As sad as it makes me, I still respect his decision to take a break. I guess there are sometimes you have to keep playing even if you aren't enjoying it, but there's a limit to how much you can force yourself to do something that just makes you feel miserable. I always thought it was a bit odd how Idra kept playing the game even though he stated repeatedly that he didn't like playing, and I'm glad Naniwa isn't going down the same path.

I'm also happy that he at least isn't 100 % certainly retiring for good. I think a Swarm Host change will take some time, but I have faith that Blizzard will fix it eventually. They usually do, it just takes half a year longer than it should have, sometimes.

In the meantime, thanks for everything and hope you have fun at IEM, Nani.

moofang

508 Posts

March 13 2014 09:52 GMT

#10862

Hope you have fun at IEM all the same, Nani. Will be cheering for you.

ShoCkSC2

Germany340 Posts

March 13 2014 11:06 GMT

#10863

It would be really cool if you'd keep your fans up to date, maybe write a blog post or once in a while stop in here and tell us how things are going and what you're doing? What your current situation is etc. I'm sure it would make a lot of your fans very happy.

Waterflow

Sweden1550 Posts

March 13 2014 11:25 GMT

#10864

Please say this is just a trick to fool everybody into thinking you haven't practiced at all while in fact you have practiced more than you have ever done before in your entire life?

but no..... that's just wishful thinking

If you need a break ofcourse that's the wise thing to do, I understand that. I hope you will take your time and think things over and make the best decision for YOU.

If you decide to retire then please don't just fade into darkness..... make a real statement and say goodbye to all of your fans and so on and keep us updated about what's going on in your life once in a while

I hope you decide to continue playing ofcourse but don't we all ^^

I also hope you can play this tournament without any kind of pressure now and just enjoy it and do your best. No pressure from me that's for sure I just want you to have fun and feel good about yourself.

Now go grab yourself those $100,000

Good luck and have fun @ IEM Katowice! <3

LakseWim

Netherlands202 Posts

March 13 2014 11:55 GMT

#10865

Good luck nani, I have been cheering for you since you beat Ret in TSL3. I hope you will be able to find motivation again. Either way, thanks for being honest and good luck! NANI FIGHTING!!!!!

Sanhadrian

Poland33 Posts

March 13 2014 20:32 GMT

#10866

I certainly hope you don't retire, Nani. I always found your dedication inspiring. SC2 won't be the same without you. To me, you are part of this "Greater Balance".

The_Templar

your Country52797 Posts

March 13 2014 20:32 GMT

#10867

Naniwa vs Polt is not a very good start to the tournament for him T_T

ThePlagueJG

Sweden1010 Posts

March 13 2014 21:09 GMT

#10868

On March 14 2014 05:32 The_Templar wrote:
Naniwa vs Polt is not a very good start to the tournament for him T_T

We need cheese combined with destroying freedom :D

Atleast take a map NaNi and Im happy!

plumblum

Sweden4 Posts

March 13 2014 21:10 GMT

#10869

Damn so sad

well i guess my time watching sc2 is over for now at least, there is just less fun watching 16 Koreans fighting without a single Naniwa involved

Maegi

Finland174 Posts

March 14 2014 08:08 GMT

#10870

Naniwa's birthday today?

ThePlagueJG

Sweden1010 Posts

March 14 2014 08:17 GMT

#10871

On March 14 2014 17:08 Maegi wrote:
Naniwa's birthday today? https://twitter.com/joinsimon/status/444381150593953792

According to liquidpedia and swedish hitta.se(lol) it is today!

Happy Birthday NaNiwa!

sunshinehero

Norway89 Posts

March 14 2014 08:44 GMT

#10872

Happy birthday naniwa!!!

lookfirewood

1212 Posts

March 14 2014 09:03 GMT

#10873

Mighty Congaz Naniwa! Hope you have a terrific birthday in Katowice! I am sure as hell you'll put on a nailbiting show no matter what happens!

Jacmert

Canada1709 Posts

March 14 2014 09:16 GMT

#10874

Happy Birthday, Naniwa! I can't believe your birthday is on Pi Day and on Day 1 of the real start of IEM Katowice

Blessings to you today

Hoping today turns out to be a great experience...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pi_Day

5c0rp10n

Germany342 Posts

March 14 2014 09:26 GMT

#10875

happy birthday mr. naniwa!

JoestarR

France18 Posts

March 14 2014 10:22 GMT

#10876

Even if I think he has no chance versus Polt, I still cheer for Naniwa, happy birthday man, so many nerd chills you gave us thorugh your entire career, respect !

ShoCkSC2

Germany340 Posts

March 14 2014 10:49 GMT

#10877

http://www.reddit.com/r/starcraft/comments/20e5om/its_naniwas_birthday_lets_thank_him_for_his/ posting on reddit might have been the biggest mistake i have ever done

Gothic

Sweden122 Posts

March 14 2014 11:28 GMT

#10878

Screw reddit.

Johan, happy birthday! Have fun in Katowice, relax, meet fun people and just enjoy the love from your true fans who will always support you. Nobody who matters is going to care if you get crushed this weekend (we know why), we just want to see you one last time and hopefully the people down in Poland will show you their appreciation as well for your dedication, skill and fantastic plays throughout all these years. You brought passion to this game for so many of us!

Your fans will always remember you. And, funnily, I think your anti-fans are going to miss you too eventually.

Much love from a fan in Gothenburg!