WarCraft 3 Progamer Park "Go)Space" Seung Hyun passed away on this Monday. I don't know how many people here followed the WC3 pro scene but I'm sure as fellow gamers we can appreciate a guy who played at an extremely high level with a disease. He never let such a terrible disease hold him back from doing what he loved.
Also, here's an interview with him that was posted on TL a few years ago: Interview
Excerpts:
Seung Hyun Go)Space Park is no new name in the international Warcraft community, as he has played for the once commendable Team NoA. However, a large portion of the community does not know that the undead player was diagnosed with a rare inveterate muscle disorder which caused him to be disabled at the young age of 11...
...Space understands that there is no remedy for his disease, hence his only wish is to become the greatest Warcraft player.
^My dream is neither not to become a pro-player nor be healthy. But I hope to be the best player in WC3 which is the only thing I can do now to make my family proud.^
^I know there is no cure for me and I do not believe in miracles. I just want to play this game for fun by doing my best and become an undefeatable player and a strong son for my mom^ he says.
Adding some pictures of Go)Space from KalWarkov post:
On May 07 2013 23:25 KalWarkov wrote: RIP.
Not only grubby, but the whole wc3 community knew him or at least his play.
Some pictures of him in the spoiler, you wouldnt believe how good he was, top 5 undead in the world for several years.
I was really sad this morning.. I left the WC3 scene long time and I kind of forget about a lot of players, especially Space. IT makes me sad now, but nothing I can do. What I remember though, is that propably 4 years ago there was few articles saying he has only few months to live. Looks like he fought bravely.
RIP. His story is perhaps one of the most inspiring in all of eSports. He was part of an amateur WarCraft III clan called Clan GO, in which there were two pros, FoCus and Shy, who at that point, were enjoying the lucrative salaries of MYM. They decided to leave to go pro with Clan Go, and they got picked up by Fnatic and they quickly rose to be one of the top 8 teams in WC3...I remember the day they trashed the MYM dream team 5-0 in W3CL. Space played Undead, the hardest and the most 'underpowered' race in Frozen Throne, and despite that, and his condition, he became one of the best.
RIP, Space's UD was incredible. Tearing up right now.
edit: As someone who grew up with serious health problems I always looked up to Space when it came to my play because he demonstrated that no matter who you were you could succeed if you put the time and effort in and had a great attitude. Any e-sports community can look up to him, or any person in general.
rip. was a hell oft an undead player in his prime, especially considering his health issues. you got to admire his perspective and motivation in life. he was a fighter.
Go)Space was an inspiration to every warcraft 3 player out there.And he was an outstanding undead player.i will miss you buddy.................. rest in peace . you are a true fighter
I was never more salty than when I lost to Space. What an amazing guy. How can you play Warcraft without control groups?!?! I can't imagine how good he would have been if he were healthy.
He was definitely selfless...never trying to turn his situation into a media frenzy for attention or anything of the sort. Many SC players who didn't play WC3 will likely not know him, but know this: the fnatic article is completely true. He never played up his condition beyond telling people it existed. His play alone was what drove him into the spotlight. As a WC3 player originally, this hurts to see. I watched dozens, probably hundreds of his games back in the day.
I don't think I've ever felt this way about a gamer dying in my life, his actions speak on their own by NEVER seeking attention. He is such a strong role model that should really be publicized more now for how he handled such tremendous adversity. I hope this story makes front page spotlight, he's earned it.
Absolute respect for how he went about his life, makes me feel like I should be doing more myself since I am completely healthy and yet take it for granted consistently. Don't forget what truly matters in the end.
this is awful... i remember reading those very articles back in 2008. a huge inspiration to all, i never played UD but followed his career and watched his success.
I never played WC3 nor am familiar with the scene but this
In that same interview, Park's mother said that while other parents worry about their children becoming addicted to games, she was worried about her son's fingers becoming paralyzed and him being unable to play.
I rarely cry, so when I feel like I'm going to cry (right now), I count that as crying. Didn't follow WC3 so I didn't know who he was until now, but he seems a great guy. Though I'd say with his condition he probably rested enough already in his life, I hope he's running or flying somewhere now.
Didn't know him personally at all, watched his replays at times in WC3 (I didn't play much but I enjoyed watching games) and knew about his story etc....
Feels sad to see him go EDIT: That's actually an understatement, feeling surprisingly sad. Damn.
On May 08 2013 01:24 Just_a_Moth wrote: I rarely cry, so when I feel like I'm going to cry (right now), I count that as crying. Didn't follow WC3 so I didn't know who he was until now, but he seems a great guy. Though I'd say with his condition he probably rested enough already in his life, I hope he's running or flying somewhere now.
if i could "like" or "upvote" this comment or whatever to show my support of it, i'd be clicking until my fingers bleed
his micro was godlike, eventhough he had ~100 APM. Whereas minimum for pro players was ~220. He had to cut corners, and make every move as efficient as possible. Also, I love wc3 community, nobody tried to differentiate him and treated him as equal opponent.
He reminds me so much why it's incredibly idiotic to pass videogames off as a waste of time. Even though I never played WC3, I'm still incredibly happy that the game existed. It gave Space something to enjoy and something to dream of and it sure as hell gave him strength where others would have given up.
He reminded us, that you can overcome all odds with just enough passion and willpower and make the best of your life, even if it seems to be impossible sometimes.
While the inevitability of death remains a constant, it always unnerves me how many of those that we consider unfairly gone seem to have been characters of outstanding resolve, prowess or moral fibre compared to many of those left. Evidently, this makes cases such as Space's all the more tragic, shattering any and every hopeful illusion of some supreme morality governing the universe. It's sad that we must be reminded so often that anyone, no matter how ardent or passionate or hardworking or kind can pass away at any time or be stricken by one incurable, terminal condition or another.
Nevertheless, even as someone who has not followed the WC3 scene a great deal, Space's tragedy has gotten to me on a personal level, and I will check out some of his games momentarily.
I think what's important is to keep the memory of him, not of his affliction but of his personality and games, alive; let it not be forgotten. It's the least we could do...
That's a good life to live. Having a disease like that and not letting it stop you from accomplishing things you want to. RIP, and best wishes to family and friends
He was brilliant, perserverent, and refused to give up. He was an absolute inspiration. I can recall an interview where he said that he realized he was too physically disabled to make his family proud by convention means and that he used WC3 as a way to still accomplish something and make his family proud. Downright wonderful person and its a tragedy to see him go. He was an inspiration to a lot of people and his legacy will continue to live on.
Got a big lump in my throat here. I always cheered for Space, he seemed like a nice guy in interviews and for such a young man to be robbed of his mobility and his life is a terrible thing. And he really was an excellent player. RIP..
Man I remember great games from him against Moon and XlorD and of course many others. He was a truly inspirational guy, thanks Space for all the passion you showed the wc3 and e-sports scene. Space is a name I will remember for the rest of my life, rest in peace.
I remember when I got into WC3 heavily for a little bit I really liked undead. I remember looking for replays of undead and finding gospace vs remind and was really impressed. Then I found out he couldn't assign hotkeys and that he had that disease my respect grew for him even more.
I remember reading his interview for the first time many years ago after watching many of his games and that was when i first learnt of his condition. I was shocked that a person with a condition like that could play WC3 at such a high level and literally made me drop my jaw while watching his games. Very inspiring attitude.
Amazing player, even more amazing fighting spirit.
A player I highly respect. I was very proud to admin him in numerous games, he never complained and always was there on time, being humble, respectful, and showing us such great games.
Now you're finally free. You will not be forgotten, and you made all of us respect you. Your family is most assuredly very proud of you. Rest in Peace.
sad. i always liked his play back with Go. though it was to be expected since he revealed his disease. it's even more amazing how good he really was. playing at his lvl without hotkeys and still this crazy ghoul micro. RIP Space
He was amazing UD player... The way he was able to micro his units without any control groups was astonishing. Sad to see him go. RIP Space, you will be remembered.
I am still amazed by how well he not only physically was able to play despite his disease, but also how well he apparently mentally coped with it. I am in awe of his attitude. Go)Space will hopefully not be forgotten. Respect! RIP.
Sad. As former WC3 Player I knew him for quite some time. His parents supported him with everything because they knew he was never going to get as happy as he was back then. And he was a really good player. Considering his situation make it even more awesome.
Rest in peace, best wishes to the family. He achieved greatness in something even if he was ill, and I want to thank him for showing great games to fans of the game. He didn't give up.
this guy made a name for himself after i had already quit warcraft 3, but i had still heard of him nonetheless. it's amazing what he achieved only being able to use 3 control groups (? i believe) and very few hotkeys. i hope he passed away peacefully, with as little pain as possible.
On May 08 2013 03:03 Zheryn wrote: How good was he? I didn't follow wc3, but I feel it must be harder to play with a muscle disorder. Always sad when young people die.
He was always floating around the top 5 undeads in the world. If you were to watch just his gameplay you would never know he had such a tragic disease. RIP, you were an inspiration to everyone in the WC3 community.
^I know there is no cure for me and I do not believe in miracles. I just want to play this game for fun by doing my best and become an undefeatable player and a strong son for my mom^ he says.
Cassandra @followcassandra 1h Picture I took of Go)Space, 2008. Was amazed someone who could only move his eyes and fingers was top 5 UD. #WC3 #RIP Retweeted by Manuel "Grubby" Schenkhuizen 9:18 AM - 7 May 13 · Details
Watched a lot of his replays back in the day. He was one of my favourite undead players ever played the game. Condolences to his family. May Space rest in peace
One of the highlights of being a zotac cup admin was being able to host games for space and watch him play first hand as much as admins are supposed to be unbiased I couldn't help but always cheer for him. Such an inspirational player, he will be missed.
Shit, i always hoped this message wouldn't come. I regularly watched him play back in the days What an inspiratational guy.. the only reason he "only" was like top 5 ud were some micro problems that obviously came from his disability. Otherwise his play was flawless.
Never followed WC3 so this person is new to me, but I think if I had the same condition I wouldn't even be able to play chess. From what I read, it might be fair to say he did the impossible in being so skilled, strong and motivated in the disease's face.
On May 08 2013 03:03 Zheryn wrote: How good was he? I didn't follow wc3, but I feel it must be harder to play with a muscle disorder. Always sad when young people die.
Couldnt help but shed tears when I first saw his picture in that condition, and yet he still had that smile & determination. It's unbelievable that Space did play at the very top level for like five years, even taking his team to a WC3L finals iirc. Pretty sure all his good friends from clan Go would stay with him till the end. R.I.P. Space
On May 08 2013 03:03 Zheryn wrote: How good was he? I didn't follow wc3, but I feel it must be harder to play with a muscle disorder. Always sad when young people die.
On May 08 2013 03:03 Zheryn wrote: How good was he? I didn't follow wc3, but I feel it must be harder to play with a muscle disorder. Always sad when young people die.
His determination and persistence is unparalleled with anything. Ive always admired the guy, and had the distinguished pleasure of playing with him several times.
Thanks for the awesome games, you are a rolemodel to many gamers, may you rest in piece.
So incredibly tragic; I just cant believe all the utter crap governments spend billions of dollars on while there is dire need of research money for things like this.
Does anyone know what muscular dystrophy he suffered from? I worked for a few years for a guy with duchenne so Im a bit curious.
Like a few people here I didn't follow WC3, but I had heard of Space. Humbling and awe-inspiring guy. "A man is nothing but what he wills himself to be" - people like this find something they want to be good at and simply do it, irrespective of anything else. Utmost respect for Space.
On May 08 2013 03:03 Zheryn wrote: How good was he? I didn't follow wc3, but I feel it must be harder to play with a muscle disorder. Always sad when young people die.
Wow, that is truly impressive! Amazing skill while having such an hard time irl.
I never followed the WC3 scene but hearing things like this makes me so sad. That someone, apparently full of life energy and dedication just slowly gets taken away at such a young age is just heartbraking ;-(
Really sad to read this, but hopefully he is resting in peace. To have had such an awful condition and power through and play at the top tier of WC3 means this kid had a lot of dedication and the skill to back it up. My thoughts and prayers go out to anyone who mourns the loss, just know he is in a better place.
This guy is a baller. His comments about not believing in a cure rip me up inside, I'm weak like that. Damn. What a sad thing to have a guy like this pass, we need more of him :/.
RIP, I remember reading some article on GG a while ago, so sad to hear about his passing, he's really a testament to how hard work and dedication really does provide notoriety. He's truly an inspiration and a big motivator <3
An inevitably sad ending to a bright story. RIP. It's always very nice to hear about people facing lethal diseases who still accomplish big things despite their poor condition. Does anyone know what the specific muscle condition was? Genetic disorder? Neurological problem?
Never followed WC3, but this guy lived to his full potential despite his disability and enjoyed a game he found a deep passion for. My condolences for his family and friends, they truly met a great son and friend.
I don't believe in miracles either. It's great to see that he was a realist but didn't let his condition hold him back from pursuing his goals in life. There is something to be said for that.
The saddest part in life for me is seeing a better person, who deserves to live more than me pass away while I'm still here. RIP, truly a great player and person.
He will be immortalized in the minds and memories of his fellow wc3 comrades who fought upon the same battlefield. Space as one who shed no fear to stand against the world, walked away with a piece of it for himself.
On May 08 2013 01:44 MasterOfPuppets wrote: While the inevitability of death remains a constant, it always unnerves me how many of those that we consider unfairly gone seem to have been characters of outstanding resolve, prowess or moral fibre compared to many of those left. Evidently, this makes cases such as Space's all the more tragic, shattering any and every hopeful illusion of some supreme morality governing the universe. It's sad that we must be reminded so often that anyone, no matter how ardent or passionate or hardworking or kind can pass away at any time or be stricken by one incurable, terminal condition or another.
Nevertheless, even as someone who has not followed the WC3 scene a great deal, Space's tragedy has gotten to me on a personal level, and I will check out some of his games momentarily.
I think what's important is to keep the memory of him, not of his affliction but of his personality and games, alive; let it not be forgotten. It's the least we could do...
what a great posting, had to bold it
RIP Space, one of the few real fighters in an evil world, may your mighty soul finds freedom apart from your body, in the light of heaven.
I followed Warcraft 3's competitive scene after Sky's WCG victory.
I remember towards the end of Warcraft 3's competitive lifetime, somebody did an interview with Space, and at that point, he said that it was painful for him to practice and difficult to maintain a competitive level of play. Yet, he still tried his best which speaks volume that the game wasn't an escape for him as much as it's his stage to show that despite his affliction that he was able to be not only normal but to be better than anyone else. Nobody would have faulted him for giving up at that point, but he didn't and that's what I'll always remember.
For those of you who didn't follow Warcraft 3, Space played what many considered to be the weakest of the 4 races, Undead. If my memory serves me correctly, Undead has never won a major tournament in the game's competitive lifetime. So take that into consideration if some of you decide to watch his old matches.
God, when I saw the thread on the left bar "Warcraft3 pro Go)Space pas", I was praying to myself that the last two words weren't "passes away". I used to remember this guy atleast once every few months, wondering what happened to him since there was no news about him. I was hoping against hope that this thread was something about Go)Space playing Starcraft 2, but unfortunately it wasn't to be...
RIP Space. If there is an afterlife, may you find boundless happiness and eternal peace in it ( and have the physique and virility of Usain Bolt ).
On May 08 2013 12:10 Judicator wrote: For those of you who didn't follow Warcraft 3, Space played what many considered to be the weakest of the 4 races, Undead. If my memory serves me correctly, Undead has never won a major tournament in the game's competitive lifetime. So take that into consideration if some of you decide to watch his old matches.
Sweet won a WEG, and some other stuff, Lucifer and FoV won some stuff like ESWC 2004 or 2005 very early on, but yea overall Undead was the weakest by far, major titles were bare in quantity and from 2008 some top Undeads like FoV and Sweet (MaDFroG even earlier) already decided to retire due to lack of matchup balance long BEFORE Space even considered about giving up.
Space played for his family, his friends, his team and for his life, for honor and respect - an unique example and role model for global eSports
On May 08 2013 12:10 Judicator wrote: For those of you who didn't follow Warcraft 3, Space played what many considered to be the weakest of the 4 races, Undead. If my memory serves me correctly, Undead has never won a major tournament in the game's competitive lifetime. So take that into consideration if some of you decide to watch his old matches.
Sweet won a WEG, and some other stuff, Lucifer and FoV won some stuff like ESWC 2004 or 2005 very early on, but yea overall Undead was the weakest by far, major titles were bare in quantity and from 2008 some top Undeads like FoV and Sweet (MaDFroG even earlier) already decided to retire due to lack of matchup balance long BEFORE Space even considered about giving up.
Space played for his family, his friends, his team and for his life, for honor and respect - an unique example and role model for global eSports
Orc vs UD was a disgrace, and Blademaster being able to fast creep orange (and sometimes red) creep camps at level 1 using circlets was pretty much the most retarded thing ever. Unfortunately, Blizzard had no long-term interest in balancing the game, and practically left it to die.
Such an admirable person. He never let left and his circumstances get him down and he just did what he loved to the best of his ability. So much we can take from this.
As another disabled gamer, this makes me so sad. Watching his old WC3 vods really inspired me when I was proposing my fellowship project. The world is a darker place without him.
On May 08 2013 03:03 Zheryn wrote: How good was he? I didn't follow wc3, but I feel it must be harder to play with a muscle disorder. Always sad when young people die.
Space & Ted helped teach me to play UD so much. Didn't even know about his illness till a couple years later & always cheered for him then. I'll miss watching your matches man.
A majority of posts about the "community" of esports make me think "why does this matter?" Retirements, game switches, team switches, etc. - none of it really makes me bat an eye.
Hearing about a young man with such a cripling disease (I would like to hear it's english name to be aware of exactly what he fought through) deserves WAY more posts than the drama threads about (enter league here)'s latest screw up, or elephants, or dota, or what have you.
Space was a genius: He was able to win with Undead while also being severely handicapped - extremely impressive!
I actually thought about how he's doing recently. Years ago when he was playing WC3 I read in some Interview, that the Doctors gave him only a few months to live, yet his will was so strong, that he not only survived, but actually followed his dream of becoming a ProGamer. Even without the ability to move almost anything besides his Hands and Fingers, he played amazingly - I've even heard that he couldn't even use Hotkeys!
He can really be proud of himself, I wonder what kind of a Player he would've been without his disease...
I'm actually really touched and inspired by him. Was real and truthful, made the most of what he had, didn't let anything hinder him, made one goal and set out to achieve it. I'm no Warcraft expert but watching some videos, he definitely made it true. A true role model.
This was some of the SADDEST news I heard on the Internet last night. This guy basically invented my matchup vs Elf and put me in to a very respectable position in the AU community. His control was exceptional and when I heard that he couldn't even bind units due to his disability I was gobsmacked. The guy definitely had pro-level control and was playing without what I thought was a necessity.
The community has lost an amazing personality. I'm sure someone might be able to dredge up some of his better play. One video stands out to me is where they manage to get him to a LAN event (keep in mind that at this stage he could only move his fingers and neck) and they have to hoist him on to the stage in his wheelchair. Crowd was awestruck.
We had a guy in my school in third grade with the same affliction. The amount of mental fortitude it must take just to make it through a normal day is tremendous, let alone to do so and keep a positive attitude. My respects.
Knew about his condition since that article on Gosugamers 5 years ago or so...For some reason, since I still follow the TFT scene, and I didn't see his name come up in a long time, I was wondering if the time had already come (this thought came up in my mind more than once during the last years actually). And now this...really heartbreaking. He seemed like an amazing guy for the simple fact that he never tried to market his disability to gain fans : he wanted to be the fucking best and that's what mattered to him. Not fans, not money, not pity : he wanted to be known for his skills, and he was. And then you have people like "ZilionOP", the scum of the earth, playing a casual game where skill doesn't matter, who uses bots, and begs everyday for money for a disability he doesn't even have. I think this guy should be forced to read Space's biography every fucking night before he sleeps. Rest in peace Space, because even if a freaking unknown french guy behind his computer knows you and feels sad right now, it's not because you were a disabled person, but just because you were an amazing undead player, and that's what you always wanted.
On May 08 2013 03:03 Zheryn wrote: How good was he? I didn't follow wc3, but I feel it must be harder to play with a muscle disorder. Always sad when young people die.
Sorry to hear that. Never heard of him but his story touched me.
I remember people randomly making fun of gamers posting one of his pictures on a facebook page a while ago, without having any idea of who he was and what he was playing. I didn't know about him and ignored it as a usual bad joke about "nerds". I feel so bad and angry right now and ashamed for those guys, it's disgusting.
Huge respect to undead players. It was my first race, but I switched because I couldn't handle the micro necessary to control an undead composition. So long Go)Space. Rest in peace.
It feels insignificant to talk of his strategy, but he really was ahead of his time, being the first to really make fiends consistently work at the highest level in all matchups. Extraordinary player, fantastic human being. You're an inspiration to all of us. Rest in peace Space.
On May 09 2013 18:58 metzninja wrote: It feels insignificant to talk of his strategy, but he really was ahead of his time, being the first to really make fiends consistently work at the highest level in all matchups.
RIP Space, you made everyone proud. Your family, the community, yourself. When I found out that you were unwell I was shocked, never would have known from your play. Goodbye man, you inspire me to be better.
I remember learning of Space's condition for the first time, after seeing him play tons, and simply not believing it. How could someone with those reflexes, that micro... It simply blew my mind. Not only that, but he often had to adopt his strategy in the game based on his dexterity. Reading those initial interviews, hearing how he just wanted to prove himself as a player and make his mother proud really put into perspective how a video game can be so much more, and how competition transcends physical limitations and arenas. I'm sad that he's gone but am left with the bittersweet memory of a guy that pursued his dream the best he could.
RIP. A little late, but i just saw the thread. I'm, also, one of those who were really amazed after finding out his condition. Just how fucking good and fierce do you have to be to play like that and succeed ...
On May 09 2013 18:58 metzninja wrote: It feels insignificant to talk of his strategy, but he really was ahead of his time, being the first to really make fiends consistently work at the highest level in all matchups.
PhilMiraldo v2.0!
Emphasis on highest level - taking a game off Grubby in a bo3 doesn't count
Using fiends in the mirror and against elf were two pretty big changes from the ghoul-gargs standard and it was refreshing/surprising to see how well he did in WEG.
He was so smart and so quick, good enough to be remembered for his skill but what he had to contend with makes him one of the greatest gamers ever, any genre. Can't reiterate that enough!
RIP Space,excellent rallyjacks. The best undead player for atleast a year, the Orc vs Undead imbalance certainly held him back. his spirit will be missed
EPT![[image loading]](http://s.sk-gaming.com/image/player/180.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://www.fragster.de/de/esport/warcraft-3/artikel/11/11/bilder/Space.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://s.sk-gaming.com/image/image/53086853979e3a2em.jpg)
RIP
![[image loading]](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/BJrPIG8CQAAl9g6.jpg:small)
).
