Last month VT Gaming LLC announced the assembly of Reign, a new StarCraft 2 team that would live and train in a North American pro gaming house that utilizes a Korean-style training model. At that time we failed to fully outline the direction of our existing StarCraft 2 team, VT Gaming, which left a lot of questions in the community about the fate of the team and its players.
Prior to making the announcement we had informally explained to our players that Reign and VT would function as sister teams, with shared training opportunities and personnel. As we saw it, VT was not to become a "B Team" but a team that would continue to operate under a remote model that so many teams traditionally use. In doing so we would allot the organization and all its players the utmost flexibility to train with similar resources in whatever way suited them best. Obviously we understood that there would be great appeal to training in a dedicated prohouse, however, so we expected that VT would take on a role to Reign somewhere between a scout team and a friendly rival.
Unfortunately that vision was not shared, due in part to some mistakes we made along the way, and VT has been crippled to a point that it no longer makes sense to continue with our original plans. Thus, with much sadness, we have decided to dissolve the team VT Gaming.
From this decision, however, we felt that an opportunity existed for us to recognize and recover two of VT's most dedicated players, Michael "Perfect" Thompson and Richard "Future" Almand. On that account, effective immediately, Future and Perfect will be joining the roster of Team Reign.
Michael "Perfect" Thompson With a history in Warcraft 3, Perfect pairs a superior micro game with finely crafted strategies and timings. Perhaps that's where he gets his name? Currently, Perfect is an up and coming player with an impressive and growing list of achievements. Battling against many reputable players, Perfect finished 1st at the Cyber Sports Network's After the Clash $500 Duel cup. More recently, he placed 3rd in the FXO North American King of the Hill.
Richard "Future" Almand Formerly the team captain of VT Gaming, Future has made StarCraft 2 his livelihood through hundreds of hours of coaching and fostering developing talent. Playing since Brood War, he participated in tournaments like the WCG, GGL, and TSL. In StarCraft 2 he has placed 1st at multiple GO4Sc2 Cups and 4th at the Winter NewEgg Wanfest Tournament.
When the pro house opens later this year, both Perfect and Future will be training alongside the other members of Team Reign, and we trust that they will give their greatest effort to bring success to the team. We feel that their hard work in the past month speaks strongly of their focus and motivation to compete at the highest level.
Please let it be known that these players are not the two additional members of Team Reign that we did not disclose at the time of our announcement. We will provide more information about those players at a later date.
as mentioned earlier, good for Reign, but sad for VT, I'll miss VT, but I wish team Reign the best of luck in the future, but I do have a question, where is mr.bitter off to?
On July 08 2011 16:53 Mayor wrote: as mentioned earlier, good for Reign, but sad for VT, I'll miss VT, but I wish team Reign the best of luck in the future, but I do have a question, where is mr.bitter off to?
The writings have been on the wall for VT. I will miss the fact that VT sends more competitors to MLG Columbus than every other pro-team. Hopefully players like giX, avilo, MrBitter, Whiplash(?) and Mirhi will find a new home soon.
On July 08 2011 16:57 Whiplash wrote: Unfortunate that events turned out this way, but I wish the best of luck to my very good friends Perfect and Future on team Reign.
And don't worry, I've found a home.
You were the first bro i thought of when i read this. Glad you got a new team!
On July 08 2011 16:57 Whiplash wrote: Unfortunate that events turned out this way, but I wish the best of luck to my very good friends Perfect and Future on team Reign.
And don't worry, I've found a home.
You were the first bro i thought of when i read this. Glad you got a new team!
I immediately thought of whiplash as well. Good luck with the new team buddy. Love watching your casts ^_^
Too bad for VT, Congrats to Perfect and Future though. Awesome opportunity for them. It will be interesting to see how the pro-house will help them improve.
A sad day indeed, as a member of VT Gaming since the beta I can proudly say I enjoyed my time with them! I've made some great friends along the way and wish Reign the very best! GL REIGN!
On July 08 2011 18:14 JediGamer wrote: What was so important to keep Future lol. The rest of VT is better than him and they sign him.
We all have our opinions and wonder why things are done a certain way. Such as why complexity even gave you a chance in CA.
From a managers standpoint I see what Mirhi had to do in this whole situation and its pretty sad seeing a bigger named team die out. From a fan standpoint I feel it could have been handled differently. In addition I don't know all the behind the scene details obviously so its unfair to comment really.
The biggest shame is that VT had like what, 8 players at Columbus? Very impressive turnout for them only to last a month longer.
Maybe I missed it but if you're on the team do you have to be living in the team house? Also I keep wondering about San Francisco, don't they have like the most overrated housing/renting prices in the whole country? Sounds very expensive.
On July 08 2011 18:14 JediGamer wrote: What was so important to keep Future lol. The rest of VT is better than him and they sign him.
We all have our opinions and wonder why things are done a certain way. Such as why complexity even gave you a chance in CA.
From a managers standpoint I see what Mirhi had to do in this whole situation and its pretty sad seeing a bigger named team die out. From a fan standpoint I feel it could have been handled differently. In addition I don't know all the behind the scene details obviously so its unfair to comment really.
The biggest shame is that VT had like what, 8 players at Columbus? Very impressive turnout for them only to last a month longer.
Maybe I missed it but if you're on the team do you have to be living in the team house? Also I keep wondering about San Francisco, don't they have like the most overrated housing/renting prices in the whole country? Sounds very expensive.
I think that as long as Avilo isn't complaining, you can be sure that everything is completely on the up-and-up.
(I kid.)
But I agree; this is too bad for the players on VT, but without knowing why the plan to keep two teams fell apart, us random Internet folks can't really comment. (ofc, we will anyway.)
As for San Francisco, I'm sure the real estate price depends on the neighborhood, but the city overall does have a very high cost of living. Maybe someone associated with Reign already had some property in the city? Like how the Root house originally belonged to Catz's mom or something like that?
Really glad that more and more teams are taking SC2 seriously like the koreans do and get their own houses for training. Lots of protoss on this new team, can't wait to see what comes from them.
Sad to hear that some of the community talent has been let go, but it's also good news that VT is dedicating all their efforts towards Reign. I wish you guys the best of luck in the Perfect Future.
I've done coaching with Future. Both him and perfect are really excellent players, and all of the VT gaming crew is known for being very friendly. I hope the gaming house works out well for them as it seems to be the most effective way to professionally practice sc2.
On July 09 2011 00:38 ptrpb wrote: Sad to hear that some of the community talent has been let go, but it's also good news that VT is dedicating all their efforts towards Reign. I wish you guys the best of luck in the Perfect Future.
There are other rising teams that like to take young talent in. Vile for example.
Mmm... Not surprising, but a very sad day for me. RIP old VT <3 I miss you guys.
Hope everyone finds somewhere to go, many of these players are very deserving. giX especially is probably far and away the most underrated player on VT.
On July 09 2011 00:38 ptrpb wrote: Sad to hear that some of the community talent has been let go, but it's also good news that VT is dedicating all their efforts towards Reign. I wish you guys the best of luck in the Perfect Future.
There are other rising teams that like to take young talent in. Vile for example.
On July 08 2011 22:24 Sadistx wrote: So did avilo just kinda get fucked over? I mean he was full time and at least as good as future.
It was pretty obvious that VT was going to die within a month of Reign's announcement though.
Yea don't really understand VTs logic. It's a sad thing that happened but can only assume it would have been way easier on VT guys if they just disbanded them straight away instead of what has happened.
On July 09 2011 00:38 ptrpb wrote: Sad to hear that some of the community talent has been let go, but it's also good news that VT is dedicating all their efforts towards Reign. I wish you guys the best of luck in the Perfect Future.
There are other rising teams that like to take young talent in. Vile for example.
Or VPGamers
Or Think Quick & VPGamers, HOW ABOUT THAT TEEHEHEE... <3 (we're first cuz we're bettah pff)
I can see why poke did the move he did though. I'm honestly not sure about Perfect and Future, however, they have time to prove me wrong I guess. Either way, I wish the best to Reign they have a pretty strong lineup ^^!
On July 09 2011 01:14 Ownos wrote: So my guess is that members of VT started leaving the team. They didn't seem too happy in the Reign announcement.
imo I'd factor in the period of activity pre-reign as well (non-existent for a good period of time). Once reign came out there was questionings of the direction VT would take... then that was around the time VT started to have members leaving.
Anyways, good luck to all remaining and previous members of VT.
wow that free up some realy good players. teams should be fast :D
Once I spend a hole night watching giX and MrBitter train ZvZ. I really hope the best for those. And most of us will miss the colorful VTGaming stream. Good news from whiplash?
I wish that VT could have just sustained itself with new members instead of giving birth to Reign.
...I wish. VT was never really considered a top tier SCII team; I can understand that instead of simply inviting new players into VT, starting anew fresh with fan favorites like Kiwikaki can produce a lot more excitement and interest in the team.
I enjoyed watching Future on the VT stream from time to time, I am glad that they have moved him to Reign, perhaps Kiwikaki can teach him to be the second best toss in NA :D
I agree with perfect! I was a little suprised he wasnt on the first announcement. Future however im suprised he always so bad manner even when i watch him stream he flames other people. :{ Curious to see how this team plays in leagues goodluck!
On July 09 2011 01:15 jenzebubble wrote: @Mirhi/VT Management: Care to comment why VT Gaming/VTGaming is not a registered LLC in the state of California? zEx Gaming LLC all over again?
Not fucking surprised at all. Pretty sure I called it when Pokebunny left. Who's team is Whiplash on? He's a veteran of VT since the beginning, go Whiplash!
I'll be there in my sexy CJ jacket representing my new team, and eventually an even sexier new team jacket.
I know Azz's plans, but I can't speak on his behalf.
SWEEEEEEEEEET!
In any case, VT has reformed their team like what... 3 times?
On July 09 2011 01:15 jenzebubble wrote: @Mirhi/VT Management: Care to comment why VT Gaming/VTGaming is not a registered LLC in the state of California? zEx Gaming LLC all over again?
On July 09 2011 01:15 jenzebubble wrote: @Mirhi/VT Management: Care to comment why VT Gaming/VTGaming is not a registered LLC in the state of California? zEx Gaming LLC all over again?
Although I basically just found out we were disbanded from reading this thread...I saw this coming, like most people did, after they announced Reign.
If things had gone differently, I would have been happy to stay with VT and continue to grow along with the team, though obviously that is not the direction that has been taken here.
VT is my first personal experience being on a team, and for me I consider it to have been a great learning experience overall in-game and out-of-game.
I'm very grateful that Frank (Mirhi) recruited me for the team, and for my teammates being awesome people and great SC2 players.
I wish my teammates luck in finding new teams, and hope that we all keep in touch.
On July 09 2011 03:09 avilo wrote: Although I basically just found out we were disbanded from reading this thread...I saw this coming, like most people did, after they announced Reign.
If things had gone differently, I would have been happy to stay with VT and continue to grow along with the team, though obviously that is not the direction that has been taken here.
VT is my first personal experience being on a team, and for me I consider it to have been a great learning experience overall in-game and out-of-game.
I'm very grateful that Frank (Mirhi) recruited me for the team, and for my teammates being awesome people and great SC2 players.
I wish my teammates luck in finding new teams, and hope that we all keep in touch.
Good luck avilo, I enjoyed having you as a teammate despite all my initial doubts about having you. Running around in the rain at MLG Columbus... :D
On July 09 2011 03:09 avilo wrote: Although I basically just found out we were disbanded from reading this thread...I saw this coming, like most people did, after they announced Reign.
If things had gone differently, I would have been happy to stay with VT and continue to grow along with the team, though obviously that is not the direction that has been taken here.
VT is my first personal experience being on a team, and for me I consider it to have been a great learning experience overall in-game and out-of-game.
I'm very grateful that Frank (Mirhi) recruited me for the team, and for my teammates being awesome people and great SC2 players.
I wish my teammates luck in finding new teams, and hope that we all keep in touch.
Good luck avilo, I enjoyed having you as a teammate despite all my initial doubts about having you. Running around in the rain at MLG Columbus... :D
On July 09 2011 03:40 elementz wrote: Reign is to protoss heavy you run the posibility of getting sniped hard by other teams in proleagues.
They still have two spots TBD, I'm sure neither of those will be a P and that will help.
Anyway, as lots of others have said this was kind of inevitable after Reign being announced. Good luck with Reign to Perfect and Future, and good luck finding new teams to the rest of the VT'ers! It sounds like some of you already have, so I hope you guys can excel with whatever teams they may be.
Super excited for Future and Perfect. Both are exceptional players, and I do not doubt that in the right training environment they will be as good as anyone else outside of Korea.
Super bummed for Avilo and Gix, but I guess the writing has been on the wall for a while.
As for me, I will continue to train, and to be involved with the community in whatever ways that I can, but I don't think I'll be looking for another team any time soon.
On July 09 2011 00:38 ptrpb wrote: Sad to hear that some of the community talent has been let go, but it's also good news that VT is dedicating all their efforts towards Reign. I wish you guys the best of luck in the Perfect Future.
There are other rising teams that like to take young talent in. Vile for example.
Or VPGamers
god do you do something else other than promote your team in almost every thread without contributing this is non sense....
this was pretty obvious when they created reign. was only a matter of time. Its sad that the rest of the VT guys (besides future and perfect) are just dust in the wind shortly after reign comes into creation.
Looks like a weak lineup except for Kiwi and Slush. Sucks to see VT gaming go down but hopefully with the new house you guys improve your skill and find success in the future.
On July 09 2011 00:38 ptrpb wrote: Sad to hear that some of the community talent has been let go, but it's also good news that VT is dedicating all their efforts towards Reign. I wish you guys the best of luck in the Perfect Future.
There are other rising teams that like to take young talent in. Vile for example.
Or VPGamers
god do you do something else other than promote your team in almost every thread without contributing this is non sense....
rofl - I have almost two hundred posts and only 3 are my own topics so I don't promote too much , and you are free to look through my posts to see how few are promotional. I was merely commenting on someones post, this is a non issue.
On July 09 2011 03:09 avilo wrote: Although I basically just found out we were disbanded from reading this thread...I saw this coming, like most people did, after they announced Reign.
If things had gone differently, I would have been happy to stay with VT and continue to grow along with the team, though obviously that is not the direction that has been taken here.
VT is my first personal experience being on a team, and for me I consider it to have been a great learning experience overall in-game and out-of-game.
I'm very grateful that Frank (Mirhi) recruited me for the team, and for my teammates being awesome people and great SC2 players.
I wish my teammates luck in finding new teams, and hope that we all keep in touch.
You forgot to add "thanks to Luckyfool and the DC nerds for continued sponsorship"
On July 08 2011 16:57 Whiplash wrote: Unfortunate that events turned out this way, but I wish the best of luck to my very good friends Perfect and Future on team Reign.
From what I gather, it looks like they paid a fairly high price (losing their own team) to keep Reign. I hope they chose the correct path and that things will get better for them.
On July 09 2011 03:09 avilo wrote: Although I basically just found out we were disbanded from reading this thread...I saw this coming, like most people did, after they announced Reign.
That is a dog act tbh, if they ended the team without discussing it with all team players before making the announcement.
It's like a kid getting a brand new toy and discarding the old one without a second thought.
Saw this coming, Good luck to all VT players. Hope you find a team.
On July 08 2011 18:14 JediGamer wrote: What was so important to keep Future lol. The rest of VT is better than him and they sign him.
We all have our opinions and wonder why things are done a certain way. Such as why complexity even gave you a chance in CA.
From a managers standpoint I see what Mirhi had to do in this whole situation and its pretty sad seeing a bigger named team die out. From a fan standpoint I feel it could have been handled differently. In addition I don't know all the behind the scene details obviously so its unfair to comment really.
The biggest shame is that VT had like what, 8 players at Columbus? Very impressive turnout for them only to last a month longer.
Maybe I missed it but if you're on the team do you have to be living in the team house? Also I keep wondering about San Francisco, don't they have like the most overrated housing/renting prices in the whole country? Sounds very expensive.
Hey Nizzy and JediGamer... both of those were kind of cheap shots =(
VT was a team that never had anything going for them with players that did not come near a progamer standard of play and often straight out unknown amateurs. Hopefully there new team with a little bit of a higher standard will make something happen in the SC2 scene. Good luck to everyone in Reign.
Anyone else feel that VT should've just kicked all the bad players who weren't performing out of the team instead of making a new team, and in the end seem like douchbags even if they aren't?
On July 10 2011 11:05 Greatness wrote: Anyone else feel that VT should've just kicked all the bad players who weren't performing out of the team instead of making a new team, and in the end seem like douchbags even if they aren't?
I think it is better this way so they don't get bad publicity for being cut from their teams and such. It worked out for the best.
On July 10 2011 11:05 Greatness wrote: Anyone else feel that VT should've just kicked all the bad players who weren't performing out of the team instead of making a new team, and in the end seem like douchbags even if they aren't?
I think it is better this way so they don't get bad publicity for being cut from their teams and such. It worked out for the best.
From what I understand VTG did NOT want to disband their team. and wanted to have 2 different teams. Though communication was poor on Mirhi's (VTG manager) part. So both players and fans were sorta left out to dry in a sense.
With this 3 members of the team left and VT team was left in shambles. Neither parties wanted VT to disband but it happend. In saying that I don't know much beyond what happend right after 3 VT members left the team. I know a lot of things were unclear to the players and their fate was unknown.
disbanding the team was not a easy decsion for them I can assume. But time will only tell if it will be for the best.
Well, I never really thought that VT was a terribly strong team, and that it is being sacrificed for the team that seems alot stronger is god news in my opinion.
hope they will find some zerg and terran gamers für the TBA-Spots!! otherwise kiwikaki can't get to his full strength soon. Hope this teamhouse will be as strong as a korean one!!
sad to see, was involved with VT since its inception long ago in WC3 but sadly not much lately. Figured this would be happening eventually after the reign announcement but still very sad to see
On July 18 2011 02:24 BlueCow wrote: sad to see, was involved with VT since its inception long ago in WC3 but sadly not much lately. Figured this would be happening eventually after the reign announcement but still very sad to see
I remember you ;D! You go way back and was really active on the dead forums.
On July 18 2011 02:24 BlueCow wrote: sad to see, was involved with VT since its inception long ago in WC3 but sadly not much lately. Figured this would be happening eventually after the reign announcement but still very sad to see
I remember you ;D! You go way back and was really active on the dead forums.
yup thats me lol
gaming just wont' be the same without vt around =(