Tim "merz" Olsson retires from professional StarCraft in a heartfelt blog message on TL:
I've thought a long time about writing this, but I just didn't know how to. I know that I am not a big person within the ranks of pro-gamers, I was average at best, with few moments of greatness, and therefor I never really felt like I wanted my retirement to be "announced" like something big just happened. Especially when there are far more successful people who has said good bye to SC2 lately.
So instead I choose to write this as a personal letter of good bye, to the community I've always cared the most about: Teamliquid. It's been my favorite site ever since I discovered it, from the beginning of my SC/BW days til the end of my SC2 career. It is no overstatement that my results have been poor for a very long time, and there comes a point in time where you just have to admit defeat. ...
I feel bad for them as a former 'pro gamer' (who made far less than these guys ever have) because it really sucks to realize that your dream isn't going to work out and you have to go to the real world.
Never followed him, but heartfelt statements like this only go to show just how much this scene can mean when it comes together right.
Merz, we all wish you the best, even the dick trolls don't mean anything personal. Please stick around, let us know how you do in the future with stuff.
We'll miss you Merz, I liked your style and although you didn't win the GSL, you are a name people know. In a competitive environment like the SC pro scene, that isn't a small feat at all. Good luck in all your future endeavors!
On November 09 2012 08:29 shid0x wrote: Gl to him in the future but meh,its not like he was a big shot anyways.
Its more than that. Not everything is measured based on how famous or amazing you are at SC2. Merz has been apart of teamliquid for many many years, and has become an ingrained part of this site. During the BW era, he was a great player, and an active poster on this website. People will miss him for who he is, not only what he's achieved like you suggest.
Thanks for the games man. Hope your life turns out just as you want it, and who knows, maybe we'll meet in the future. I cheered on you in SC2, and I, as many others, will cheer on you in your future life.
Shame .Merz was one of the fastest Terrans of 2011 with not so great results. Was sick watching you when 400 apm wasn't so much a "norm". GL in future endeavors Merz!
its a fucking good text. this could actually be my experience (if i would have done that ever) but with the exception my parents would not support but fuck me up hard. haha
sad to see him go. but statements like this show how fucked up the industry is and its really hard and sometimes not something you should really do.
Terran graveyard times. I watched your stream a few times, I like fast players. It's sad to see more and more "mid-tier" (with all due respect) progamers go, a lot of people support underdogs and it's always cool when an upset occurs in a tournament because of them
Damn this guy was old school as any of the BW players go. I remember when he got a lot of attention in the beginning of SC2 for having insane APM, but besides that he didn't do well in SC2 compared to his BW days, good luck though.
On November 09 2012 08:41 Fyodor wrote: Takes a man to move on, GL merz.
I can name 20 players that should also throw in the towel and think about the future. Some pros right now are being really foolish or parasitic.
who the hell are you to tell people what they should or shouldn't do with their lives. If they want to try and make a living playing a game they love, then they should have every right to. Just because they don't please you with the results you want doesn't mean they should give up their livelihoods or dreams. What a stupid thing to say
Really good text Merz. I think what he talks about it is a very common theme that people are sometimes missing in e-sport.
The fact that millions of people are playing games but only a few hundred at most can make a living out of it. For me it has been similar, I have always been in the top one percent of every fps I play. You are good enough to crush public, good enough to get banned from servers on a daily basis, good enough to get sponsors for your servers and good enough to sometimes create an upset against the very best. But not good enough to make any real money from it which in end is what really matters.
Like Merz I also got in to competitive play late as I did not have real internet connection until I was 20 (25 now). You sometimes wonder if things could have work out differently if you had the chance when you were 14-15. Anyway I keep rambling here, great post Merz I think you made right choice and there are many challenges to find in other places!
PS: Why have this retard not gotten banned yet? Ah there we have it x)
On November 09 2012 08:27 GuiBz wrote: Normal, he is noob
hey merz, i talked to you at MLG anaheim 2011 before i knew who you were, and you were one of the nicest people at the venue. good luck in all future endeavors
Really classy to bring attention to this TL. I thought the inconspicuous blog was going to be it, but I'm glad you agree that he deserves a proper announcement.
Keep playing the game you love though. Quitting the pro scene is just what it is. You were up there and hung with the best. It's good you realize it's time to move on.
On November 09 2012 08:41 Fyodor wrote: Takes a man to move on, GL merz.
I can name 20 players that should also throw in the towel and think about the future. Some pros right now are being really foolish or parasitic.
who the hell are you to tell people what they should or shouldn't do with their lives. If they want to try and make a living playing a game they love, then they should have every right to. Just because they don't please you with the results you want doesn't mean they should give up their livelihoods or dreams. What a stupid thing to say
There's a big difference between someone *telling* someone else what they should or shouldn't do with their lives, and offering a vague personal opinion on whether its worth it for those pro-gamers to continue.
He isn't taking away their right to play a game they love, and he never said anything about the pro-gamers in question needing to "please him" with good results. You're taking this unnecessarily personally.
Finally its obviously about more than playing a game you love, otherwise players like Merz could go on forever. Clearly you need results to succeed financially in SC2, just like competitive sports, unless you serve some other important function for the team. So its perfectly reasonable to say that Merz' reasons for retiring can be applied to many other players.
On November 09 2012 10:22 dynwar7 wrote: Seriously? What is happening?
Please....no more retirement -.-
Cloud might be next. I know he stated that if he isn't satisfied with his improvement by December (?) then he will retire. That too, would be very sad.
The whole "I'm not sure I'm a progamer" thing shows a lot of modesty and humility. But rest assured, anyone who at any point is skilled and talented enough to not only make it onto a major team, get paid to play, make it into big tournaments but also have a big community like this recognize you is most certainly a pro.
While I never knew much of you, I knew you. That's more than what will ever be said for the vast majority of those wanting this life. Thanks for your contributions to the sport and I look forward to a future nostalgic comeback.
On November 09 2012 09:30 ParadoxFox wrote: Really good text Merz. I think what he talks about it is a very common theme that people are sometimes missing in e-sport.
The fact that millions of people are playing games but only a few hundred at most can make a living out of it. For me it has been similar, I have always been in the top one percent of every fps I play. You are good enough to crush public, good enough to get banned from servers on a daily basis, good enough to get sponsors for your servers and good enough to sometimes create an upset against the very best. But not good enough to make any real money from it which in end is what really matters.
Like Merz I also got in to competitive play late as I did not have real internet connection until I was 20 (25 now). You sometimes wonder if things could have work out differently if you had the chance when you were 14-15. Anyway I keep rambling here, great post Merz I think you made right choice and there are many challenges to find in other places!
PS: Why have this retard not gotten banned yet? Ah there we have it x)
I think this guy meant being in the top 1% of competitive players/pros but yeah its pretty true, not supirsed more and more foreigners are slowly retiring, there is just no money in it for them
It comes to a point where the buzz for a game dies down and the audience for all these professional events shrinks. With all the events and streamers available to watch for a game that seems to be winding down, not growing; it is little surprise that many mid-level pros are having to find other ways to spend their time.
Sad that the environment for RTS is getting to the point where people like merz have to move on. Let's hope HOTS changes that soon.
even if you dont want to make a big deal about it, you are still one of the top names in EU progaming. you played great starcraft and everyone, who watched streams and/or followed the scene, knows your name and has seen great games of you competing against the best of the world. so i think you got a great time, and so will be the time from now on. expect great things to happen in your future and never look back in vain:-)
man tough to read that statement... sounded like a guy whose been trying but just can get the results anymore. you didnt stream much, and never got that many viewers when you did anyway, but I always thought you were one of the better terrans to watch, especially when you commentated. best of luck wherever you go.
On November 09 2012 09:16 Maker wrote: only terrans are quitting sc2 i wonder why
It's ok bro...just two days ago i switched to terran from zerg.I actually like it.So some of us still play that race it's not dead yet baby! Anyway GL with whatever you decide to do merz.
On November 09 2012 09:16 Maker wrote: only terrans are quitting sc2 i wonder why
It's ok bro...just two days ago i switched to terran from zerg.I actually like it.So some of us still play that race it's not dead yet baby! Anyway GL with whatever you decide to do merz.
yay possibly more Terrans to play against on ladder :D
Merz had incredible APM going for him, so the potential was high. All that stood in his way was motivation, so considering he's been without tournament success for long it's not a surprise to see him retire.
On November 09 2012 08:41 Fyodor wrote: Takes a man to move on, GL merz.
I can name 20 players that should also throw in the towel and think about the future. Some pros right now are being really foolish or parasitic.
who the hell are you to tell people what they should or shouldn't do with their lives. If they want to try and make a living playing a game they love, then they should have every right to. Just because they don't please you with the results you want doesn't mean they should give up their livelihoods or dreams. What a stupid thing to say
There's a big difference between someone *telling* someone else what they should or shouldn't do with their lives, and offering a vague personal opinion on whether its worth it for those pro-gamers to continue.
He isn't taking away their right to play a game they love, and he never said anything about the pro-gamers in question needing to "please him" with good results. You're taking this unnecessarily personally.
Finally its obviously about more than playing a game you love, otherwise players like Merz could go on forever. Clearly you need results to succeed financially in SC2, just like competitive sports, unless you serve some other important function for the team. So its perfectly reasonable to say that Merz' reasons for retiring can be applied to many other players.
His comment was valid (even if it was totally misplaced imo) right up until he described certain gamers as 'parasitic', that was incredibly detrimental and inappropriate. Also shortly followed by his reply to TT1 the guy is quite obviously a troll.
I remember when I bought WoL on release day, I bought it because it looked like a cool game, I knew nothing of 'the pro scene', streaming, or even balance. I then started watching Husky's channel and was completely blown away be the astronomical difference in skill between these apparent pros and myself (I actually thought I was pretty boss because I could beat a 'very hard' AI). One of the first names I consistently started to see and recognise from watching these replays was Merz. I do admit in recent times (since the beginning of 2012) he had faded from memory, so seeing as the first bit of news I've heard about in in months is about his retirement is pretty disheartening.
Whatever you go on to do Merz I wish you the best of luck and all the best.
Sad to see merz leaving. Been a big fan since the very early stages of sc2. GL in future!
On November 09 2012 09:38 eanxiii wrote: Never heard of him, never see a signle match of him, maybe its better for him to retire.I wont miss him because i dont know him .
Good choice, everything has become ridiculous latley. There are much better things to do in life then playing sc2 as a terran. Hope you can transfere your apm to your studies.
Only thing i've ever heard of him was that he had high apm and that he was on dignitas. Shame he wasn't able to achieve his goals and become a more prolific player. Best of luck in life merz.
Thanks for showing us so many great games, and for letting us know about your plans. Millions play this game, but you are still among a handful of professionals to have graced the battlefield.
I'm sure your success will translate well toward whatever you choose to do. Best wishes!
Rain, Select, Jinro, Merz, Nada, all in less than 6 months, WHAT THE FUCK. How many fucking terrans will leaves this game before blizzard reacts ??? I'm so scared.
It was a pleasure for me to know merz, he is among the most good hearted and kind people I've met and he always had a great potential as a player in both SCBW and SC2 that he never seemed to unlock due to external circumstances. We had a lot of fun together and I will miss him a lot. Best of luck in the future, please don't change your attitude towards people and your goals, I'm sure you will be great at anything you decide to do.
On November 09 2012 09:38 eanxiii wrote: Never heard of him, never see a signle match of him, maybe its better for him to retire.I wont miss him because i dont know him .
Then you probably didnt watch that much starcraft in the past years, or you should have heard of him definetly.
Sad to see him go, But it's only natural for players to start quitting around this time, The game has lost it's "New and awesome" factor and only the dedicated players that really love the game is going to dedicate their time enough to be able to improve as players and keep up with the others.
Goodbye Merz I will miss you, always liked to see you play in BW, sad I didn't saw more in Sc2. But GL HF in the future. And thanks for pointing it out, don't check Blogs often enough.
merz, you rock on. It doesn't matter that you weren't the most e-famous player, you enjoyed the game and could compete with pros. I hope you enjoyed the time thoroughly and all the best in your future endeavors!
And the skill gap between Koreans and foreigners continues to grow : D I remember calling that with a post "chasing the carrot" and everyone laughed it off Now we have minor progamers retiriing left and right and mlgs without foriegners in top 8. Dark days, nice post/
On November 09 2012 23:01 NeMeSiS3 wrote: And the skill gap between Koreans and foreigners continues to grow : D I remember calling that with a post "chasing the carrot" and everyone laughed it off Now we have minor progamers retiriing left and right and mlgs without foriegners in top 8. Dark days, nice post/
Maybe because at the time, and now we have foreigners that can compete with the best. Nerchio, Naniwa, Stephano, etc. can all compete with the top koreans and win consistently. So no, just like it was then, it is the same now, there may be a dearth of them, but they are there. Furthermore, MerZ, though a nice guy and a great player during his breakout, stopped showing results for a while. This is not because of some crazy Koreans greater than foreigners problem, it is because MerZ realizes that he can't necessarily put up the numbers he used to and he might not be able to get the results, and his own practice demeanor might have been falling because of that, and maybe, just maybe he wants to retire from all the stress and pursue another part of his life. I think it would be way to narrow to think it is because of some Korean>Foreigners issue. MerZ was and has been a great part of the community, you need not mar that.
On another note: I really hope foreigners suck it up and practice like the koreans. Less and less is up to chance in games as the game gets figured out and only gets harder. Work ethic people!
i actually think i remember you playing back like last year, (i think i saw you vs stephano)...you were awesome! it's always sad to see a player retire, but just know that we won't forget the good times you gave us. gl <3!
haha, we love you merz, your Chinese friends from way back! We'll always remember your singings, those were fun! and your games. All the best wishes to you man!
On November 11 2012 06:53 Gladiator333 wrote: Too bad I never got the chance to see him play live, would really like to know how he could be that fast on the keyboard!
No way~!? Forget all the haters, merz was a good player. He wasn't the best, but he was fun to watch, and always a threat in team leagues. Sad to see him go... Especially when Dignitas was one of my favorite teams before.
Hope you have a great life sir. Wish you all the best, and I thank you for giving it your all as well as for providing eSports with a great toss player to watch.
EPT
.Merz was one of the fastest Terrans of 2011 with not so great results. Was sick watching you when 400 apm wasn't so much a "norm". GL in future endeavors Merz!
hope to see you soon!
