Hello everyone! We at IGN Pro League are thrilled to announce that Erik "Doa" Lonnquist of GSL casting fame has decided to join the in-house casting team here in San Francisco, California at the IGN Headquarters!
Doa has been casting with the GSL since March 2011 but now he is coming back stateside to join Kevin "CatsPajamas" Knocke, Alexander "HDStarCraft" Do, and Taylor "PainUser" Parsons to form a dream team of casting and other production. He will begin making appearances on our IPL stream ( http://www.ign.com/ipl ) in early 2012.
Please note that IGN Pro League's relationship with GOMTV and the GSL is still as healthy and strong as ever, and Doa's decision to change companies should not be viewed as discord between IPL and GSL. Thank you and please help us welcome Doa to the team!
Edit in addendum:
"I'm beyond excited to join the team at IGN. They've demonstrated that they've got the ambition and the ability to really take western esports to new heights and I thrilled that I'll be able to be a part of that.
I want to be very clear that leaving GOMtv was a personal choice based on where I felt the best place for my wife and I is at this time. I have absolutely loved living in Korea and I'll miss hanging out and working with all the friends that I've made here. It's an awesome country and an awesome esports scene and I know I'll be back to at least visit in the future!
I'd like to express my utmost thanks to Mr. Chae and GOMtv for giving me the opportunity that they did at the GSL. It's been a blast casting with my fellow Code A casters throughout the seasons and the good advice and kindness that Tasteless and Artosis have given me since day one has been invaluable. I've learned an incredible amount here and I'm extremely grateful to everyone that's helped me.
Thanks to all my fans as well for the support they've shown me throughout my stay at the GSL. I promise that I'll continue to work hard at IGN to personally improve at my craft and make the games I cast as fun as possible.
Esports in the west is growing at a rapid rate and it's a wonderful and humbling experience to get to contribute. 2012 is going to be a great year!
On November 29 2011 06:59 IGNProLeague wrote: Please note that IGN Pro League's relationship with GOMTV and the GSL is still as healthy and strong as ever, and Doa's decision to change companies should not be viewed as discord between IPL and GSL. Thank you and please help us welcome Doa to the team!
I think that this little bit right here saved this thread from 50+ pages of drama bullshit and 10+ reddit submissions.
Thank you very much for helping people not be idiots <3
Also, glad to hear Doa will be a bigger part of IPL. He's a real pleasure to listen to ^_^
Sad to see him leave GSL. Definitely one of my preferred code A casters. It's good to see demand for casters that actually know the game, though. He'll definitely improve IPL casting. (Also, casting for GSL seems to be the route to success, which is probably good for GSL getting more good people.)
Aw, that sucks. But I'm glad Doa is working with IG, he did very well at IPL3 and he has a wife back at the states, so it makes sense to work in the US.
This is good news for IPL for me. I want to see Doa and CatsPajamas together. I think they could work really well and I've never seen those two cast together before.
What IGN really needs for me to watch it regularly is more good analysis not more of the random fluff/try to be funny/descriptive casters (a category in which I would most certainly place DOA). Their analysis consists of... Painuser? That's it I think.
Yes! Don't watch a lot of Code A, but the best caster for Code A is definitely Doa. I enjoyed his casting at IPL3 and I can't wait to see him with IGN!
On November 29 2011 07:13 sickoota wrote: What IGN really needs is more good analysis not more of the random fluff/try to be funny/descriptive casters (a category in which I would most certainly place DOA). Their analysis consists of... Painuser? That's it I think.
CatsPajamas is okay at that, too. HD is definitely more of the funny/descriptive type, though.
I don't really care where Doa is casting as long as I am able to see his casting. That being said being in the USA is probably best for him, he has a wife in the states does he not? I may be confused. Anyways best of luck to Doa
Hmmm, it seemed weird to me at first, but now that I think about it it's probably quite wise for IPL to have these obvious disclaimers ("GSL relationship as strong as ever" in this thread, similar comment about EG/Fnatic in their $10k team tournament thread) since we know how easily speculative drama can get started...
I like Doa and I'm sure he'll do a good job at IGN, but I wonder if it's really what IGN needs right now: your only "analyst" caster is Painuser, and I really think you really need people who understand the game at a high level to improve your casting combos. I'm afraid that a doa/cats or hd/doa won't really work well because of this. On the other hand i'm happy for doa, he is a really nice guy.
Being a horrible cynical nerd myself I wasn't overly impressed with Doa at first
Now he is one of my favorite casters - he's just genuine and himself - great with Wolf
Congrats Doa you the man
I thought he was boring, but then I realised he was really funny. And a few months in Korea made him a great analytical caster as happened to Moletrap (think Wolf was always good).
Almost 2 weeks quiet around IPL and now 2 events and a new caster annouced, very nice! Liked him more when he was casting with Khaldor, I think the IPL casting style which looks always quite layed back suits him very well.
Good luck Doa and looking forward to Team Arena Challenge and the group matches tonight.
I will miss the constant Star Wars references with Wolf, but I'm happy that IGN is getting another good caster. And with Khaldor in Korea now, hopefully the GSL won't miss a beat.
Will definitely miss the DoA/Wolf combo, which for me, was the most entertaining casting duo. but it seems like he's happy with his decision so it's all gooooood.
On November 29 2011 07:41 Greggle wrote: Not happy at all. The GSL is far and away the best and highest level tournament, and Doa/Wolf was by far the best code A caster setup =/
He's married, living in Korea and in the GOM house isn't an ideal situation for him
Damn this sucks. I love me some DoA/Wolf and I was like DoA/Khaldor but this was he is a lot closer to home so it is a good decision for him. Hope it works out well with an extra caster at IPL.
Also didn't DoA cast with CatsPajamas at his first live event? ...why do I remember that likes its true :/
Doa is actually a pretty decent caster, and he's been getting better and better as he's given more opportunities. I'll miss him casting code A with Wolf, but I like him teamed up with CatsPajamas. Looking forward to IPL 4, they just keep making all the right moves.
Please note that IGN Pro League's relationship with GOMTV and the GSL is still as healthy and strong as ever, and Doa's decision to change companies should not be viewed as discord between IPL and GSL. Thank you and please help us welcome Doa to the team!
IPL treats eSport and other companies just perfect. So nice to see.
Aww man, Dolf is breaking up. Those two were just so chill and easy-going. They were right up there with Tastosis and Husky/Day9 as my favorite casting duos.
Totally understandable with Doa being married and whatnot, but I'll miss his presence in the GSL (especially during qualifiers and group selections).
nice pickup for IGN, its good to have a little more variety in the casters, excited so how Doa will do with the other casters at IPL, probs gonna be great!
I have mixed feelings towards this, as a GSL subscriber I was really happy with Code A when they finally got Khaldor. With Doa leaving, they are definitely down a very steady and professional caster.
That said though, at least he's only leaving to come back to the US and cast for IPL. Definitely far from a bad thing =D
Kinda glad DoA is going home. Not that i like to get involved with people's personal lives, but its always been in the back of my mind waatching GSL that he's got a wife at home. Good move and good luck sir and sirs from IGN.
On November 29 2011 08:59 Goibon wrote: Kinda glad DoA is going home. Not that i like to get involved with people's personal lives, but its always been in the back of my mind waatching GSL that he's got a wife at home. Good move and good luck sir and sirs from IGN.
have to agree with this.
but i always enjoyed him casting GSL soo much. because gsl > ipl
At first I was meh. Then I realized how much he fit in the GSL set up. We really had a good play-by-play + color commentator pairing in Doa + Wolf.
IMO, it's a weird pickup by IGN though. They already have so many play-by-play commentators with relatively low game knowledge (CatsPajamas, HD) adding another one just doesn't make sense. They needed another color commentator and Doa's not their guy.
He's my favourite of the GSL code A guys and as long as it means less casting by one of the IGN casters in particular I will definitely be paying more attention to their streams.
I'll miss him on GSL, since I don't watch much IPL, but it seems the choice was clear, so I can't be anything but happy for him. Easily one of the most likeable guys on the scene.
I'll kinda miss him in the gsl, but I guess it makes sense for him cause he has a family in the U.S to take care of. He also did very well in the ipl3 finals, so quite happy to see him as an in house caster.
Gratz to Doa and gratz to IPA He is my favorite of the GSL code A bunch (apart from the the awesomeness that is the bandanna man temp caster, of course)
i really dont like this line up. painuser is ok i guess, he does know a lot, but doa doesnt know the game enough in my opinion and hd and cats arent good enough to me analyzers.
Congrats Doa! You and Wolf make a great Code A combo, and I'll be sad to see that go. Many a Star Wars joke was appreciated and cherished! I'll definitely tune into IPL to check out your new work!
Noooo. I can't blame him for wanting to go back to the states but Doa will get lost in the shuffle casting for IGN rather than GOM. I'll miss your casts DoA. Coming from being a complete unknown to being a prominent caster; a true rags to riches story indeed.
I personally don't like casters who don't know what they are talking about, or who ramble on about off-topic stuff. (at least tasteless is funny) DoA has to top them all off. I couldn't stand watching Code A because of his casting, and yet he continues to get new gigs. Maybe I should become a caster. I do believe he has a lot of potential though. He is certainly dedicated and has a decent voice for casting. I just wish he would improve his game knowledge and stop dedicating so much air-time to stories/jokes that aren't funny. Deserves the job nonetheless, best of luck.
I'm so glad that this thread didn't become the comments section on a gsl code A vod. Doa is a great caster and he doesn't deserve all of the hate he gets from people. Doa, we will miss you in the GSL but now you will make IGN even better GLHF!
Congrats to Doa, sounds like its a good deal for him for many reasons. Like a lot of people here have said, loved his pairing with Wolf it's the best combo GOM has had besides Tastosis. Good luck with IGN!
HD and Painuser are pretty good, hate Catspajamas though can't stand him at all. Though dont know this guy so can't really say anything till I hear him cast some games
That's great for the IPL! DoA's always been one of my favorite casters, basically just for his easygoing style of analysis that's still pretty insightful :D
Well this sucks, Wolf+DoA was my favorite casting duo after Tastosis! I should have known something fishy was going on when he helped cast the last IPL. Funny how casters switching doesn't draw anywhere near the same amount of drama as players team switching. So does this mean GSL is looking for a new caster to replace DoA now?
That because the casters are typically older and looking to start a family no one can blame him (not saying he is but im just assuming since he married ^^)
Doa, you will always hold a special place in my heart, right after tastosis and epic tlo fill in casting.
Just kidding, you're a funny guy, can't wait to see more of you, hope that occurs through your endeavors in the ignPL, so best wishes and good luck in your future endeavors, you have a friend in me. I will miss the doa + wolf combo, you guys had great synergy I feel, but you gotta do what you gotta do, and I respect that.
Not really a fan of him or Cats, but they're dedicated guys and I have to wish them luck.
Doa: If you read this, please stop making jokes. You're a good caster, but you try too hard at times to be more than that. You and Wolf tried really hard to emulate Tastosis even though you are different people. Be yourself!
Cats: Please play the game some more. Every time I watch you cast I hear dozens of wrong things, absurd predictions, and poor reads of build orders. Yeah, Painuser could cover for you and give corrections, but even then a lot slipped through. SC2 is an intellectual game with a great deal of depth. Attempting to describe that depth incorrectly does us all a disservice. If you want to be a shoutcaster, by all means do it. Just please don't attempt analysis until you play a lot more.
At any rate, congrats to IGN. Your production quality and the sheer amount of content you put out is amazing.
GL Doa! Hopefully you will get to participate in things other than just IGN/IPL. I will miss your co-casting days with Moletrap and Wolf. So happy to see IGN get more and more casters since it is desperately needed! I look forward to your casts in the near future!!! Doa FIGHTING!!!!
On November 29 2011 07:41 Greggle wrote: Not happy at all. The GSL is far and away the best and highest level tournament, and Doa/Wolf was by far the best code A caster setup =/
He's married, living in Korea and in the GOM house isn't an ideal situation for him
be happy for him
grats doa
Dammit, yet another reason guys should never get married.
I will miss him casting the GSL... He's got the exact same kind of humor as I do, and because of that his out of nowhere jokes cracks me up every single time :D
Thanks a lot Doa. Good luck in your new endeavor! Congrats to IPL.
DoA + Wolf combo was very good, I will be missing your casts. That said, good luck with IPL and I hope your future casting partners match up with you! Good move IGN.
siiiiiiiick, ipl never misses a opportunity to improve! great addition to your team, but also a big loss for GSL Code A. normally i would say GL doa, but he obviously doesnt need luck! looking really forward to his castings /happyface
I really like Doas casting,he's a very good pickup for IPL. The way he and Cats casted during IPL3 was quite enjoyable, I think they do very well together.
On November 29 2011 07:13 sickoota wrote: What IGN really needs is more good analysis not more of the random fluff/try to be funny/descriptive casters (a category in which I would most certainly place DOA). Their analysis consists of... Painuser? That's it I think.
CatsPajamas is okay at that, too. HD is definitely more of the funny/descriptive type, though.
nah - Catspjamas makes too many analytical mistakes / big calls which fail. Gotta be measured and accurate. MrBitter's interview a while back is a nice read: pretty much a caster needs to be an ex-high level player at the least (of course a caster needs to be funny, appropriate with his fellow caster, able to project his voice, not have an annoying tone in his voice etc etc etc).
MC / MVP commentating would be like "Yea he's going to do this." And the player they commentate will definitely do what they say.
Good for IPL tough luck for the GSL. With all the time tastless and artosis have spent abroad it almost makes me rethink which league i should be supporting. At the end of the day i think i'd still have to say GSL has the edge because they have the highest level of competition in the world but IPL has easily become my second favorite league. The only caster on IPL that i'm not a fan of is HD and the other casters more than make up for his flaws in game knowlege and awkward casting style.
On November 29 2011 07:13 sickoota wrote: What IGN really needs is more good analysis not more of the random fluff/try to be funny/descriptive casters (a category in which I would most certainly place DOA). Their analysis consists of... Painuser? That's it I think.
CatsPajamas is okay at that, too. HD is definitely more of the funny/descriptive type, though.
nah - Catspjamas makes too many analytical mistakes / big calls which fail. Gotta be measured and accurate. MrBitter's interview a while back is a nice read: pretty much a caster needs to be an ex-high level player at the least (of course a caster needs to be funny, appropriate with his fellow caster, able to project his voice, not have an annoying tone in his voice etc etc etc).
MC / MVP commentating would be like "Yea he's going to do this." And the player they commentate will definitely do what they say.
Or at least study the game alongside elite players, if they don't have the physical ability to play at such a high level.themselves. You can tell DOA was actively doing this after he returned for his second season, which was nice to see.
I'm sad to see him leave the GSL, he and Wolf made a good pair for code A. I'm guessing living in Korea wasn't working that well for his wife (totally understandably, that's a huge change to make), so I'm glad he found something in the US.
I'm not going to lie... I was tearing up when wolf passed doa that trophy. It is nice to see someone so passionate get to do something they clearly love. Keep up the good work and never stop being yourself <3333 doa
EPT
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/ekzgJ.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/IIYPd.jpg)
