Yesterday after their against MYInsanity, Swedish caster Kim 'Drayich' Larsson had a post-game interview with Jonathan 'Loda' Berg. The interview was conducated in Swedish, link below, but we have now translated the key parts of it.
During the interview Loda touched on things like in-game leadership in Alliance, his reflections on the last year as well as toilets in Malaysia. The interview has a very light undertone since Loda and Drayich are old friends and team-mates, so keep in mind that some of the answers might seem like attacks when they were really meant as jokes.
[Translation starts at 00:23 in the video] Q: Well lets start off by saying congratulations, even if it feels a bit strange saying that after you've beaten mYi. But the general feeling I have is that you're improving? A: I believe so. We're communicating a lot better and everything is working a lot better since we brought 7ckingmad on board. Part of the reason is also because me and Pajkatt talked and agreed to stick to one leader. It works better that way.
Q: I've always said that you and Pajkatt are very strong minded? A: We are. But at the same time we haven't had any issues playing together. We've just had issues with getting the teamwork going. Pajkatt is a very good player who can win games on his own sometimes. But when we've lost its mostly been due to the fact that we haven't been able to figure out how to play together as cores. But we've adapted a lot better to that lately. An example would be when he plays sniper and I slardar. That usually works out pretty well since he's the one carrying. Another good example would be when I play Tiny and he plays something like QoP. We've just been playing together a lot. So now we have a plan
Q: Ok. Would you say the following statement is true: Both you and pajkatt have taken a step back when it comes to play calling and you've given that responsibility to the snail (editors note: 7ckingmad)? A: Yes we have. But at the same time I see myself as the leader, so I take on the authoritarian role. If there's any issues I'm the one stepping up. But yes, we've taken a step back, both of us.
We both still have great ideas, but it has been easier taking a step back together with him.
Q: The question on everyones minds is "When are they going to stop playing without standins?" When will you decide on a final roster? A: Well.... we're practically a team right now. It's just not official. We don't care much about what's in front of the players name right now, since we've had bad luck with that earlier. Everytime we've added someone as "Alliance" something has happened shortly afterwards so we had to replace them.
Q: Yes, you've had a lot of bad luck with players. What I don't understand is how you managed to keep on going through all the hardships you've been through? A: It's been really rough. If Chessie hadn't gotten injured this year most likely would've gone by a lot smoother. But that's Dota. It was the same thing in Dota 1. Sometimes you just hit a string of bad luck. There's always that little thing missing in the end. You know you're not bad, you just fall short. And it gets worse and worse over time since it gets into your head. And when those things are going on there's either complete silence or complete chaos on skype.
Q: Well what do you prefer in that situation? Silence or chaos A: I like people talking, as long as it is regarding the game we're playing. I think I prefer the chaos scenario.
Q: During this period of you not performing. Has it ever gotten to the point where even Akke is really upset? A: Yeah he's been in a bad mood all year because of this.
Q: Oh he has? A: Yes
Q: That feels kind of good to know. A: Really? I'm kind of disappointed. I thought he knew better.
Q: *laughing* You expected him to stay stone-faced through all of this? A: *laughing* Exactly. But if I'm to be serious, we've all had smaller breakdowns this year. But Akke has always tried to find the silver lining throughout this. He could just say "Ok, we can't swap any more players. These are the players we go with". Me on the other hand, I think we've spent too much time with certain players and maybe too little with a few others.
Q: So what language to you use in-game right now? A: Well Niqua talks something that's supposed to be English, but I'm not sure. (big laughter from Drayich) I kid. He speaks English very well, but there's a lot of swenglish going on (editors note: Swedish term for when you mix Swedish words into your English). But I think that's kind of cute. He's gonna be so sad when he hears this. I was just kidding. His English is great. It's mostly English. Maybe a bit of Swedish here and there. Mostly English though.
Q: Mats (editors notes: co-caster) would you like to ask Loda any questions? Q (Mats): How long have you been playing with 7ckingmad? A: About a month now
Q(Mats): How do you feel you've progressed during this time? A: We talk a lot. And I appreciate that he talks a lot. He's very calm and collected. Even if we do fall out from time to time we can both sit down and talk about it. It's nice being able to really talk about a game after it happened. Not just play scrim after scrim, but really discuss the games to figure out what was going on. It's nice to have someone like that on the team. He really loves the draft, as do I.
Q: Do you have any issues with the fact that he is very good looking? A: No definitely not. It's like 50% of the criteria when we chose a stand-in!
Q: Cause I was thinking. You might have lost some skills when S4 and Bulldog left, but in terms of looks I think you've taken a big step forwards. A: I feel exactly the same thing. Pajkatt is also very attractive.
Q: What's the odds of you doing a calendar with me and Mats? Pinup-style A: Why do you think that you and Mats would fit into our handsome Alliance team?
Q: Me and Mats would make the calendar. We wouldn't be on the pictures. Calm down fucks sake! A: Ah ok. You're a photographer. I forgot.
Q: Lets finish this off with some more serious questions: How often do you practice right now? A: Every day. From 4PM to 11PM.
Q: There has been talk about your gaming house. Now when you have a finn and a french guy on the roster, is that still on the table? A: Well... We switched gaming houses. The first place we had was subletted. I don't want to go in to details about that. But we've found a new one. In Gothenburg. We're planning a bootcamp there right now.
Q: With the others too? A: No just me and Akke.
Q: Just you and Akke? A: *laughter* of course with everyone. Just me and Akke? What kind of gaming house would that be?
Q: *laughs* Wow I just got owned by Loda! A: A glass of red wine with just me and Akke.
Q: With this lineup. Do you think you can win TI5? A: Yes, of course we can.
Q: Do you really think so? A: I think all teams can win TI5. As long as you get a good, working, team together. But you never know. We might have to work our way through a qualifier. If we don't win something before the invites go out. But you never know. We can always hope that Valve will go "Everyone that's ever won a TI will get an automatic invite!" But it's not likely.
Q: I understand. because if you just look at your results during the last year or so, I'd say it would be un-fair to not invite you directly. A: I agree. But again, we don't know what they base the invites on. But I'm not counting on getting an invite.
Q: Are you the best team in Sweden? A: Soon. NiP is a really good team, and they won the last official game we had. So I guess they're the best right now. They're going to Malaysia, right? It's a very special country, so we'll see how they can deal with that.
Q: What do you mean with that? A: It's another culture. The toilers are basically just a hole in the ground. Stuff like that.
\Ü/ Interesting how they solved the in-game leadership problem by just capitulating to the french guy I've always felt Alliance main problem after s4 left has basically been about getting their drafting right, and 7ckingmad's drafting seems to be working for them, at least for now.
On March 19 2015 01:41 Sn0_Man wrote: Loda doesn't seem to have a particularly high opinion of Malaysia rofl
the translation sounds a bit harsh, he was basically talking about how NiP would cope with being at a LAN in another country with big cultural differences, like holes in the grounds etc (presumably speaking from own experience with Malaysian tournaments)
There's some mistranslation in here and a some stuff you left out/didn't translate, but I don't want to be too harsh since you actually took the time to translate this (so props for that!)
But just an example of mistranslation: The line by Drayich that you translated into: "I'd say it would be un-fair to not invite you directly." - Drayich actually says the opposite; that it'd be unfair they got invited directly since their results have been poor the past year.
Overall, 90 % of the stuff said in this interview is just Loda and Drayich kidding around. Translating this verbal interview into text misses that very important aspect. Good thing to keep in mind
On March 19 2015 02:46 GinNtoniC wrote: But just an example of mistranslation: The line by Drayich that you translated into: "I'd say it would be un-fair to not invite you directly." - Drayich actually says the opposite; that it'd be unfair they got invited directly since their results have been poor the past year.
I thought that myself too, it felt weird for him to say that and it was translated to an even more bizarre sentence (not a fan of double negatives).
On March 19 2015 02:17 crusad3r wrote: is this the same Drayich that used to play for OK Online Kingdom back in DotA 1? I feel so nostalgic now T_T
The very same guy who lead successeful teams in WC3 DotA and HoN afterwards. He did peek into competetive Dota 2 in its infancy, but stepped down to produce and grow the Swedish Dota scene. I'd say that the older generation of European players are very familiar with each other, I might dare to add most of them consider themselves as friends.
But onto the topic, I'm so hyped that Alliance is starting to get themselves back on their feet. Akke has been my favourite player for more than 5 years now; he really solidified that with his awesome Engineer support play during HoN. The Alliance duo is legendary to say the least, so my wish is that they turn this positive attitude into some results.
Dunno if they read TL that much, but GOGO LODAKKE!
Part of the reason is also because me and Pajkatt talked and agreed to stick to one leader. It works better that way.
Weird.
How so? Reading between the lines it's kind of obvious that both Loda and Pajkatt have pretty big egos. Not saying this in a bad way, but they are both pretty strongheaded (stubborn?) characters and I don't think either one of them would have been fine taking commands from the other. However, having 7ckingmad take command means neither of them have to surrender their pride to the other and they both get in line behind someone impartial. It makes perfect sense, especially since 7ckingmad is a revered Dota 2 strategist.
I was being facetious. There's a lot of room for dynamic leadership structures in Dota 2 but at the end of the day there has to be a guy who is able to make calls and have there be no confusion about whether to listen.
On March 19 2015 05:25 GinNtoniC wrote: especially since 7ckingmad is a revered Dota 2 strategist.
I mean...7ckingmad is no Puppey or PPD. Wouldn't use as strong a word as "revered".
Anyway, glad things are looking up for them. I would have loved to see Bulldog playing with them though instead of being a sellout streamer clown.
Bulldog was actually talking about this on his stream earlier today, he said the reason he isn't playing with them is because they aren't winning. He feels playing with anything less than a tier 1 team is a waste of his time. Guess someone got quite an ego after winning TI3.
On March 19 2015 02:46 GinNtoniC wrote: There's some mistranslation in here and a some stuff you left out/didn't translate, but I don't want to be too harsh since you actually took the time to translate this (so props for that!)
But just an example of mistranslation: The line by Drayich that you translated into: "I'd say it would be un-fair to not invite you directly." - Drayich actually says the opposite; that it'd be unfair they got invited directly since their results have been poor the past year.
Overall, 90 % of the stuff said in this interview is just Loda and Drayich kidding around. Translating this verbal interview into text misses that very important aspect. Good thing to keep in mind
Yeah that was me not proof-reading well enough (and the fact that we have no one on staff other than myself that can proof read this and compare that to what was said during the interview). Thanks for pointing it out though!
On March 19 2015 05:25 GinNtoniC wrote: especially since 7ckingmad is a revered Dota 2 strategist.
I mean...7ckingmad is no Puppey or PPD. Wouldn't use as strong a word as "revered".
Anyway, glad things are looking up for them. I would have loved to see Bulldog playing with them though instead of being a sellout streamer clown.
Bulldog was actually talking about this on his stream earlier today, he said the reason he isn't playing with them is because they aren't winning. He feels playing with anything less than a tier 1 team is a waste of his time. Guess someone got quite an ego after winning TI3.
Guess he will team-up with Sheever and win TI6. Eazie brezie
On March 19 2015 05:25 GinNtoniC wrote: especially since 7ckingmad is a revered Dota 2 strategist.
I mean...7ckingmad is no Puppey or PPD. Wouldn't use as strong a word as "revered".
Anyway, glad things are looking up for them. I would have loved to see Bulldog playing with them though instead of being a sellout streamer clown.
Yes only sellouts play Dota 2 to entertain people, real players play Dota 2 professionally with all of the money that comes from heaven, where God is neutral about esports but respects that labor should be paid.
I've always had a high opinion of fuckingmad. In his previous teams he's usually one of the better or best on the team, but looked like he sometimes stuck with teams out of friendship instead of looking for his best interest. I hope he can get some recognition on Alliance. They've been looking a lot better recently.
lol loda... "I've taken a few steps back, but I still see myself as the leader, even though I shouldn't be making the calls since that's 7ckingmad's role"
On March 19 2015 11:42 Mystgun wrote: lol loda... "I've taken a few steps back, but I still see myself as the leader, even though I shouldn't be making the calls since that's 7ckingmad's role"
teamwork
Pretty reasonable. You can be a leader without doing the play-calling.
On March 19 2015 05:25 GinNtoniC wrote: especially since 7ckingmad is a revered Dota 2 strategist.
I mean...7ckingmad is no Puppey or PPD. Wouldn't use as strong a word as "revered".
Anyway, glad things are looking up for them. I would have loved to see Bulldog playing with them though instead of being a sellout streamer clown.
Yea he is not in the same league, though it can also be said that he never had the opportunity to work with top players. What he has done though is make an average team look good. Sigma in particular had a lot of potential, but deadly disbanded. I particularly respect him for his time in sigma because he drafted according to his team, and not blindly following the meta.
Loda always had a knack for finding swedish talent, so not sure why he suddenly can't. Considering Chessie, it would have been more obvious that Limmp joined [A] than NiP. Actually a bit surprised that they haven't gotten players from NiP like Handsken.
Heh, I know exactly what Loda means by the toilet being a hole in the ground in Malaysia. Fortunately almost every place in Malaysia has a more conventional toilet as well.
Loda even went out on Facebook today and had to specifically state that this interview was mostly joking around, since apparently a lot of people just read the translated interview and thought he was a douche. #lostintranslation
If you listen to the interview it's obvious that he's joking, but if you're just reading the translated script (is that the word?) then it's pretty understandable how someone might get confused.
Listened to the interview for kicks while I read through it. Regardless of what Swedes are actually saying, it always sounds like they're talking about which village to raid this season.
On March 19 2015 16:23 Dracolich70 wrote: Loda always had a knack for finding swedish talent, so not sure why he suddenly can't. Considering Chessie, it would have been more obvious that Limmp joined [A] than NiP. Actually a bit surprised that they haven't gotten players from NiP like Handsken.
Personally sadfaced Ace wasn't attached to [A].
NiP is basically a carry over a Swedish group of friends who were very good at Hon(Lajons) + Era (who was also a Hon superstar). No reason for any of them to leave
On March 19 2015 16:23 Dracolich70 wrote: Loda always had a knack for finding swedish talent, so not sure why he suddenly can't. Considering Chessie, it would have been more obvious that Limmp joined [A] than NiP. Actually a bit surprised that they haven't gotten players from NiP like Handsken.
Personally sadfaced Ace wasn't attached to [A].
NiP is basically a carry over a Swedish group of friends who were very good at Hon(Lajons) + Era (who was also a Hon superstar). No reason for any of them to leave
Limmp didn't play on Lajons. Plenty played in Lajons. Also in Dota 2, like Mynuts - you know that for a time joined [A], leaving Lajons. Other than playing in Lajons, Era also played in Fnatic, a group of friends, who were also very good at HoN. Somehow they split.,
On March 19 2015 16:23 Dracolich70 wrote: Loda always had a knack for finding swedish talent, so not sure why he suddenly can't. Considering Chessie, it would have been more obvious that Limmp joined [A] than NiP. Actually a bit surprised that they haven't gotten players from NiP like Handsken.
Personally sadfaced Ace wasn't attached to [A].
NiP is basically a carry over a Swedish group of friends who were very good at Hon(Lajons) + Era (who was also a Hon superstar). No reason for any of them to leave
Limmp didn't play on Lajons. Plenty played in Lajons. Also in Dota 2, like Mynuts - you know that for a time joined [A], leaving Lajons. Other than playing in Lajons, Era also played in Fnatic, a group of friends, who were also very good at HoN. Somehow they split.,
yes of course plenty did play on Lajons, but there's no reason for them to leave when they had something good going lol. Fnatic split after 2.5 years of play together and a lot of emotional/personal drama. Those situations aren't similar at all lol. The core of handsken, sealkid, jonassomfam was the core of the last iteration of lions in HON fyi. (Era/S4 had played in earlier iterations)
On March 19 2015 16:23 Dracolich70 wrote: Loda always had a knack for finding swedish talent, so not sure why he suddenly can't. Considering Chessie, it would have been more obvious that Limmp joined [A] than NiP. Actually a bit surprised that they haven't gotten players from NiP like Handsken.
Personally sadfaced Ace wasn't attached to [A].
NiP is basically a carry over a Swedish group of friends who were very good at Hon(Lajons) + Era (who was also a Hon superstar). No reason for any of them to leave
Limmp didn't play on Lajons. Plenty played in Lajons. Also in Dota 2, like Mynuts - you know that for a time joined [A], leaving Lajons. Other than playing in Lajons, Era also played in Fnatic, a group of friends, who were also very good at HoN. Somehow they split.,
yes of course plenty did play on Lajons, but there's no reason for them to leave when they had something good going lol. Fnatic split after 2.5 years of play together and a lot of emotional/personal drama. Those situations aren't similar at all lol. The core of handsken, sealkid, jonassomfam was the core of the last iteration of lions in HON fyi. (Era/S4 had played in earlier iterations)
Limmp didn't play for Lions in HoN no, but he did play with everyone in NiP (but not with ErA) in team BMK. He has also played with other former HoN and now dota pros such as zai, mynuts and fittske (who were in the first iteration of lajons in dota 2).
For anyone who didn't know, HoN was actually quite big in Sweden before its downfall. Most of the current Swedish Dota players have played HoN on different teams and been quite successful. ErA and s4 were the first to successfully made the switch to dota and therefore has had enough time to adapt and get really good at the game. zai switched later and has also achieved a lot of success. The other switched when HoN basically started to fall apart some time around late 2013, early 2014 and haven't had as much time to develop their play in dota, among those: Mynuts, Handsken, Sealkid, Jonassomfan, Fittske, Chessie and Limmp.
When Loda returned from Singapore wanting to start a new team, he wanted s4 as he was basically the first really good former HoN pro that switched. When s4 left, he saw Chessie as the new talent (who was actually considered better than s4 in HoN) and picked him up. Limmp went to NiP probably because of the reason i mentioned above (he had played HoN in a team with all the players in NiP except ErA).
Personally, I believe NiP as well as Limmp and Chessie in particular can surely develop into the same caliber of players as ErA, s4 and zai.
The Swedish Dota 2 scene actually looked quite dark for a while before these "2nd generation" players started to switch from HoN. For reference, the "first generation" as I would call them are players such as Pajkatt, Mirakel, smulgullig and the youBoat guys as well as 4FC. Sure, most people played HoN at some point (Loda and Akke actually won the HoN Super Series back in 2011), but most of them switched to Dota 2 quite early since most of them played DotA Allstars on a high level before 2010.
This actually became quite a lot of text, but I hope some at least people can get some insight in where these new and old Swedish players actually comes from, and realize NiP isn't really just a random new team that popped up in late 2014
EPT
youBoat
