is the basis of meditation. I reckon the top players reach this level of focus more times than less skilled players.
Everyone experiences mindfulness sometimes. It happens when you focus so hard on something that everything else, even the 'self' falls away, and you are completely on autodrive. Mindfulness is the same as completely being in the present moment.
"...one where the player constantly sheds a euphoria of beauty for how the game plays itself." This is a good description of that very feeling.
If you are interested I would suggest you look up 'Sam Harris on Mindfulness', a neuroscientist who has explored this idea in great depth. This video is very enlightening, the point you are making is discussed between 6:30 and 8:00 minutes of this video
I recommend you watch the whole video at some point though
EngrishTeacher, it seems you have experienced this too.
and btw, drugs would help. This IS the base feeling that is experienced when taking any psychedelics, or even MDMA.
I am listening to the video you sent me and he is discussing the surreal nature of experiencing the euphoria of SUCCEEDING through an activity, aka sports, athletics, esports. This is exactly what I am getting at, and this is why we should discuss esports among the same realm of real sports, but unfortunately people are too caught up in the physical aspect rather than the mental aspect. Within both generic physical sports and esports, which are not simply mental, the common theology, if you will, is that physical exertion produces success and produces the mental state required for success. Not true. We are now discovering through esports that success through sport is overlapped with physical and mental capabilites, and esports is elucidating this. Ironically, the most physical sports tend to start with the idea of physical performance leads to mental performance, and then it all comes together to produce a beautiful athlete. Now, we are realizing that mental performance can come first, through the medium of esports, and physical training can enhance it, no differently. Because we have competition that starts with the mind rather than the body, we must redefine the word sport to include electronic gaming.
On November 06 2015 04:47 LunarPenguin wrote: Hi Gyrus,
I think what you are talking about is mindfulness. When the top players play, they are literally unaware of anything else, but the game. When you reach a certain level of focus, the experience of 'self' falls away, and in this state of mind, there is no fear, worry, insecurities etc. Focusing on anything (not just starcraft) can get you into a state of mindfulness. This is the basis of meditation. I reckon the top players reach this level of focus more times than less skilled players.
Everyone experiences mindfulness sometimes. It happens when you focus so hard on something that everything else, even the 'self' falls away, and you are completely on autodrive. Mindfulness is the same as completely being in the present moment.
"...one where the player constantly sheds a euphoria of beauty for how the game plays itself." This is a good description of that very feeling.
If you are interested I would suggest you look up 'Sam Harris on Mindfulness', a neuroscientist who has explored this idea in great depth. This video is very enlightening, the point you are making is discussed between 6:30 and 8:00 minutes of this video
I recommend you watch the whole video at some point though
EngrishTeacher, it seems you have experienced this too.
and btw, drugs would help. This IS the base feeling that is eaxperienced when taking any psychedelics, or even MDMA.
BRILLIANT!! I happen to have a degree in neuroscience, and I appreciate your insight. Thank you.
Sometimes it's the other way round though. Lesser skilled players tend to be fully immerged into the game because it's so demanding and top players like Flash take a sip of water even after the game started.
On November 06 2015 04:47 LunarPenguin wrote: Hi Gyrus,
I think what you are talking about is mindfulness. When the top players play, they are literally unaware of anything else, but the game. When you reach a certain level of focus, the experience of 'self' falls away, and in this state of mind, there is no fear, worry, insecurities etc. Focusing on anything (not just starcraft) can get you into a state of mindfulness. This is the basis of meditation. I reckon the top players reach this level of focus more times than less skilled players.
Everyone experiences mindfulness sometimes. It happens when you focus so hard on something that everything else, even the 'self' falls away, and you are completely on autodrive. Mindfulness is the same as completely being in the present moment.
"...one where the player constantly sheds a euphoria of beauty for how the game plays itself." This is a good description of that very feeling.
If you are interested I would suggest you look up 'Sam Harris on Mindfulness', a neuroscientist who has explored this idea in great depth. This video is very enlightening, the point you are making is discussed between 6:30 and 8:00 minutes of this video
I recommend you watch the whole video at some point though
EngrishTeacher, it seems you have experienced this too.
and btw, drugs would help. This IS the base feeling that is experienced when taking any psychedelics, or even MDMA.
I am listening to the video you sent me and he is discussing the surreal nature of experiencing the euphoria of SUCCEEDING through an activity, aka sports, athletics, esports. This is exactly what I am getting at, and this is why we should discuss esports among the same realm of real sports, but unfortunately people are too caught up in the physical aspect rather than the mental aspect. Within both generic physical sports and esports, which are not simply mental, the common theology, if you will, is that physical exertion produces success and produces the mental state required for success. Not true. We are now discovering through esports that success through sport is overlapped with physical and mental capabilites, and esports is elucidating this. Ironically, the most physical sports tend to start with the idea of physical performance leads to mental performance, and then it all comes together to produce a beautiful athlete. Now, we are realizing that mental performance can come first, through the medium of esports, and physical training can enhance it, no differently. Because we have competition that starts with the mind rather than the body, we must redefine the word sport to include electronic gaming.
Yeah, I have always believed eSports should still be considered a sport like any other but, Wow. I honestly never thought of it that way and yet I totally agree with you. I guess the distinction comes down to the fact that in athletics, physical training determines the limits of performance, and enhancing the mental training gets you closer to those limits. Whereas in eSports (especially starcraft) you would consider the mental training as defining your limits, and the physical training (like your APM) as determining how close you get to reach those limits. At the end of the day, both share the fact that mind and body are necessary, and both are sports. Especially considering that one can experience this "self transcendence" in either sports or eSports.
and btw, drugs would help. This IS the base feeling that is experienced when taking any psychedelics, or even MDMA.
I can only laugh at people who have not experienced mushrooms or cocaine or whatever it is. Just dont do meth, unless its mdma. Anyway.... Yes drugs to help. Moreover..... mindfulness in the top progamer mentality is essentially realtime meditation. My keyboard is broken so I will not insert symbols. Anyways, I think it is true to say that Koreans are able to drop reality and experience a meditative experience that will decrease focus on current neurotic thought processes in order to bring together both psychologically and neurotically automatic processes in the background. The biggest misconception of the human ego is that you actually know what is going on.
On November 06 2015 04:47 LunarPenguin wrote: Hi Gyrus,
I think what you are talking about is mindfulness. When the top players play, they are literally unaware of anything else, but the game. When you reach a certain level of focus, the experience of 'self' falls away, and in this state of mind, there is no fear, worry, insecurities etc. Focusing on anything (not just starcraft) can get you into a state of mindfulness. This is the basis of meditation. I reckon the top players reach this level of focus more times than less skilled players.
Everyone experiences mindfulness sometimes. It happens when you focus so hard on something that everything else, even the 'self' falls away, and you are completely on autodrive. Mindfulness is the same as completely being in the present moment.
"...one where the player constantly sheds a euphoria of beauty for how the game plays itself." This is a good description of that very feeling.
If you are interested I would suggest you look up 'Sam Harris on Mindfulness', a neuroscientist who has explored this idea in great depth. This video is very enlightening, the point you are making is discussed between 6:30 and 8:00 minutes of this video
I recommend you watch the whole video at some point though
EngrishTeacher, it seems you have experienced this too.
and btw, drugs would help. This IS the base feeling that is eaxperienced when taking any psychedelics, or even MDMA.
BRILLIANT!! I happen to have a degree in neuroscience, and I appreciate your insight. Thank you.
Sometimes it's the other way round though. Lesser skilled players tend to be fully immerged into the game because it's so demanding and top players like Flash take a sip of water even after the game started.
That may be true, especially at the beginning of the game, before Flash has broken into that state of mind. Flash has practiced those build orders so many times that he doesn't even need to focus there. But trust me, by the time he has reached mid-late game and the build order has run out, Flash is so focused on the game he wouldn't even recognize himself.
On November 06 2015 04:47 LunarPenguin wrote: Hi Gyrus,
I think what you are talking about is mindfulness. When the top players play, they are literally unaware of anything else, but the game. When you reach a certain level of focus, the experience of 'self' falls away, and in this state of mind, there is no fear, worry, insecurities etc. Focusing on anything (not just starcraft) can get you into a state of mindfulness. This is the basis of meditation. I reckon the top players reach this level of focus more times than less skilled players.
Everyone experiences mindfulness sometimes. It happens when you focus so hard on something that everything else, even the 'self' falls away, and you are completely on autodrive. Mindfulness is the same as completely being in the present moment.
"...one where the player constantly sheds a euphoria of beauty for how the game plays itself." This is a good description of that very feeling.
If you are interested I would suggest you look up 'Sam Harris on Mindfulness', a neuroscientist who has explored this idea in great depth. This video is very enlightening, the point you are making is discussed between 6:30 and 8:00 minutes of this video
I recommend you watch the whole video at some point though
EngrishTeacher, it seems you have experienced this too.
and btw, drugs would help. This IS the base feeling that is experienced when taking any psychedelics, or even MDMA.
I am listening to the video you sent me and he is discussing the surreal nature of experiencing the euphoria of SUCCEEDING through an activity, aka sports, athletics, esports. This is exactly what I am getting at, and this is why we should discuss esports among the same realm of real sports, but unfortunately people are too caught up in the physical aspect rather than the mental aspect. Within both generic physical sports and esports, which are not simply mental, the common theology, if you will, is that physical exertion produces success and produces the mental state required for success. Not true. We are now discovering through esports that success through sport is overlapped with physical and mental capabilites, and esports is elucidating this. Ironically, the most physical sports tend to start with the idea of physical performance leads to mental performance, and then it all comes together to produce a beautiful athlete. Now, we are realizing that mental performance can come first, through the medium of esports, and physical training can enhance it, no differently. Because we have competition that starts with the mind rather than the body, we must redefine the word sport to include electronic gaming.
Yeah, I have always believed eSports should still be considered a sport like any other but, Wow. I honestly never thought of it that way and yet I totally agree with you. I guess the distinction comes down to the fact that in athletics, physical training determines the limits of performance, and enhancing the mental training gets you closer to those limits. Whereas in eSports (especially starcraft) you would consider the mental training as defining your limits, and the physical training (like your APM) as determining how close you get to reach those limits. At the end of the day, both share the fact that mind and body are necessary, and both are sports. Especially considering that one can experience this "self transcendence" in either sports or eSports.
On November 06 2015 04:47 LunarPenguin wrote: Hi Gyrus,
I think what you are talking about is mindfulness. When the top players play, they are literally unaware of anything else, but the game. When you reach a certain level of focus, the experience of 'self' falls away, and in this state of mind, there is no fear, worry, insecurities etc. Focusing on anything (not just starcraft) can get you into a state of mindfulness. This is the basis of meditation. I reckon the top players reach this level of focus more times than less skilled players.
Everyone experiences mindfulness sometimes. It happens when you focus so hard on something that everything else, even the 'self' falls away, and you are completely on autodrive. Mindfulness is the same as completely being in the present moment.
"...one where the player constantly sheds a euphoria of beauty for how the game plays itself." This is a good description of that very feeling.
If you are interested I would suggest you look up 'Sam Harris on Mindfulness', a neuroscientist who has explored this idea in great depth. This video is very enlightening, the point you are making is discussed between 6:30 and 8:00 minutes of this video
I recommend you watch the whole video at some point though
EngrishTeacher, it seems you have experienced this too.
and btw, drugs would help. This IS the base feeling that is eaxperienced when taking any psychedelics, or even MDMA.
BRILLIANT!! I happen to have a degree in neuroscience, and I appreciate your insight. Thank you.
Sometimes it's the other way round though. Lesser skilled players tend to be fully immerged into the game because it's so demanding and top players like Flash take a sip of water even after the game started.
That may be true, especially at the beginning of the game, before Flash has broken into that state of mind. Flash has practiced those build orders so many times that he doesn't even need to focus there. But trust me, by the time he has reached mid-late game and the build order has run out, Flash is so focused on the game he wouldn't even recognize himself.
Unfortunately, Flashs mechanics cant carry him thru the game like Inno can... Flash has shown us this robotic failure repeatedly, and it is why he is not at Blizzcon. Sure, Flash can macro like the best of us up until 10 minutes or whatever, but it goes back to my main argument... He has been unable to fulfill mindstate #2. He needs to transition into this or he will not succeed. Innovation and Life are good examples that have achieved this state of mind, and are able to execute it when it matters.
and btw, drugs would help. This IS the base feeling that is experienced when taking any psychedelics, or even MDMA.
I mindfulness in the top progamer mentality is essentially realtime meditation. Anyways, I think it is true to say that Koreans are able to drop reality and experience a meditative experience that will decrease focus on current neurotic thought processes in order to bring together both psychologically and neurotically automatic processes in the background. The biggest misconception of the human ego is that you actually know what is going on.
This about sums it up. Although I would add that it is not the fact that they are Korean that they can do this. I Do think Koreans train much harder than the rest of the world. Korean society is fundamentally a competitive society, for example, in primary school their grades are listed from top to bottom with their names present for all to see. This filters into many aspects of their society from finding jobs to competitive gaming. They also have advantages in that they have been serious about starcraft much longer than the rest of the world. and they have the experienced coaches. Their work ethic is also superior to much of the rest of the world. When they train they train very hard for extended periods of time like 10-14 hours a day. The more you train and the more you teach yourself to focus the more you can attain what you call "mental state 2", aka "self transcendence" aka, "mindful" aka "being one with starcraft" :D
On November 06 2015 04:47 LunarPenguin wrote: Hi Gyrus,
I think what you are talking about is mindfulness. When the top players play, they are literally unaware of anything else, but the game. When you reach a certain level of focus, the experience of 'self' falls away, and in this state of mind, there is no fear, worry, insecurities etc. Focusing on anything (not just starcraft) can get you into a state of mindfulness. This is the basis of meditation. I reckon the top players reach this level of focus more times than less skilled players.
Everyone experiences mindfulness sometimes. It happens when you focus so hard on something that everything else, even the 'self' falls away, and you are completely on autodrive. Mindfulness is the same as completely being in the present moment.
"...one where the player constantly sheds a euphoria of beauty for how the game plays itself." This is a good description of that very feeling.
If you are interested I would suggest you look up 'Sam Harris on Mindfulness', a neuroscientist who has explored this idea in great depth. This video is very enlightening, the point you are making is discussed between 6:30 and 8:00 minutes of this video
I recommend you watch the whole video at some point though
EngrishTeacher, it seems you have experienced this too.
and btw, drugs would help. This IS the base feeling that is eaxperienced when taking any psychedelics, or even MDMA.
BRILLIANT!! I happen to have a degree in neuroscience, and I appreciate your insight. Thank you.
Sometimes it's the other way round though. Lesser skilled players tend to be fully immerged into the game because it's so demanding and top players like Flash take a sip of water even after the game started.
That may be true, especially at the beginning of the game, before Flash has broken into that state of mind. Flash has practiced those build orders so many times that he doesn't even need to focus there. But trust me, by the time he has reached mid-late game and the build order has run out, Flash is so focused on the game he wouldn't even recognize himself.
Unfortunately, Flashs mechanics cant carry him thru the game like Inno can... Flash has shown us this robotic failure repeatedly, and it is why he is not at Blizzcon. Sure, Flash can macro like the best of us up until 10 minutes or whatever, but it goes back to my main argument... He has been unable to fulfill mindstate #2. He needs to transition into this or he will not succeed. Innovation and Life are good examples that have achieved this state of mind, and are able to execute it when it matters.
I agree, I was just using Flash as an example for any player. Innovation and Life especially. But Polt, Maru and many others aswell..
and btw, drugs would help. This IS the base feeling that is experienced when taking any psychedelics, or even MDMA.
I mindfulness in the top progamer mentality is essentially realtime meditation. Anyways, I think it is true to say that Koreans are able to drop reality and experience a meditative experience that will decrease focus on current neurotic thought processes in order to bring together both psychologically and neurotically automatic processes in the background. The biggest misconception of the human ego is that you actually know what is going on.
This about sums it up. Although I would add that it is not the fact that they are Korean that they can do this. I Do think Koreans train much harder than the rest of the world. Korean society is fundamentally a competitive society, for example, in primary school their grades are listed from top to bottom with their names present for all to see. This filters into many aspects of their society from finding jobs to competitive gaming. They also have advantages in that they have been serious about starcraft much longer than the rest of the world. and they have the experienced coaches. Their work ethic is also superior to much of the rest of the world. When they train they train very hard for extended periods of time like 10-14 hours a day.
Without creating a shitstorm of ethics genetics etc... My overarching argument was that foreigners can do just as well as Koreans. However, Koreans are likely to 1) have better genetics 2) have better training 3) have better diet 4) have better attitude. That aside... before I start a shitstorm.... the point is is that regardless of 1,2,3,4 any human being is capable of besting a Korean; they are just lacking in one or more of the areas 1,2,3,4, obviously.
On November 06 2015 04:47 LunarPenguin wrote: Hi Gyrus,
I think what you are talking about is mindfulness. When the top players play, they are literally unaware of anything else, but the game. When you reach a certain level of focus, the experience of 'self' falls away, and in this state of mind, there is no fear, worry, insecurities etc. Focusing on anything (not just starcraft) can get you into a state of mindfulness. This is the basis of meditation. I reckon the top players reach this level of focus more times than less skilled players.
Everyone experiences mindfulness sometimes. It happens when you focus so hard on something that everything else, even the 'self' falls away, and you are completely on autodrive. Mindfulness is the same as completely being in the present moment.
"...one where the player constantly sheds a euphoria of beauty for how the game plays itself." This is a good description of that very feeling.
If you are interested I would suggest you look up 'Sam Harris on Mindfulness', a neuroscientist who has explored this idea in great depth. This video is very enlightening, the point you are making is discussed between 6:30 and 8:00 minutes of this video
I recommend you watch the whole video at some point though
EngrishTeacher, it seems you have experienced this too.
and btw, drugs would help. This IS the base feeling that is eaxperienced when taking any psychedelics, or even MDMA.
BRILLIANT!! I happen to have a degree in neuroscience, and I appreciate your insight. Thank you.
Sometimes it's the other way round though. Lesser skilled players tend to be fully immerged into the game because it's so demanding and top players like Flash take a sip of water even after the game started.
That may be true, especially at the beginning of the game, before Flash has broken into that state of mind. Flash has practiced those build orders so many times that he doesn't even need to focus there. But trust me, by the time he has reached mid-late game and the build order has run out, Flash is so focused on the game he wouldn't even recognize himself.
Unfortunately, Flashs mechanics cant carry him thru the game like Inno can... Flash has shown us this robotic failure repeatedly, and it is why he is not at Blizzcon. Sure, Flash can macro like the best of us up until 10 minutes or whatever, but it goes back to my main argument... He has been unable to fulfill mindstate #2. He needs to transition into this or he will not succeed. Innovation and Life are good examples that have achieved this state of mind, and are able to execute it when it matters.
I agree, I was just using Flash as an example for any player. Innovation and Life especially. But Polt, Maru and many others aswell..
Polt is a great example of the point I am trying to make. He does not live in Korea; he is simply Korean. He does not live under the rigor of a Kespa teamhouse, its practices, indoctrinations, or anything. Polt is simply Polt. He has his secret practice partners like any other progamer, but that does not mean that his Korean descent gives him an advantage, necessarily, based upon the reasons such as 1) having a team in Korean 2) Having a coach 3) living in Korea. Polt has never had any of these. In fact, his environment is no different than anyone elses in Murrica or Europe, except that he may have a few Korean friends he can play with crossserver. Other than that, his practice is probably worse than Lilbows. Yes I went there. And there is no excuse to not be as good as Polt, unless you are not Polt.
and btw, drugs would help. This IS the base feeling that is experienced when taking any psychedelics, or even MDMA.
I mindfulness in the top progamer mentality is essentially realtime meditation. Anyways, I think it is true to say that Koreans are able to drop reality and experience a meditative experience that will decrease focus on current neurotic thought processes in order to bring together both psychologically and neurotically automatic processes in the background. The biggest misconception of the human ego is that you actually know what is going on.
This about sums it up. Although I would add that it is not the fact that they are Korean that they can do this. I Do think Koreans train much harder than the rest of the world. Korean society is fundamentally a competitive society, for example, in primary school their grades are listed from top to bottom with their names present for all to see. This filters into many aspects of their society from finding jobs to competitive gaming. They also have advantages in that they have been serious about starcraft much longer than the rest of the world. and they have the experienced coaches. Their work ethic is also superior to much of the rest of the world. When they train they train very hard for extended periods of time like 10-14 hours a day.
Without creating a shitstorm of ethics genetics etc... My overarching argument was that foreigners can do just as well as Koreans. However, Koreans are likely to 1) have better genetics 2) have better training 3) have better diet 4) have better attitude. That aside... before I start a shitstorm.... the point is is that regardless of 1,2,3,4 any human being is capable of besting a Korean; they are just lacking in one or more of the areas 1,2,3,4, obviously.
Hahaha don't worry, shitstorm evaded. Given all factors constant (1,2,3,4), all players could achieve Korean level. They would do this with more focus and an enhanced ability to loose yourself in the game, or access mental state 2 as you call it
Have you ever wondered what it's like to be as good as Innovation or Life, or any top Korean for that matter?
I would rather say that they are involved into organizations whose job is to make them top players with professional coaches... Also they went through all possible builds while practicing and they know what to do in every situation... I'm not sure if foreigners will ever catch them, even if some foreign country would have as good organizations and coaches as Koreans have...
I understand that. I am asking the question of what it REALLY feels like...maybe you should read my post again.
How they feel? I think nobody here that's not a GSL lvl korean can't describe that...
I've occasionally experienced a state of "flow" in games (occasionally, mind you), though I'm really not that good.
It's plausible that top pros experience this more frequently, at the very least because they play more. It might also be the case that they too only experience it rarely, but have better skills and game knowledge than the rest of us so they're a lot better on their off days too.
I think a major thing to consider is that playing Starcraft is more accepted in Korea. These pro players don't encounter as much, if any, resistance from their families and peers. Starcraft has been around in Korea for over a decade and it's recognized as a sport, people make money of it, become famous, they have pro teams with houses you can live in and train at, most of the kids at their school probably play SC, etc. This is far less common in say America, a kids parents would likely shame him/her for spending so much time playing and tell them that they will never be successful or happy wasting his/her life on what is just a video game to them.
and btw, drugs would help. This IS the base feeling that is experienced when taking any psychedelics, or even MDMA.
I mindfulness in the top progamer mentality is essentially realtime meditation. Anyways, I think it is true to say that Koreans are able to drop reality and experience a meditative experience that will decrease focus on current neurotic thought processes in order to bring together both psychologically and neurotically automatic processes in the background. The biggest misconception of the human ego is that you actually know what is going on.
This about sums it up. Although I would add that it is not the fact that they are Korean that they can do this. I Do think Koreans train much harder than the rest of the world. Korean society is fundamentally a competitive society, for example, in primary school their grades are listed from top to bottom with their names present for all to see. This filters into many aspects of their society from finding jobs to competitive gaming. They also have advantages in that they have been serious about starcraft much longer than the rest of the world. and they have the experienced coaches. Their work ethic is also superior to much of the rest of the world. When they train they train very hard for extended periods of time like 10-14 hours a day.
Without creating a shitstorm of ethics genetics etc... My overarching argument was that foreigners can do just as well as Koreans. However, Koreans are likely to 1) have better genetics 2) have better training 3) have better diet 4) have better attitude. That aside... before I start a shitstorm.... the point is is that regardless of 1,2,3,4 any human being is capable of besting a Korean; they are just lacking in one or more of the areas 1,2,3,4, obviously.
Hahaha don't worry, shitstorm evaded. Given all factors constant (1,2,3,4), all players could achieve Korean level. They would do this with more focus and an enhanced ability to loose yourself in the game, or access mental state 2 as you call it
I can almost guarantee that within a single trip of MDMA I could win like 20 to 30 games in a row. I know this because even on my most basic shitty outlook I lose to people to which I should not. I have done this for years. I have gone online and won 10 to 20 games in a row with EASE simply by feeling better. Now imagine if this was magnified by training.... And no, I have not done MDMA in about 10 years, but I can say for sure that is the the magical potion for human confidence and performance. It unleashes the self.
and btw, drugs would help. This IS the base feeling that is experienced when taking any psychedelics, or even MDMA.
I mindfulness in the top progamer mentality is essentially realtime meditation. Anyways, I think it is true to say that Koreans are able to drop reality and experience a meditative experience that will decrease focus on current neurotic thought processes in order to bring together both psychologically and neurotically automatic processes in the background. The biggest misconception of the human ego is that you actually know what is going on.
This about sums it up. Although I would add that it is not the fact that they are Korean that they can do this. I Do think Koreans train much harder than the rest of the world. Korean society is fundamentally a competitive society, for example, in primary school their grades are listed from top to bottom with their names present for all to see. This filters into many aspects of their society from finding jobs to competitive gaming. They also have advantages in that they have been serious about starcraft much longer than the rest of the world. and they have the experienced coaches. Their work ethic is also superior to much of the rest of the world. When they train they train very hard for extended periods of time like 10-14 hours a day.
Without creating a shitstorm of ethics genetics etc... My overarching argument was that foreigners can do just as well as Koreans. However, Koreans are likely to 1) have better genetics 2) have better training 3) have better diet 4) have better attitude. That aside... before I start a shitstorm.... the point is is that regardless of 1,2,3,4 any human being is capable of besting a Korean; they are just lacking in one or more of the areas 1,2,3,4, obviously.
Hahaha don't worry, shitstorm evaded. Given all factors constant (1,2,3,4), all players could achieve Korean level. They would do this with more focus and an enhanced ability to loose yourself in the game, or access mental state 2 as you call it
I can almost guarantee that within a single trip of MDMA I could win like 20 to 30 games in a row. I know this because even on my most basic shitty outlook I lose to people to which I should not. I have done this for years. I have gone online and won 10 to 20 games in a row with EASE simply by feeling better. Now imagine if this was magnified by training.... And no, I have not done MDMA in about 10 years, but I can say for sure that is the the magical potion for human confidence and performance. It unleashes the self.
haha definitely! I take concerta (which is like ADHD medication). Concerta is chemically very similar to MDMA, and has very similar effects. Concerta requires a doctors script here in South Africa. But playing starcraft on concerta, is a really amazing experience as it helps you to focus. (Disclaimer: I am not advocating drug use, but MDMA is amazing!) I wouldn't be surprised if top players also take concerta or ritalin before these tournaments. It defininitely helps with reaching that desired level of focus.
Interesting. Maintaining flow (or the second mind state) is something I have personally experienced during pure, focused practice, and even if I don't have it during the gameplay, the way I process the game betters with this focused thinking. Like a practice room in a fighting game, hours before a presentation or whatever. When I play to relieve the tension of school or whatever, I find myself to be more stressed and angry during play. Last hitting in DotA2 or macro in StarCraft becomes way worse as well.
On November 06 2015 06:33 Wintex wrote: Interesting. Maintaining flow (or the second mind state) is something I have personally experienced during pure, focused practice, and even if I don't have it during the gameplay, the way I process the game betters with this focused thinking. Like a practice room in a fighting game, hours before a presentation or whatever. When I play to relieve the tension of school or whatever, I find myself to be more stressed and angry during play. Last hitting in DotA2 or macro in StarCraft becomes way worse as well.
Yeah, I think the psychological approach to bettering oneself in starcraft is underlooked. TLO, if you are out there, i know you have something to say about this. gg
one where the player constantly sheds a euphoria of beauty for how the game plays itself
Can you define this better? Maybe I need to experiment with drugs before I understand what you mean by that.
It is a sort of zen flow that happens where you play at a higher level than you are, a sort of spike of potential. I cannot really define it other than in a philosophical sense. Perhaps, drugs would help.
Well, pass whatever you're smoking because we're about to have us a party.
Lol, you are the one in the netherlands. No smokin goin on here
one where the player constantly sheds a euphoria of beauty for how the game plays itself
Can you define this better? Maybe I need to experiment with drugs before I understand what you mean by that.
It is a sort of zen flow that happens where you play at a higher level than you are, a sort of spike of potential. I cannot really define it other than in a philosophical sense. Perhaps, drugs would help.
Well, pass whatever you're smoking because we're about to have us a party.
Lol, you are the one in the netherlands. No smokin goin on here
ha ha that thread is taking a strange turn
here in the US they stone us to death for smoking flowers. Not sure why.
I would be very disappointed if some pro players did not take drugs before important matches, seeing as how there is absolutely no regulation on this in e-sports (yet). It's simply too good not to use while they still can. stuff like this is what can give you the edge, especially over korean pros, but you must be very good at the game and mentally strong as well to be able to maintain focus. I think.
Drugs like MDMA or amphetamine are certainly good for short term focus "explosions", and in turn allow players to get "in the flow" easier.
In conclusion: drugs are bad, unless they help you win :D
I think's pretty ignorant to say that top Koreans are unafraid of facing tough opponents when they themselves frequently admit that the opposite is true.
Take sOs for example. Everyone hates playing him because they're afraid he'll hit them with something that they're not prepared for. Or Liquid HerO, the guy whose fatal flaw is that he's shit under pressure.
I'm tired of people with posts like these that somehow make Koreans into fucking zen masters. They just practice harder and with better practice partners than everyone else. That's all.
If Koreans can become immune to fear against starcraft opponents, can they do the same for spiders? If so, someone make a paint drawing depicting this.
On November 06 2015 07:30 DinoMight wrote: I think's pretty ignorant to say that top Koreans are unafraid of facing tough opponents when they themselves frequently admit that the opposite is true.
Take sOs for example. Everyone hates playing him because they're afraid he'll hit them with something that they're not prepared for. Or Liquid HerO, the guy whose fatal flaw is that he's shit under pressure.
I'm tired of people with posts like these that somehow make Koreans into fucking zen masters. They just practice harder and with better practice partners than everyone else. That's all.
your post is wrought with emotion over information. Who is everyone. lol. you say take sos for example then u immediately defer to the word everyone. then you finish your argument with im tired of people blah blah blah. less emotion more facts, thanks.
OP, what you are talking about is covered extensively in The Art of Learning by Josh Waitzkin. I recommend it highly to any Starcraft player, but you don't have to take my word on it. Day9 and Jakatak have been recommending it for years. If you are short on cash, you can get the audiobook on audible through a free trial.
The state you're referring to happens when one has practiced something so thoroughly and with such quality that all of the mechanics are embedded into one's subconscious and muscle memory. The subconscious does much of the work to 'play the game', leaving the conscious mind to take a more observational role. I have only caught brief, brief glimpses of this in Starcraft.
On November 06 2015 07:30 DinoMight wrote: I think's pretty ignorant to say that top Koreans are unafraid of facing tough opponents when they themselves frequently admit that the opposite is true.
Take sOs for example. Everyone hates playing him because they're afraid he'll hit them with something that they're not prepared for. Or Liquid HerO, the guy whose fatal flaw is that he's shit under pressure.
I'm tired of people with posts like these that somehow make Koreans into fucking zen masters. They just practice harder and with better practice partners than everyone else. That's all.
your post is wrought with emotion over information. Who is everyone. lol. you say take sos for example then u immediately defer to the word everyone. then you finish your argument with im tired of people blah blah blah. less emotion more facts, thanks.
???
What the hell are you talking about? I just gave you two examples.
OP's post is not exactly full of facts and statistics either, I don't know why my response should be held to a higher standard.
In general if you read around and listen to interviews, you'll often hear Koreans talk about who they're afraid of, or what matchup they are not confident in. They're no different than foreigners.
On November 06 2015 07:30 DinoMight wrote: I think's pretty ignorant to say that top Koreans are unafraid of facing tough opponents when they themselves frequently admit that the opposite is true.
Take sOs for example. Everyone hates playing him because they're afraid he'll hit them with something that they're not prepared for. Or Liquid HerO, the guy whose fatal flaw is that he's shit under pressure.
I'm tired of people with posts like these that somehow make Koreans into fucking zen masters. They just practice harder and with better practice partners than everyone else. That's all.
your post is wrought with emotion over information. Who is everyone. lol. you say take sos for example then u immediately defer to the word everyone. then you finish your argument with im tired of people blah blah blah. less emotion more facts, thanks.
Probably he made a mistake of not taking drugs before making the post. I make the same mistake now, but I am doing my best to supress my emotions right now, like true zen master does. Word "everyone" refers to you in particular and to all people stating that koreans are able to reliably control their mindstate, in general.
On topic, I think it's clear you are wrong, and probably because you don't watch enough korean sc2 if you say they never crumble under pressure (i mean why would they if they are zen masters), there are plenty examples of how top players do that: for me easiest to recall are Byul and Rogue, but I am pretty sure others may point you to more. Thanks
On November 06 2015 04:47 LunarPenguin wrote: Hi Gyrus,
I think what you are talking about is mindfulness. When the top players play, they are literally unaware of anything else, but the game. When you reach a certain level of focus, the experience of 'self' falls away, and in this state of mind, there is no fear, worry, insecurities etc. Focusing on anything (not just starcraft) can get you into a state of mindfulness. This is the basis of meditation. I reckon the top players reach this level of focus more times than less skilled players.
Everyone experiences mindfulness sometimes. It happens when you focus so hard on something that everything else, even the 'self' falls away, and you are completely on autodrive. Mindfulness is the same as completely being in the present moment.
"...one where the player constantly sheds a euphoria of beauty for how the game plays itself." This is a good description of that very feeling.
If you are interested I would suggest you look up 'Sam Harris on Mindfulness', a neuroscientist who has explored this idea in great depth. This video is very enlightening, the point you are making is discussed between 6:30 and 8:00 minutes of this video
I recommend you watch the whole video at some point though
EngrishTeacher, it seems you have experienced this too.
and btw, drugs would help. This IS the base feeling that is experienced when taking any psychedelics, or even MDMA.
This is absolutely true. Having been a part of badminton tournament (solo) for a while and it is the best state of mind. In fact sometimes when you are winning so hard that you lose this state and starts losing points like pouring water, we see this from pro all the time as well It is also why players often demand a change of shuttlecock etc whenever their momentum is not keeping up
Some people calls this: "To be in the Zone" editied: karukono basket didn't introduce that one. It's a known phenomenon. As i recall scarlett mentioned that state in the interview. Ye, and the term "flow" really covers it all as someone mentioned before... https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flow_(psychology)
p.s. i really should read through the thread before posting...
I call BS. it basically all comes down to muscle memory and practice.
the more you play the more you build muscle memory and the more comfortable you feel when playing. you also don't have to think too much about macro it just runs in the background. very similar to playing a musical instrument.
On November 06 2015 09:11 Yorbon wrote: If you want to get from state 1 to state 2, you just have to shout bankai. If that still doesn't work, maybe drugs help.
On November 06 2015 15:48 seom wrote: I call BS. it basically all comes down to muscle memory and practice.
the more you play the more you build muscle memory and the more comfortable you feel when playing. you also don't have to think too much about macro it just runs in the background. very similar to playing a musical instrument.
Oh ok, and which part of that is bs again? Or are you just paraphrasing what I am saying but calling me BS?
On November 06 2015 16:00 NukeD wrote: This is such a wannabe philosophical/psychological thread.
I love the comment of OP how he laughs at people who haven't used drugs.
The whole things just looks as if it's tought process of a 15-19 year old.
Yeah, people are acting like being in the zone is somehow something that is above our normal understanding and is something near-divine, when it's actually reasonably mundane and probably everyone has had many moments of such intense focus.
On November 06 2015 16:00 NukeD wrote: This is such a wannabe philosophical/psychological thread.
I love the comment of OP how he laughs at people who haven't used drugs.
The whole things just looks as if it's tought process of a 15-19 year old.
Yeah, people are acting like being in the zone is somehow something that is above our normal understanding and is something near-divine, when it's actually reasonably mundane and probably everyone has had many moments of such intense focus.
Mastering the zone / Zen state is essential to all competitive endeavor at the professional level. If you both have similar practice histories and game knowledge, the strategies and muscle memories become almost meaningless. The game is decided in the mental plane.
The way I see it as, it's best to play this game without much thought. I think this is what you're talking about when mentioning euphoria and beauty. I believe the best way to play this game is to play it relaxed, and without thinking. You have all of your strategies, reactions, scouting, micro, macro, etc internalized and automated into muscle memory. If you encounter something you don't understand, just continue to play. Because when you are constantly thinking too hard, and constantly analyzing every bit of data that's coming to you, it's going to take a mental tax on you.
Your best games will be the games you thought the least in. Like I said before, if you don't understand something, don't think about it, just keep playing. Look at the replay later, internalize what you saw and how to deal with it, so next time you play against it you no longer have to think. I believe this mindset is really difficult to achieve, and it's really hard to have any sort of consistency, but is the kind of mindset that'll not only help you perform better, but also allow you to enjoy the game more. It kind of immerses you into the experience far greater than constant thought and data analysis during gameplay will.
Everyone has experienced this 'zone' to an extent. It does not happen only to a select few people. Most people will admit to having experienced this 'zone'. it happens when you are so focused on the activity. watch the video I had posted on page 1 of this thread.
On November 06 2015 16:00 NukeD wrote: This is such a wannabe philosophical/psychological thread.
I love the comment of OP how he laughs at people who haven't used drugs.
The whole things just looks as if it's tought process of a 15-19 year old.
And you are a close-minded imbecile. I am much older than you most likely which extensive experience in both science and hallucinogens. Contact me when you get done working at wal-mart and are able to open up your brain.
On November 06 2015 16:00 NukeD wrote: This is such a wannabe philosophical/psychological thread.
I love the comment of OP how he laughs at people who haven't used drugs.
The whole things just looks as if it's tought process of a 15-19 year old.
And you are a close-minded imbecile. I am much older than you most likely which extensive experience in both science and hallucinogens. Contact me when you get done working at wal-mart and are able to open up your brain.
You're certainly acting like an enlightened individual worthy of emulation here.
Frankly I find it pretentious to assume that because you have had moments of self-perceived invincibility that you know anything about the mindset of a professional player who has made it their career to play this game. You know nothing of what it is like to live in a barracks-style house practicing with other young men for hours upon hours a day, repeating and regurgitating the same builds over and over until they become second nature, all in hopes of beating other young men from an opposing house every week. You know nothing of SilentControl passing out in front of his screen before a match because he was too exhausted from practicing. You apparently know nothing of players whose expressions betray the worry and apprehension they are experiencing at that moment when an unexpected attack hits them or when their push fails. I can't think of a single progamer who I haven't seen panic, get frustrated, be emotionally crushed, overjoyed by something going his way, or some other emotion that would contradict your "euphoria" because of the "beauty of the game" hypothesis.
When they did brain scans on Nada (it was Nada, right?) for Nat Geo or something similar, he was playing an intermediate Korean player. The fMRI showed that the intermediate Korean was using his visual cortex and frontal lobe, which given your neurological degree you will know is the decision-making center of the brain. The hotpoints were smudged and covered a relatively loose area. Meanwhile, Nada's brain was lit up on the visual cortex and memory center, meaning he was playing purely from visual cue and trained instinct. There is no euphoric state or artistic appreciation going on here.
I think you were trying to humblebrag about how good you are and try to relate it to Koreans, and disguised it with some crackpot theory about how other people perceive a game, which is a presumptuous endeavor at best. Then when people call you out on it, you show your true colors. Nothing to see here, move on folks.
EDIT: Seems you were banned while I was writing this post. Not surprised.
Neuroscience degree has helped you so much. You are so enlightened that you feel the need to insult someone with a differing viewpoint on who you are. I find all these posts pretty pathetic, it's an "intellectual" dick measuring contest.
It's pretty commonly accepted that if you do something a lot you get good at it. This applies to Starcraft much like anything else, of course, and if you bring up the difference between Koreans and foreigners you'll always get the answer Koreans practice more.
What people mention less often is that improvement is rarely linear. In reality you get stuck at plateaus quite often unless you're abnormally gifted, and you have to keep practicing with the constant feedback that you are NOT improving in order to have the possibility of getting to the next plateau, a plateau that may never come.
Idra in BW, Huk and Naniwa in SC2, they all went to Korea to get better and saw very little improvement in results for 6 months to a year before breaking through and getting to the level of a good, but not great, Korean player. Some players like Jinro kept trying for years and never jumped to the next plateau.
So I guess the psychology of top Koreans is that they keep practicing even when there's no reward or feedback. Innovation's been a progamer since 2008, did you know that? NesTea played from 2002 to mid 2010 with basically no results to speak of. Bomber joined eSTRO in 2007. Having to play 3-4 years as a B-teamer without seeing any sort of results is not too uncommon in Korea.
There might be something to "Being in the zone" or whatever but the real difference is the mental strength to continue practicing even when it seems like practice does nothing to help you. And some foreigners have been able to do this, but Koreans are on a whole other level.
On November 06 2015 16:00 NukeD wrote: This is such a wannabe philosophical/psychological thread.
I love the comment of OP how he laughs at people who haven't used drugs.
The whole things just looks as if it's tought process of a 15-19 year old.
And you are a close-minded imbecile. I am much older than you most likely which extensive experience in both science and hallucinogens. Contact me when you get done working at wal-mart and are able to open up your brain.
Be sure to check out the current #1 New York Times best seller, The Psychology of Koreans, by up and coming neuroscience author Gyrus.
In this stunning look into just what makes koreans better than everyone else, Gyrus discovers that he, too, is likely a korean.
Author's credentials:
*Over 20,000 games played and feelings of invincibility. *neuroscience degree without actually being able to spell anything correctly *Extensive experience in both science and hallucinogens
On November 06 2015 16:00 NukeD wrote: This is such a wannabe philosophical/psychological thread.
I love the comment of OP how he laughs at people who haven't used drugs.
The whole things just looks as if it's tought process of a 15-19 year old.
And you are a close-minded imbecile. I am much older than you most likely which extensive experience in both science and hallucinogens. Contact me when you get done working at wal-mart and are able to open up your brain.
You're certainly acting like an enlightened individual worthy of emulation here.
Frankly I find it pretentious to assume that because you have had moments of self-perceived invincibility that you know anything about the mindset of a professional player who has made it their career to play this game. You know nothing of what it is like to live in a barracks-style house practicing with other young men for hours upon hours a day, repeating and regurgitating the same builds over and over until they become second nature, all in hopes of beating other young men from an opposing house every week. You know nothing of SilentControl passing out in front of his screen before a match because he was too exhausted from practicing. You apparently know nothing of players whose expressions betray the worry and apprehension they are experiencing at that moment when an unexpected attack hits them or when their push fails. I can't think of a single progamer who I haven't seen panic, get frustrated, be emotionally crushed, overjoyed by something going his way, or some other emotion that would contradict your "euphoria" because of the "beauty of the game" hypothesis.
When they did brain scans on Nada (it was Nada, right?) for Nat Geo or something similar, he was playing an intermediate Korean player. The fMRI showed that the intermediate Korean was using his visual cortex and frontal lobe, which given your neurological degree you will know is the decision-making center of the brain. The hotpoints were smudged and covered a relatively loose area. Meanwhile, Nada's brain was lit up on the visual cortex and memory center, meaning he was playing purely from visual cue and trained instinct. There is no euphoric state or artistic appreciation going on here.
I think you were trying to humblebrag about how good you are and try to relate it to Koreans, and disguised it with some crackpot theory about how other people perceive a game, which is a presumptuous endeavor at best. Then when people call you out on it, you show your true colors. Nothing to see here, move on folks.
EDIT: Seems you were banned while I was writing this post. Not surprised.
The player was XellOs. But yeah, I agree: OP doesn't know what s/he is talking about when it comes to progamers and their mindsets. The fact gyrus immediately resorted to insults when NukeD expressed doubt shows gyrus has nothing concrete to backup anything s/he said.
EPT
