EPTTeam Liquid Writer wei.wang sat down with popular streamer and personality Chu8 to discuss the pros and cons of streaming and playing Heroes professionally.
You are obviously a high MMR player, so why choose streaming over competing professionally? What is it like to go from competing professionally on a team to primarily streaming? What is the biggest difference between the two?
It's a bit complicated, but in the end, it really comes down to what is more "worth". While streaming HotS, I always say, "As long as you say 'worth it', then it’s worth it." Unfortunately, can't apply the same logic in real life. Competing professionally in the HotS scene means giving up full-time career as a streamer, and I was doing surprisingly well for myself by being a full-time streamer. Could not give that up.
Making transition from competing professionally to primarily streaming wasn't as hard for me, as I always streamed here and there while still competing. The real challenge for me was to accept the fact that I am now a full casual and that my primary focus is not on improvement as a player, but rather on providing entertainment and keeping the stream afloat. Though I try really hard not to, I built up quite a bit of ego from all the stroking I've received from the DotA / HoN days, and it was quite difficult for me to admit that I am no longer on top of my games, let alone making any effort into doing so. The biggest difference between competing and full-time streaming is that while you compete, you are doing everything you can do be in control of your own skill. When you stream full-time, you are doing everything you can to be in control of your own stream.
Making transition from competing professionally to primarily streaming wasn't as hard for me, as I always streamed here and there while still competing. The real challenge for me was to accept the fact that I am now a full casual and that my primary focus is not on improvement as a player, but rather on providing entertainment and keeping the stream afloat. Though I try really hard not to, I built up quite a bit of ego from all the stroking I've received from the DotA / HoN days, and it was quite difficult for me to admit that I am no longer on top of my games, let alone making any effort into doing so. The biggest difference between competing and full-time streaming is that while you compete, you are doing everything you can do be in control of your own skill. When you stream full-time, you are doing everything you can to be in control of your own stream.
Quick tip for people wanting to rank up in Heroes League other than winning more than losing?
It is no longer a secret that winning more games will allow you climb the ladder, as I have revealed this many times in my stream. So here is another secret I'm willing to share. "The more you try, the more you win." And no, I did not just say that with a Kappa face. If ranking up is your goal, then you should try everything in your power to tryhard. Tryharding is like being a reasonable adult, you sacrifice the fun of doing whatever you want to do for a better chance of success. Want to pick non-meta hero? Too bad! Want to have a chill game where you don't communicate with your team the entire game even though some of them are certified douche? Go play some casualstone! Got that itch to flame your teammate ‘cause he has fully convinced you he is an actual living, breathing donkey? Respect the donkey or face the consequences!
Favorite heroes to play and why?
I love two heroes in this game with passion, Abathur and Nova.
Abathur provides a very unique experience that I've never had in other moba games, and I just can't get over it. It is just too fun sometimes.
Nova on the other hand, although not as unique as Abathur, is very very strong at player killing. In fact, I would go so far as to say she is #1 at that. Best hero to slay the pubsie nubsies in HotS, toughest moba game to slay nubsies that are 3k mmr below you. So the act becomes extra satisfying.
Abathur provides a very unique experience that I've never had in other moba games, and I just can't get over it. It is just too fun sometimes.
Nova on the other hand, although not as unique as Abathur, is very very strong at player killing. In fact, I would go so far as to say she is #1 at that. Best hero to slay the pubsie nubsies in HotS, toughest moba game to slay nubsies that are 3k mmr below you. So the act becomes extra satisfying.
Any changes (hero balancing, hero league structure) that you believe should be implemented before the start of next season?
I love this game, no doubt. But oh boy, does it need some improvements. Where to begin?
Hero balance - It is not possible to make a perfectly balanced game out of a moba. With that said, I strongly believe the uniquely simple environment of HotS with shared exp and no customization beyond talent builds (which tends to be linear anyway), allows this game to be a lot easier to balance than other mobas. I believe good balancing needs to become a strong backbone of this game in the near future for HotS to make mainstream.
Hero league structure - Needs to be more rewarding, needs more fun. Needs to be there as an incentive for typical gamers. Right now, it is more of a placeholder.
Hero balance - It is not possible to make a perfectly balanced game out of a moba. With that said, I strongly believe the uniquely simple environment of HotS with shared exp and no customization beyond talent builds (which tends to be linear anyway), allows this game to be a lot easier to balance than other mobas. I believe good balancing needs to become a strong backbone of this game in the near future for HotS to make mainstream.
Hero league structure - Needs to be more rewarding, needs more fun. Needs to be there as an incentive for typical gamers. Right now, it is more of a placeholder.
Ever thought about going back professionally? Any current favorite teams out there?
I don't plan on playing HotS professionally, but you never know. In fact, I may or may not be competing in Hello Kitty Adventure Island at top level under a secret alias at this exact moment.
My favourite teams in HotS are C9 and MVP black. I will be honest, when you stream like 10 hours a day, you hardly have time to develop strong cheerleading skills, but I will always cheer for these teams. If they clash again though, I am slightly inclined to favor my brothers.
My favourite teams in HotS are C9 and MVP black. I will be honest, when you stream like 10 hours a day, you hardly have time to develop strong cheerleading skills, but I will always cheer for these teams. If they clash again though, I am slightly inclined to favor my brothers.
Any New Year's resolution?
2015 has been amazing for me. I am eternally grateful of the love I have received in the form of friendship, community, business opportunities, and of course, cheeseburgers.
That is why in 2016, I will work towards opening a McD franchise to combine all of that, and have infinite supply of cheeseburgers!
Aside from that, I want 2016 to be a year of health, to work towards healthy body and mind. I've abused my body for years, it is time to give it some love. I will get so swollen, I'll make bkids jealous. I will train my mental fortitude to a point where not even the saltiest of the salt lords of HotS can have any effect on me.
That is why in 2016, I will work towards opening a McD franchise to combine all of that, and have infinite supply of cheeseburgers!
Aside from that, I want 2016 to be a year of health, to work towards healthy body and mind. I've abused my body for years, it is time to give it some love. I will get so swollen, I'll make bkids jealous. I will train my mental fortitude to a point where not even the saltiest of the salt lords of HotS can have any effect on me.
Which HOTS streamer is the biggest sellout?
Well hello there chuW
Follow Chu8's streaming adventures over on Twitch and watch his Twitter closely to find out when he'll be live next!
