Thanks to Blizzard Korea, we got an opportunity to conduct an extended interview with WCS Season 1 Champion, Lee "STX_INnoVation" Shin Hyung. We talked to him about his lengthy Brood War career, his thoughts on his 'best in the world' status, and how he felt about some of his rivals in StarCraft II.
TeamLiquid: How did you first come to play StarCraft?
Innovation: At the beginning I was just playing it a bit as a hobby. When I was in seventh grade, I saw progamers playing it on television, and started thinking that I should become a progamer. I liked Nada in particular, back then.
When did you first feel that you had talent for the game?
It wasn't that I judged I had talent in games, but I thought that gaming was more suitable to me than studies. But I was pretty good at StarCraft and other games when I was in school.
How long did it take from when you decided you wanted to be a progamer until you became one?
About two years, from when I joined the house and I became a pro.
Was your family against it when you said you wanted to be a progamer, or did they support you?
After I made the decision about my future together with my family in seventh grade, my father continued to give me a lot of support and help.
Even being the eldest son among seven siblings, there wasn't any resistance?
No, my family thought that I should go in the direction that I had talent.
You played Brood War for about 4~5 years as a pro, what do you think looking back at those days?
I was a practice partner, I think it was a stage where I was bringing up my skill level. It was a good foundation going into Heart of the Swarm.
How about your results in BW? Are you satisfied?
I'm not really satisfied, I just think it was part of the process of growing as a player.
But you did do alright, people called you a hot prospect, and you were STX's ace at certain points.
Yes, but that was just a flash in the pan. That's not enough to gain recognition, and it's not like I did particularly well in individual leagues. I just think of it as a period where I briefly played well.
When you first had to play StarCraft II professionally for the hybrid-proleague, what was your impression of the game?
It felt like approaching the game for the first time again. Because everyone was in the same situation at that time, I felt like I could do well if worked hard.
Did you feel that SC2 was more or less suited to you at the time?
At the beginning, the graphics being so different made it hard to adjust... I think up to WoL it was a period of adjustment, and starting in HotS I started feeling the game was better suited to me.
You started off the hybrid league with a 0 – 7 record in StarCraft II matches. Did that discourage you?
I was very good in practice at that time, better than most other players and I had a lot of confidence, but I think that led to me playing too safe in broadcast games, and I couldn't get good results. But I did have the confidence that I could be good eventually.
Innovation bathes in what we can only imagine is the blood of his opponents.
Any particular reasons StarCraft II has been better for you? What was holding you back in Brood War?
Production is easier, and I think it's a game based around micro and big engagements. Also, multi-tasking is a bit easier, so you can be more aggressive.
Since I'm a player who is very mechanics based, and I was very lacking in strategic and finesse elements in Brood War, StarCraft II has helped me in that regard. Players with good mechanics and fundamentals can put themselves in good situations, the game being fast paced and all.
What do you think the problem is for the players who can't make their BW skill translate to SC2 skill?
The players who had their primes in Brood War have been playing for a very long time, and they're getting old. I feel maybe it's because they don't have the same drive, or their handspeed just hasn't kept up.
But you could be considered a player who has played for a long time as well, playing your first official matches in 2008. Don't you have any problems staying motivated?
In my case, I wasn't enjoying playing the game when I was playing Brood War. In StarCraft II I'm playing in more matches, getting results, and placing high in individual leagues, so now I'm really enjoying it.
Any particular reasons you didn't enjoy playing during Brood War? You were a first-team regular in Proleague even then.
Yes, but in Brood War, I just didn't have much passion, and I was living a pretty dull daily life – I think I was just really discontent back then.
StarCraft II, the speed, the graphics I think make it a bit more fun, and just doing well in individual leagues and advancing through them is fun for me.
What about HotS let you go up one more level from WoL?
Using widow mines in TvZ instead of tanks, alongside the afterburner medivacs, let me play a fast paced game, which has been a great thing for me.
You're doing well with Terran, which has a pretty different identity in SC2 than BW. Does it make you think that maybe you could have done better with a different race in BW?
I haven't thought about that for Brood War, but during WoL I did think sometimes that if I had played Zerg I could have done well.
You changed your ID from Bogus to Innovation. What was the reason for that change?
When I was watching a K-Drama a while back, one of the companies in the show had the word Innovation in its name, and I thought it sounded cool. Also, I wanted to change things up in StarCraft II, so I came to change my ID.
Oddly enough, your play isn't particularly 'innovative' or unorthodox. Don't you think that's odd?
I don't think my ID and gamestyle have any relationship. I'm a simple guy, so I'm not good at doing a variety of different plays, and I'm just playing based on my mechanics.
You reached the quarter-finals and semis a few times in WoL. Were you nervous then, or were you always calm and collected?
I was surprisingly relaxed in the GomTV booth. Playing a lot of games there, I got a lot of broadcast experience, and I think that led to good things for me. These days I don't get that nervous, and I didn't really get nervous back then either.
Did that feeling change when you played in your first final?
I thought that I'd get nervous playing in my first final, but once I was actually sitting there, it was just the same as usual.
When you lost after being up 3 – 0 against Soulkey, the fans speculated about the reason. That you choked, or that something else happened... What was the reason in your opinion?
When I was winning 3 – 0 I was feeling too giddy, and I couldn't calm myself down until it was all over.
By the time you got to game seven, did you feel like you were up against a wall? Or were you able regain your composure by then?
I wasn't able to find my composure until after game seven ended. I had become withdrawn mentally, and I played poorly as a result.
There was a really long break between games three and four, where it seemed like Soulkey was able to collect himself. Do you think a long break between games six and seven could have helped you?
Looking back at it now, I just didn't handle the situation well. I think I was just destined to lose.
The key moment in that game was when your drop got caught by Soulkey's mutalisks. Could you walk us through that sequence?
I had confirmed the mutas with my viking, but my mind wasn't just all there. So I didn't even really know what I was doing when I put my troops in the medivacs and activated the afterburners. I was just out of it.
You also showed weaknesses in general to all-in play from Zerg throughout last season. What do you think about that?
I've lost a lot to my opponent's all-in rushes in the past and that's continuing even recently. I think to myself that I can stop those attacks but I keep getting busted – it's something I have to shore up.
So in practice, you can usually defend against those attacks?
Yes, it does depend on who's the one executing the all-in. I do stop the attacks in practice, but in broadcast games players bring really refined builds, so they were stronger than what I expected.
When you plan out a multi-game series, do you usually do that yourself? Or does the team's coaching staff help a lot?
I've always preferred working alone, so in most cases I just prepare by myself.
Innovation in a rare overseas appearance at MLG.
A lot of people are calling you the best player in the world after you won the Season One finals. What do you think about that title?
I'm not so sure about that yet. I just think of myself as the Season One champion, that's all.
Then who is the best player in the world, outside yourself?
I don't think there's one player to pick, everyone seems similar. There are so many good players with even levels of skill, so it's difficult to just pick one person.
A lot of people like to compare you to Flash. What do you think about that comparison?
Our styles are pretty similar, and Flash is a really good player, so I just think we naturally come to be compared.
Is there a player you could call your rival?
There's no one I can single out as my rival, but if I had to pick someone, I'd have to go with Flash because he is very good, and we play the same race. It will be important to see who places higher in this Starleague.
Anyone you would like to face in this Starleague?
If I had the opportunity to pick someone, I would consider picking Life.
You already beat him once, in the previous group of death. Is that not enough?
Then, both of us weren't playing that well. If possible, I want to face him again, properly.
Actually, Life lost to two foreigners at DreamHack: Summer. What did you think about that result?
I didn't really care.
You said in another interview that you need to win at least three tournaments before you can say that you are 'good.' How did you come to have such a high standard?
At first, I thought that one championship would be enough to be call myself a good player, and be called a good player by others. But after winning a championship, I didn't really feel anything, so I think I have to keep winning.
You also said that you felt your skill level has gone down a bit after winning. What happened?
I felt personally that after I won the championship, I didn't get as much practice. But it's not like it was big drop in skill, I still think I'm at a good level.
It seems like a lot of players have trouble balancing individual leagues and Proleague. How do you handle it?
In Proleague, the opponent you face and the way you prepare counts for a lot, so I think with a certain level of skill, anyone can do well in Proleague.
I place a little more focus on the Proleague. In individual leagues, your bracket luck and condition on match days has to be good for you to progress.
What do you think STX Soul's chances are at winning the Proleague season right now?
I think around 20%?
What do you think about the overall state of the game? Balance is good?
Yes, right now all the races are active at the top tier of competition. The more skilled player is the one who wins, and I don't think there's better balance than what we have now.
There's word that the Hellbat might get nerfed. Players like Flash have said that this is a change that must not be made. What are your thoughts?
I don't put much weight in Hellbats outside of TvT. And that's a mirror, so it doesn't really matter there. I think I'd be fine in other match-ups even with a nerf.
Don't you think TvT has become a bit boring, because it's too hellbat-drop oriented?
No, it's fun for me. Because both players are so busy, exchanging blows with each other.
You've been to IPL and MLG. How have those experiences been for you?
Just, I consider it as my first time in America? I don't think I gained anything in particular from it. There's always something on the schedule, it felt like I was playing games constantly until I had to leave.
A lot of other players say they were impressed by the foreign audiences, at least.
I don't really notice to the reactions of other people... The audience did seem more passionate than in Korea, but I'm not the type to pay attention to that.
Then you don't have particular interest in competing in more foreign tournaments?
The importance of foreign tournaments has gone down a bit. I don't have any special desire to go. I think focusing on WCS is the best plan, although it would be nice to compete abroad if there was an opportunity. But my desire to specifically go to foreign tournaments has gone down some.
You gained a lot of popularity and fans from winning WCS Season One. How do you feel about that then?
I don't have much desire for popularity or things like that, and I don't really like showing myself to others, so I don't really know right now.
So your main goal then, all it is is winning championships?
Just always standing at the highest spot.
sOs mentioned that he checks out community forums in between games to see what people are saying. Do you do that too?
I don't really read the forums that much. I don't think I have anything to gain from reading people's reactions to me.
Isn't it nice though, to read praise when you've played a good game?
It does feel good, but I don't think that will help me in terms of playing the game itself.
A lot of foreign players say they at least make sure to rewatch the games they've won. How about you?
I do watch my games, just the ones I won.
Some players like to keep up on a lot of tournaments, whether they're Korean or international. How about you? Do you watch a lot of games?
I almost don't watch at all, besides some specific players I want to watch. I don't even know where to watch international tournaments – it's not my style to watch a lot of games.
You placed second in Code S, and won the championship at the Season One finals. Which one did you want to win more?
The Season Finals had a bigger scale, so I wanted that one more.
When you're not playing the game, what are your hobbies?
I like to go on walks, and these days I'm playing badminton with my teammates.
What do you think about when you go on walks? Is it still all StarCraft?
I just do it to clear out my head, and for my health. I don't think about the game much when I'm not playing it.
Any media you like? TV shows or movies?
No, I don't like TV or movies that much.
Who are you friendly with on the team? Who do you hang out with?
I like all my teammates, but I'm hanging out a lot with coach Calm lately.
Anything you'd like the fans to know about you?
No, nothing, in particular.
Nothing?
Uh, not really.
Any final comments to your fans then? To the ones overseas?
My foreign fans really seem to like me and care about me. This Season One Final championship isn't the end. I can keep winning, and I will work hard to become a player that can win the Blizzcon finals at the end of the year.
On June 25 2013 03:13 hyptonic wrote: Wow he is the most boring person ever. Makes sense he is amazing because his own play is literally the only thing he cares about
It seems he doesn't care about anything, anytime at all. :D I like that his answers seem so honest and no standard blah blah about how he appreciates everyone and everything...
What was new to me, is that he didn't enjoy BW. I always thought, he loved the game and could be considered a very good player from 2010 onwards...
This isn't that shocking. He comes across as very focused on sc2 and not much else. I hope we don't get drowned in an "INnoVation is boring!" wave of backlash....
Not sure if a lot was lost in translation or whatever, but he comes across as kind of aloof, and a bit of a jerk. Somewhat disappointing and just another faceless Korean player =/
On June 25 2013 03:13 hyptonic wrote: Wow he is the most boring person ever. Makes sense he is amazing because his own play is literally the only thing he cares about
Yeah my impression exactly. He sounds pretty detached from the world, only to find joy in slaying zerg after zerg xD
On June 25 2013 03:32 SpecialistSc wrote: stop being judgemental on this guy to be truely successful in one area, you have to sacrifice something!
Indeed. A lot of people who do manage to succeed and be the best at what they do tend to be quite boring characters. Good thing for them is that successful people usually get money so in their 30's they can go have freedom and enjoy life in the tropics and sleep next to some cute brown skill girls everynight :D Sacrifices can pay off very nicely
Just gained even more respect for him than I already had. Being the best at something means putting your everything into it and not getting distracted. Some people may find that boring, but to me it shows an impressive degree of focus and mental fortitude.
The guy seems focused on the game like no one else, good for him. Great player deserves respect. To bad he's also utterly boring Sorry but a bit of flare would be nice.
He didn't feel anything after winning WCS season 1? What the hell is he expecting from his next tournament wins then? What does he even care about? He says he doesn't care what fans think of him, he doesn't look for attention, and he doesn't feel anything when he wins the biggest tournament in SC2 right now. He played Brood war not because he liked it but because he thought he'd get good at it.. seems like the exact same thing for SC2.
Interesting that he prefers SC2 over BW. Innovation has the mentality of a winner, doesn't care about fans or anything else, only cares about the game and winning his matches. We should respect him for that, or is the community really so self-important that everyone here thinks progamers have some obligation to love us (the fans)?
He is actually far more interisting that the typical insecure idiot who enjoys watching retarded sitcom and jacking off to fan's praise after a won game.
On June 25 2013 04:10 Daswollvieh wrote: And just when you thought there could not be a duller person than Flash, a new talent rises. Maybe it´s part of terran mechanics to be a total bore.
Marineking/Bomber would like to have a word with you.
Wow he is really focused and somewhat boring. But i like how he doesnt give a fuck about fans and the opinions of fans Guess he is the machine kespa designed to punish all the esf zergs for LoL(Lings of Liberty).
LOL Don't care about his fans and said bluntly that he thinks SC2 is more fun. Innovation will get some haters for sure. I like how honest he is though.
haha boring guy. fun to see he cares mostly about winning, didn't really care much for either game itself it seems as hots is just more fun than BW because he is winning
On June 25 2013 04:10 Daswollvieh wrote: And just when you thought there could not be a duller person than Flash, a new talent rises. Maybe it´s part of terran mechanics to be a total bore.
Marineking/Bomber would like to have a word with you.
Maybe that´s why they´re not as successful. Though that Innovation choke against SK had something bomberesque to it.
On June 25 2013 03:26 TAMinator wrote: Innovation seems very introverted. Thanks for the interview
Ditto on both. I wish Wax had asked him "What do you think about cakegirl?" to see if he was flustered or joking or still completely indifferent. But I think he's an ok guy. He says what he thinks and tries to be modest and honest
machines aren't here to make friends, they are here to do the only thing these machines are able to do, And that is to carry out the task for which the machine has been assigned. And for innovations case that task is to WIN at all costs. Even at the sake of his personality/fans etc. Screw them all.
Innovation really seems like the most bland guy ever. Still like him, but the contrast between his style in game and his personality outside couldn't be bigger.
This interview gives me the exact vibe that i got from one previous interview that i read. They talked about how Innovation had no passion and didn't know what to do after school, because nothing was interesting to him.
It really seems like Starcraft is the one lucky thing that he found for himself.
well, he seems to be quite unique in his own way, most people are boring and predictable if you consider how collective conscious we are about most things, so contrary to what must of you think I think it might be quite interesting to discover how he perceives reality.
I'm not sure what to think, from a personality standpoint he seems kinda dry but I can see why you'd be just straight to the point if things were being translated in an interview. I do wish someone as skilled as him would show a little bit more flare though, it'd be awfully entertaining.
I actually found it very interesting that he believes the game is balanced. (Not that I don't believe it is. I do think it is pretty balanced at the highest level.) Most pro players tend to have some sort of bias. Also, the possibility of nerfing hellbats doesn't phase him at all! Wow what a beast. Innovation hwaiting!
Innovation doesn't care about anything besides Starcraft 2 it seems. I like the guy, he is like some kid who didn't have any passion before he finds something he loves, like the ones you see in Anime and manga. Even brood war didn't feel good to him, that's kinda sad... He will destroy everything with his great mechanics, though.
Oh, and please don't create another Group of Death... that stuff isn't good for the hearts of the fans, man.
Some players aren't there to entertain anyone, they just want to be the best and get paid. If you have a task like innovation the last thing you want to do is read up on articles and TL forums and be distracted by what "your image" should be. Anyone that says he's boring and doesn't entertain can stick a shovel up their anus. The dude is a stone cold Z killer.
It's pretty weird that people think somebody has a more entertaining personality if he watches tv shows or (pretends to) care deeply about random people on the internet.
On June 25 2013 05:19 forsooth wrote: Maybe when LotV comes out STX will release a new version of Bogus that does a better job of simulating human behavior.
On June 25 2013 05:11 Talin wrote: It's pretty weird that people think somebody has a more entertaining personality if he watches tv shows or (pretends to) care deeply about random people on the internet.
How is it wierd? Pop culture is a big part of most peoples lives today and your musical interest, literature interest and film interest kinda defines who you are and makes it easier to connect with other people. It gives you a personality.
People might say he is boring, should he care ? I think this level of dedication and focus is the reason for his sucess. His mindset seems to be perfect...he might become something that we have never seen before in SC2.
People say Innovation is boring and not entertaining... I don't know about you but he's entertained you and me for countless hours when he snaps nerd necks in tournies :DDDD
On June 25 2013 05:35 ROOTheognis wrote: People say Innovation is boring and not entertaining... I don't know about you but he's entertained you and me for countless hours when he snaps nerd necks in tournies :DDDD
Gaming should never be everything in anyone's life.
On June 25 2013 05:35 ROOTheognis wrote: People say Innovation is boring and not entertaining... I don't know about you but he's entertained you and me for countless hours when he snaps nerd necks in tournies :DDDD
Gaming should never be everything in anyone's life.
He seems focused and determined to be a great player, but outside of that. Doesn't care for much else.
I mean when Flash was interviewed, at least Flash had some aspirations outside of SC2. And Flash is the prototypical consummate professional. He too is a person very dedicated to becoming the best he can be as a pro-gamer.
Fascinating personality this INnoVation dude. One wonders if he is just posturing or is genuinely dispassionate, and one could then -- naturally some would say -- argue that posturing is only available as an option if you are the genuine article. I fall firmly in the latter.
"So he's a fan of NaDa" is one thing I took from it ... kinda interesting I think. I am also totally in love with the thread comments so far. Amateur psychology is at its best almost an art form and seeing it at its most powerful such as in this thread right now can be damn right scarily funny ... with some pretty good writing.
On June 25 2013 05:35 ROOTheognis wrote: People say Innovation is boring and not entertaining... I don't know about you but he's entertained you and me for countless hours when he snaps nerd necks in tournies :DDDD
Gaming should never be everything in anyone's life.
Ever.
How is it different than professional sports? :p
Professional athletes have family and hobbies they go back home to when they call it a day. When progamers call it a day they crawl down in their bunk beds together with their teammates of 10 after playing all day.
he seems to be pretty introverted and shy. well, I think that's quite normal for a professional gamer. his answers weren't very interesting, but he's not here to entertain us with funny answers, he's here to win.
this sentence hit the point perfectly: " But after winning a championship, I didn't really feel anything, so I think I have to keep winning. "
On June 25 2013 03:52 Shellshock1122 wrote: Should change his ID to INtroVersion
This one is particularly funny because it might both be defamatory and true. It is a tricky thing this "thing" of figuring out some-one else's inner psychology. I find this an immensely funny and interesting of a topic and when put as concisely as this, it is pure gold. And as always, talking too much about the joke will ultimately destroy it.
Dont feel I got to much out of the interview except the fact that he is really focused and works very hard, but that is to be expected. Ty for the effort thou TL.
meh, not much to say, def one of the lesser entertaining interviews. I dont know how the others feel about this, but I cheer less for him as I would for a jaedong or flash, even if innovation is playing at a higher level right now, and I'm generally the type of person that cheers for the best. Right now, he's just not a guy I can get behind and cheer for, y'know.
I think it's funny that so many people think he is dull. I think he's about as interesting as people get. His dedication is matched by so few. His focus is unwavering. He's so relaxed.
Gives me no reason to do anything but cheer for him even harder.
Wow, didn't expect so much hate and ignorance on TL towards what simply seems a strong introvert. The most intelligent and interesting people I know in real life (most of them physicists) would give interviews just like this. They don't care about "the mass" and seem distant from outside, but once you really get to know them it's a whole different world. They do what they enjoy and are excellent at it and often have "unpopular" hobbies etc.
I liked this interview. Innovation seems a solid dude.
Innovation may not be the most interesting guy. But, it's hard to say from interviews, you know. For myself, I tend to be quite evasive when asked personal questions by strangers or people I don't know well. I rather hear them talk than myself. Innovation, clearly an introvert, may be the same. And even if Innovation is truly as he comes across. So what? He knows what he is about and makes no pretence about it. Good for him. Most other people wish they could say the same and mean it.
I think Innovation has so little personality he could actually become known for his personality of having no personality. It just loops all the way back around.
Ironically I find the world would be boring without guys like innovation. Nothing wrong with people who have personality types that you are not used to, or think is "normal".
He is not your typical attention whoring teen. I imagine he is much more open to those he trust and close to him.
He's kinda funny in the way that he just doesn't seem to give a crap about his fans or the attention he is getting. Like, he doesn't even care enough to pretend like he cares. Which is fine by me, at least there's no danger of having an inflated ego or anything like that.
On June 25 2013 07:07 mango_destroyer wrote: Ironically I find the world would be boring without guys like innovation. Nothing wrong with people who have personality types that you are not used to, or think is "normal".
He is not your typical attention whoring teen. I imagine he is much more open to those he trust and close to him.
I thought there were a ton of introverts in the world let alone in gaming? Does not compute..
On June 25 2013 07:07 mango_destroyer wrote: Ironically I find the world would be boring without guys like innovation. Nothing wrong with people who have personality types that you are not used to, or think is "normal".
He is not your typical attention whoring teen. I imagine he is much more open to those he trust and close to him.
I thought there were a ton of introverts in the world let alone in gaming? Does not compute..
"At first, I thought that one championship would be enough to be call myself a good player, and be called a good player by others. But after winning a championship, I didn't really feel anything, so I think I have to keep winning. "
Dedicated to his job/hobby, doesn't watch TV, likes walking and doesn't really care what random people think about him. Definitely like him. Ofc, someone like MC is a way more entertaining, but that doesn't mean everyone should be like him.
I like how young man can focus on one thing and tries to be best at it. This is really almost imossible for older men who cares about many things at once. Thats why i think the most successfull progamers are about 16-24 years old. After this age you start to care about many things at once (about girls, for example). Look at Jaedong and Bisu. They want girls, it's obvious.
On June 25 2013 06:40 mechengineer123 wrote: Wow, didn't expect so much hate and ignorance on TL towards what simply seems a strong introvert. The most intelligent and interesting people I know in real life (most of them physicists) would give interviews just like this. They don't care about "the mass" and seem distant from outside, but once you really get to know them it's a whole different world. They do what they enjoy and are excellent at it and often have "unpopular" hobbies etc.
Then you shouldn't be that surprised that only few people can relate to him. 'I am secretly amazing and nobody knows it' is funny when you talk about in forums where people 'socialize'.
You cant be one of the best at something by spending most of your time practicing at it and still be the most interesting man in the world or something. He just enjoys getting better at SC 2 and he is just humble and quite nothing wrong with that.
It is funny people call him boring based on a interview. Because interviews show personality, wait they don't if the person chooses not to. The only think I see in the interview is a person that is doing the interview because he kind of must, but does not really care about fans.
Whatever people think of the interview and peoples reaction to it, we can all have peace in mind knowing that there is one guy who doesn't care either way.
On June 25 2013 05:11 Talin wrote: It's pretty weird that people think somebody has a more entertaining personality if he watches tv shows or (pretends to) care deeply about random people on the internet.
How is it wierd? Pop culture is a big part of most peoples lives today and your musical interest, literature interest and film interest kinda defines who you are and makes it easier to connect with other people. It gives you a personality.
lol. Innovation has a personality. Just not the type of personality you see on TV.
It's called being an introverted, boring loner. And that's a compliment.
This is the kind of guy who will win a whole lot, because he doesn't really care about anything fame gives him, so he probably wouldn't spend too much time on it and just focus on the game and win more and more.. Kinda reminds me of Flash, who despite his more colourful interviews always concludes with "I'll just have to work hard to become the best".
I also simply love the fact that everything I felt was true about what happened during the finals or what he felt his strengths were, seemed to be exactly what he said. And the fact he doesn't care AT ALL what other people seem to think.. I kinda admire that in a way. Most people would try to do what you "should" do during interviews, he just doesn't care and tells you like it is.
On June 25 2013 07:34 mcc wrote: It is funny people call him boring based on a interview. Because interviews show personality, wait they don't if the person chooses not to. The only think I see in the interview is a person that is doing the interview because he kind of must, but does not really care about fans.
also, this. he sounds like an impenetrable introvert.
It was an incredibly boring interview, but that doesn't mean he is boring in general. Who knows what his mindset was when this interview occurred or if his personality is such that he hates to open up at all in these situations. In person he might be extremely funny and interesting who knows?
On June 25 2013 04:10 Daswollvieh wrote: And just when you thought there could not be a duller person than Flash, a new talent rises. Maybe it´s part of terran mechanics to be a total bore.
How is flash boring outside his play? He's trashtalked in more than 1 interview lol, and if nothing else Innovation is interesting if not funny or entertaining
On June 25 2013 06:40 mechengineer123 wrote: Wow, didn't expect so much hate and ignorance on TL towards what simply seems a strong introvert. The most intelligent and interesting people I know in real life (most of them physicists) would give interviews just like this. They don't care about "the mass" and seem distant from outside, but once you really get to know them it's a whole different world. They do what they enjoy and are excellent at it and often have "unpopular" hobbies etc.
Then you shouldn't be that surprised that only few people can relate to him. 'I am secretly amazing and nobody knows it' is funny when you talk about in forums where people 'socialize'.
This is true actually, I guess that's why I relate to him. It's a mix of having a general disinterest in the world, therefore having tons of time to dedicate to the few things you love.
Right an interview doesnt mean much maybe he just wanted to get done with it so gave quick answers. I know I would do that sometimes if I didnt feel like doing it.
Bogus aka INnoVation should rename once again ==> Terminator. I know there is T8 Terminator ^^
Anyway for the moment INnoVation has just incredible Mechanics and Micro.. if he learn to stop Zerg Allins... he'll not be unbeatable, but he'll be damn strong ^^
He doesn't necessarily have to be boring in person. But he's obviously not interested or too shy to say anything outstanding or funny in an interview. I guess it's a cultural thing too, after all many of those interviews sound exactly the same, they're mostly just politely and (yes) emotionlessly answering without risking anything, so to say. No speculation, no arrogance, no joking, no exagerrating. Of course there are a lot of other korean guys too (MC and so on). But still those that fall into that category don't have to be boring people as a result of it, maybe they're just not those kind of communicators.
On June 25 2013 07:42 _SpiRaL_ wrote: It was an incredibly boring interview, but that doesn't mean he is boring in general. Who knows what his mindset was when this interview occurred or if his personality is such that he hates to open up at all in these situations. In person he might be extremely funny and interesting who knows?
Yeah, we shouldn't be so quick to jump to assumptions via one interview, especially an interview that we're reading. We can't even tell his tone or body language
But it does seem like he didn't exactly "open up" during this interview - that's something to keep in mind. With Innovation, there may be more than meets the eye. (Shoot, I just made an indirect robot reference...)
Also: perhaps this is why Oprah gets the big bucks. She's an expert at drawing out a person during an interview? Lol
This reminds me how much I love Stephano, or DIMAGA, or MC, or MKP. They are maybe not as skilled as he is (that's definitely the case) but they are entertaining. It's not all about the skill. Even EG couldn't make INnoVation marketable.
I remember some people regretting that he was not invited at HomeStory Cup... It would have been embarrasingly hilarious, for sure. Just imagine him casting with Fuzer and MC.
Wow, Innovation is even more boring than I thought lol.. I respect his gameplay, but damn, its hard to really cheer for a guy this emotionless. Makes me miss players like MC (who is so terrible nowadays...) even more.
Sick interview. Maybe he's not a poster child for awesomeness, but I enjoyed it. Especially this part.
``Yes, right now all the races are active at the top tier of competition. The more skilled player is the one who wins, and I don't think there's better balance than what we have now.``
Thought it would be more interesting, he doesnt seem to care about...anything exept his own play. well guess u gotta do that to become that good. would be nice to see him stream some
The translation was from binary to Korean to English. Interesting to hear his thoughts on BW though. He seemed like a player with a lot of potential back then, though far from the monstrous player he currently is.
Haha. The only thing surprising about the interview is that he was probably a bit too honest (i.e. not enough media training). Most athletes have cardboard interview personalities. That is, they sound like they're reading off a checklist of "things that you're supposed to say", like a build order for interviews. Anybody is marketable if you give them the right checklist. The point of an interview isn't to show who a person is as much as to show fans what they want to see/hear.
Innovation has been playing some really interesting games lately. I guess that the talking he does in-game is far more valuable (kind of like Messi/etc.).
On June 25 2013 08:07 Boucot wrote: This reminds me how much I love Stephano, or DIMAGA, or MC, or MKP. They are maybe not as skilled as he is (that's definitely the case) but they are entertaining. It's not all about the skill. Even EG couldn't make INnoVation marketable.
I remember some people regretting that he was not invited at HomeStory Cup... It would have been embarrasingly hilarious, for sure. Just imagine him casting with Fuzer and MC.
1. Kespa players are under strict restrictions for overseas tournaments. And no, EGTL is not in Kespa.
2. Innovation will not cast even if he is at HSC. All the Koreans in HSC did not cast except for those who are good in English such as MC.
I really love how he has no soul. He is just a passionless automaton that destroys people because that's the only thing he knows. I especially liked the part where he stated he felt nothing when he won WCS.
On June 25 2013 03:11 monsta wrote: not bad but still he is kinda overrated..
btw he is really really really boring -.-"
he's a progamer doesn't suprise me he does not like movies or TV as they are for the brainless zombies (well TV at least). You shouldn't expect someone that practices all the time to be the dos equis guy.
On June 25 2013 03:11 monsta wrote: not bad but still he is kinda overrated..
btw he is really really really boring -.-"
he's a progamer doesn't suprise me he does not like movies or TV as they are for the brainless zombies (well TV at least). You shouldn't expect someone that practices all the time to be the dos equis guy.
Yeah, because all progamers dislike movies and TV.
On June 25 2013 08:07 Boucot wrote: This reminds me how much I love Stephano, or DIMAGA, or MC, or MKP. They are maybe not as skilled as he is (that's definitely the case) but they are entertaining. It's not all about the skill. Even EG couldn't make INnoVation marketable.
I remember some people regretting that he was not invited at HomeStory Cup... It would have been embarrasingly hilarious, for sure. Just imagine him casting with Fuzer and MC.
1. Kespa players are under strict restrictions for overseas tournaments. And no, EGTL is not in Kespa.
2. Innovation will not cast even if he is at HSC. All the Koreans in HSC did not cast except for those who are good in English such as MC.
3. For some fans, winning >>> personality.
Sad to hear you missed last HsC, but its not for everyone.
On June 25 2013 09:25 UglyBastard wrote: I really love how he has no soul. He is just a passionless automaton that destroys people because that's the only thing he knows. I especially liked the part where he stated he felt nothing when he won WCS.
The advantage is that he has no soul that can be sent to the shadow realm, so he can play without fear. The disadvantage is that his shoes must be uncomfortable without souls.
His lack of interest in gaining fame and recognition does not make him "boring", if anything, his not caring is purely humble.
You should have seen him walking out of the GSL. You could tell he had been crying and he had his little brother hanging on his arm, yet he was still stopping to sign autographs.
On June 25 2013 03:11 monsta wrote: not bad but still he is kinda overrated..
btw he is really really really boring -.-"
He is really really boring, but he certainly is not overrated. Yes, it can be argued he isn't #1 (BECAUSE BISU IS #1), but he's definitely within the top 3.
On June 25 2013 05:11 Talin wrote: It's pretty weird that people think somebody has a more entertaining personality if he watches tv shows or (pretends to) care deeply about random people on the internet.
Thank you! Honestly, for all you people calling him boring, I hope you are extremely socially awesome guys getting all the chicks and being trendy as fuck. I don't understand what it is about this community that is so obssessed with the "personality" of a player.
hes particularly honest .. but if i sum up the interview
* he doesnt give a fvck * he's not satisfied to my results yet(really?you're so good that you're called the greatest rts player by artosis.. you know that right?)
everything else boils down to hes one dimensional,introverted,boring,simple or whatever people prefer to call it .. the interesting thing is i think he still thinks life is a really good player even though life lost to two foreigners and wanna beat him head on because if life did not throw away his infestors that game it was pretty even ..
On June 25 2013 08:07 Boucot wrote: This reminds me how much I love Stephano, or DIMAGA, or MC, or MKP. They are maybe not as skilled as he is (that's definitely the case) but they are entertaining. It's not all about the skill. Even EG couldn't make INnoVation marketable.
I remember some people regretting that he was not invited at HomeStory Cup... It would have been embarrasingly hilarious, for sure. Just imagine him casting with Fuzer and MC.
1. Kespa players are under strict restrictions for overseas tournaments. And no, EGTL is not in Kespa.
2. Innovation will not cast even if he is at HSC. All the Koreans in HSC did not cast except for those who are good in English such as MC.
3. For some fans, winning >>> personality.
#3 is absolutely true .. i dont care if they bash or dont react to everyone else as long as they win convincingly ... i liked savior from broodwar even though he was caught in match fixing .. i liked jaedong because hes insanely aggressive that almost always pays off .. i liked life even though he's not fun to interview like everyone else
On June 25 2013 09:56 konicki wrote: His lack of interest in gaining fame and recognition does not make him "boring", if anything, his not caring is purely humble.
You should have seen him walking out of the GSL. You could tell he had been crying and he had his little brother hanging on his arm, yet he was still stopping to sign autographs.
Pretty stellar guy imo.
he just doesnt give a fvck on fame .. agreed that doesnt make him boring .. i think its just lack of interest
i'm starting to notice .. why does everyone want flash to be their rival than other players ? i mean at first it was life in an interview.. now innovation ..
yup, innovation's definitely an agent in the matrix. he doesn't not care though. he actually hates human beings and want to destroy them. of course, he can't say that in an interview with a human being
On June 25 2013 10:39 theMagus wrote: yup, innovation's definitely an agent in the matrix. he doesn't not care though. he actually hates human beings and want to destroy them. of course, he can't say that in an interview with a human being
This is a great interview. This shows, his passion for the game and to raise the skill ceiling, where players like "HuK" and "IdrA" kept it so freaking low, creating literal e-drama and e-personalities,
yeah this guy is a machine, which makes him a perfect bad guy i never knew that anyone could be more of a machine than flash...but lately flash has been talking a lot about plenty of stuff...
On June 25 2013 10:31 goody153 wrote: i'm starting to notice .. why does everyone want flash to be their rival than other players ? i mean at first it was life in an interview.. now innovation ..
Because in bw flash was God and above all other players. The title of bonjwa was beneath flash, so they gave him the title of God instead. He was the michael jordan of bw.
This interview was so intense that I got so pumped I had to go for a walk myself. Along the way I decided to stop and watch the grass grow, and when I came back I watched the paint on my house dry. Such an exciting afternoon... Bogus would have been proud.
Its only only the america's and EU that care for their "personalites" of their players. Becuase, only there are other people's life's more interesting then their own.
It's kind of crazy how his only focus is the game and winning, not the audience and no interest in other things... hopefully that passion continues and we keep getting great games (no thanks to Starleague's Bo1 rounds, ick!).
I'm a bit disappointed in his answers, but that's not to say I'm not still a fan. Wish he'd at least pretend to enjoy stuff like foreign audiences though...makes players much more likeable.
On June 25 2013 11:40 vesicular wrote: Still can not understand why people care if someone has "personality" or not. They're playing a game, not acting on Broadway.
Because everyone in the world ever likes to relate to their heroes. You can't relate to someone who is quite literally a robot that just plays the game and doesn't even acknowledge his fans.
That's why most heroes in action movies are usually portrayed as/by a Joe Everyman and not some mindless robot.
On June 25 2013 11:40 vesicular wrote: Still can not understand why people care if someone has "personality" or not. They're playing a game, not acting on Broadway.
Because everyone in the world ever likes to relate to their heroes. You can't relate to someone who is quite literally a robot that just plays the game and doesn't even acknowledge his fans.
That's why most heroes in action movies are usually portrayed as/by a Joe Everyman and not some mindless robot.
Guess I don't really care about the players as people, I just want to see good games. Same holds true for any sport really.
On June 25 2013 11:40 vesicular wrote: Still can not understand why people care if someone has "personality" or not. They're playing a game, not acting on Broadway.
Because everyone in the world ever likes to relate to their heroes. You can't relate to someone who is quite literally a robot that just plays the game and doesn't even acknowledge his fans.
That's why most heroes in action movies are usually portrayed as/by a Joe Everyman and not some mindless robot.
finally, a player that doesn't give a fuck about "personality" or all that other silly stuff, completely devoted to starcraft. and brutally honest about the foreign scene too.
Great interview, it's nice when players don't pander to foreign audiences just to gain fans. Innovation answered a lot of the questions honestly and I learned a bit about him.
Meh, this was boring to read. Interviewer trying to fish for certain answers and he just doesn't care that much about anything. Still, good player skill-wise and imho NOT overrated as some claim.
On June 25 2013 11:40 vesicular wrote: Still can not understand why people care if someone has "personality" or not. They're playing a game, not acting on Broadway.
Because everyone in the world ever likes to relate to their heroes. You can't relate to someone who is quite literally a robot that just plays the game and doesn't even acknowledge his fans.
That's why most heroes in action movies are usually portrayed as/by a Joe Everyman and not some mindless robot.
not true. i think there's a place for someone who is just a fucking beast at what he does and doesn't give a fuck about all the other bullshit. innovation is definitely top 2 player and is just sick, i don't care what his favorite food is and if he likes to read the same books as me. i do care that he can flawlessly beat a code-s level terran and make him look like a bronze.
On June 25 2013 12:10 Whatson wrote: finally, a player that doesn't give a fuck about "personality" or all that other silly stuff, completely devoted to starcraft. and brutally honest about the foreign scene too.
Being honest and monotone is a personality. Just look at Chomsky.
Interesting read. From this interview Inno seems like a killing machine, focused only on killing, and how to kill better. Makes for and amazing player but not a great personality. I would love to hear more interviews with other Kespa pros, especially on their view of BW vs SC2.
On June 25 2013 11:08 lichter wrote: Bogus interview, man
Gonna be hard to gain more fans with answers like that lol
Good thing he doesn't care what you or I or the next person think. Winning strategy yo. He's focused on the goal at hand.
I actually like his straightforward and serious personality. We all expect and demand something more interesting, and he's like, fuck it I should be practicing. I think it's hilarious. Especially all the arguments going on in the thread.
To be honest I just wanted an excuse to say "Bogus interview, man"
Guys, don't assume that a person will reveal everything about themselves and what's inside in just one interview. When I read an interview like this, I think there are two takeaway points for me:
1) He seems pretty reserved in this interview; and 2) We don't have a full picture yet of what he's really like.
Amazing interview! Innovation is truly a boss! He doesn't care much for watching vods of him losing, doesn't follow many tourneys, doesn't try to pander to his fans or hid his personality. Heck, he doesn't even want to go for oversea tournaments even though the competition should be easier than GSL and he could potentially make some easy money.
On top of all that, he believes he needs 3 championships to believe he is "good" and felt nothing after winning the first. His mind is always on starcraft except when he's not practicing and he enjoys going for walks(a rarity lol). All in all, a mechanical player who loves the game and is 100% dedicated to it and dedicating to making himself a name in Korea.
Only thing I found odd is his lack of love for BW. I mean, that's obviously ok but he's played that game for 3-4 years before SCII so I would figure he feels something for it but guess not lol.
On June 25 2013 13:40 BigFan wrote: Only thing I found odd is his lack of love for BW. I mean, that's obviously ok but he's played that game for 3-4 years before SCII so I would figure he feels something for it but guess not lol.
Based on the interviews I've read, a lot of ex-BW pros actually really like SC2 and felt rejuvenated due to the switch (of course some don't). I don't know if it's just duty that requires them to say good things about SC2, but most pros have been very positive about it--much more positive than the community.
On June 25 2013 13:42 Heartscry wrote: Blimey, he didnt give the interviewer much to work with there. Nice work fom waxangel but what a tedious individual. Bordering on obnoxious in places.
Great player though, fair enough.
you have to remember that from a very young age, he's spent most of his life practicing in front of a computer. it takes a certain personality to be able to do that relentlessly.
On June 25 2013 13:40 BigFan wrote: Only thing I found odd is his lack of love for BW. I mean, that's obviously ok but he's played that game for 3-4 years before SCII so I would figure he feels something for it but guess not lol.
Based on the interviews I've read, a lot of ex-BW pros actually really like SC2 and felt rejuvenated due to the switch (of course some don't). I don't know if it's just duty that requires them to say good things about SC2, but most pros have been very positive about it--much more positive than the community.
On June 25 2013 13:42 Heartscry wrote: Blimey, he didnt give the interviewer much to work with there. Nice work fom waxangel but what a tedious individual. Bordering on obnoxious in places.
Great player though, fair enough.
you have to remember that from a very young age, he's spent most of his life practicing in front of a computer. it takes a certain personality to be able to do that relentlessly.
it's why he's able to even get an interview.
I'm aware of that, I can see he may lack the social skills to conduct a decent interview, but there are plenty of others who have done the same and at least give something back to the interviewer - particularly from a major foreign website that has used convoluted channels just to get the interview.
I can understand they reasons behind his lack of intrigue, but it doesn't make for pleasant reading.
On June 25 2013 13:40 BigFan wrote: Only thing I found odd is his lack of love for BW. I mean, that's obviously ok but he's played that game for 3-4 years before SCII so I would figure he feels something for it but guess not lol.
Based on the interviews I've read, a lot of ex-BW pros actually really like SC2 and felt rejuvenated due to the switch (of course some don't). I don't know if it's just duty that requires them to say good things about SC2, but most pros have been very positive about it--much more positive than the community.
ya don't disagree. Fantasy believed that SCII suits his style much more than BW after he dismantled Nestea back when he first switched.
On June 25 2013 13:42 Heartscry wrote: Blimey, he didnt give the interviewer much to work with there. Nice work fom waxangel but what a tedious individual. Bordering on obnoxious in places.
Great player though, fair enough.
you have to remember that from a very young age, he's spent most of his life practicing in front of a computer. it takes a certain personality to be able to do that relentlessly.
it's why he's able to even get an interview.
I'm aware of that, I can see he may lack the social skills to conduct a decent interview, but there are plenty of others who have done the same and at least give something back to the interviewer - particularly from a major foreign website that has used convoluted channels just to get the interview.
I can understand they reasons behind his lack of intrigue, but it doesn't make for pleasant reading.
or maybe he just doesn't care much about the interview?
Doesn't watch movies or TV but got his name from a K-Drama? Doesn't care about hellbats outside of TvT but used them extensively against Soulkey and sOs in his finals?
He actually DOES seem very concerned with image and what his fans think if he'll give answers like that.
On June 25 2013 14:03 jalstar wrote: Doesn't watch movies or TV but got his name from a K-Drama? Doesn't care about hellbats outside of TvT but used them extensively against Soulkey and sOs in his finals?
He actually DOES seem very concerned with image and what his fans think if he'll give answers like that.
he never said he never watches. he probably watches a couple episodes if he's really bored occasionally. imo you're reading too much into this.
On June 25 2013 14:03 jalstar wrote: Doesn't watch movies or TV but got his name from a K-Drama? Doesn't care about hellbats outside of TvT but used them extensively against Soulkey and sOs in his finals?
He actually DOES seem very concerned with image and what his fans think if he'll give answers like that.
hellbats are just another strat in vp and vz. hellbat drop is the dominant strat in tvt.
he stated before in an interview that he isn't a very emotional person. its not surprising.
as for tv, i dont watch much either, i only watch GoT, and that's once a week for like 8 weeks.
On June 25 2013 12:10 Whatson wrote: finally, a player that doesn't give a fuck about "personality" or all that other silly stuff, completely devoted to starcraft. and brutally honest about the foreign scene too.
hard of him to give a fuck about personality since he seems to lack one
his social life must have been close to inexistent since he finished school probably
I guess he's still young so he'll grow up and change, but geez... poor guy
Definitely full introvert, but I can respect the guy for sure. Interesting that he never watches other people play/tournaments. I wonder if that's why it took him so long to get good, had to develop most things himself. Regardless, he's top of the line now and with that sort of dedicated personality I think he'll stay there for a while.
"Do you like TV or movies?" "No." "Do you like to do anything besides Starcraft?" "Umm...I go for walks." "How was travelling to America?" "I didn't gain anything." "But were the fans good?" "I didn't notice them." "You have a lot of fans, how do you feel about that?" "I don't know." "So your main goal is to win championships?" "Yes." "So you must have felt happy when you won your first championship?" "I didn't feel anything." "Anything you'd like your fans to know about you?" "No." "Nothing?" "Uhhh..." "Who do you hang out with?" "Um, mostly Coach Calm." "You don't say....."
Everyone says he's boring, well what did you expect? To get to that level in starcraft you have to play 12 hours a day, every day of your life, adding up to thousands and thousands of hours of repetitive, monotonous practice. These guys don't have time for girlfriends, they are married to their keyboards. The ones who want to go out drink, party, have girlfriends and have a life, you don't hear about them, and there's a reason.
I'd suspect most sc2 players are pretty "boring" IRL, even the foreigners, it goes with the territory. And Innovation is the best of them all, he's the King of the Nerds, it makes sense that he is the most boring of them all too.
Well, I hate the 'boring Korean' brand as much as anything but in this case... lol. What a calm, introverted guy. I'm not going to be too quick to bash him though, because at one point in my life, all I cared about was Runescape and BW, and that was literally it. So I'm sure in time, he'll open up, maybe not during his Starcraft career, but in time.
Pretty funny interview with how the questions kept trying to get something from him and he's just... -_-
On June 25 2013 15:55 dase wrote: I really like this guy now. He is kind of like NaNiwa in that he only really cares about his own play, he's just more calm and mannered.
Innovation's complete absence of emotion, IMO, actually gives him a great persona for casters and event organizers to build upon. When the foreign audience is clamoring for players who goes on wild parties or do backflips while using the restroom, this guy with the type of results he brings in can be THE incarnation of the 'faceless-no-personality-korean-pros'.
He can be the blank canvas for colorful players to contrast with.
Or the eraser that wipes them off the tourneys kekeke...
On June 25 2013 16:17 Gaizokubanou wrote: Innovation's complete absence of emotion, IMO, actually gives him a great persona for casters and event organizers to build upon. When the foreign audience is clamoring for players who goes on wild parties or do backflips while using the restroom, this guy with the type of results he brings in can be THE incarnation of the 'faceless-no-personality-korean-pros'.
He can be the blank canvas for colorful players to contrast with.
Or the eraser that wipes them off the tourneys kekeke...
I don't think anyone anywhere has ever advocated anyone doing backflips while using the restroom. That would be very messy.
Any particular reasons StarCraft II has been better for you? What was holding you back in Brood War?
Production is easier, and I think it's a game based around micro and big engagements. Also, multi-tasking is a bit easier, so you can be more aggressive.
Since I'm a player who is very mechanics based, and I was very lacking in strategic and finesse elements in Brood War, StarCraft II has helped me in that regard. Players with good mechanics and fundamentals can put themselves in good situations, the game being fast paced and all.
Glad Bogus agrees with what I was saying when the Forbidden Debate was still allowed. Not much to say apart from that.
On June 25 2013 15:29 Evil_Sheep wrote: This is a great interview, made me laugh.
"Do you like TV or movies?" "No." "Do you like to do anything besides Starcraft?" "Umm...I go for walks." "How was travelling to America?" "I didn't gain anything." "But were the fans good?" "I didn't notice them." "You have a lot of fans, how do you feel about that?" "I don't know." "So your main goal is to win championships?" "Yes." "So you must have felt happy when you won your first championship?" "I didn't feel anything." "Anything you'd like your fans to know about you?" "No." "Nothing?" "Uhhh..." "Who do you hang out with?" "Um, mostly Coach Calm." "You don't say....."
Everyone says he's boring, well what did you expect? To get to that level in starcraft you have to play 12 hours a day, every day of your life, adding up to thousands and thousands of hours of repetitive, monotonous practice. These guys don't have time for girlfriends, they are married to their keyboards. The ones who want to go out drink, party, have girlfriends and have a life, you don't hear about them, and there's a reason.
I'd suspect most sc2 players are pretty "boring" IRL, even the foreigners, it goes with the territory. And Innovation is the best of them all, he's the King of the Nerds, it makes sense that he is the most boring of them all too.
It makes no sense to say that all players are boring because of their profession when people are calling Innovation boring compared to any other player.
Gotta wonder what he's like on his days off. I bet its weird and sad knowing somebody like him, despite his incredible success. What's he going to be like when he's 40?
On June 25 2013 15:37 Flonomenalz wrote: Pretty funny interview with how the questions kept trying to get something from him and he's just... -_-
That was just awful on the interviewer's part imo.
"Hey what do you think about 'murica?" "For realz now, what do you think about how cool we are? We are cool right?" "Really man, you have nothing else to say?" "Nothing at all?" "Okay interview ends"
On June 25 2013 15:29 Evil_Sheep wrote: This is a great interview, made me laugh.
"Do you like TV or movies?" "No." "Do you like to do anything besides Starcraft?" "Umm...I go for walks." "How was travelling to America?" "I didn't gain anything." "But were the fans good?" "I didn't notice them." "You have a lot of fans, how do you feel about that?" "I don't know." "So your main goal is to win championships?" "Yes." "So you must have felt happy when you won your first championship?" "I didn't feel anything." "Anything you'd like your fans to know about you?" "No." "Nothing?" "Uhhh..." "Who do you hang out with?" "Um, mostly Coach Calm." "You don't say....."
Everyone says he's boring, well what did you expect? To get to that level in starcraft you have to play 12 hours a day, every day of your life, adding up to thousands and thousands of hours of repetitive, monotonous practice. These guys don't have time for girlfriends, they are married to their keyboards. The ones who want to go out drink, party, have girlfriends and have a life, you don't hear about them, and there's a reason.
I'd suspect most sc2 players are pretty "boring" IRL, even the foreigners, it goes with the territory. And Innovation is the best of them all, he's the King of the Nerds, it makes sense that he is the most boring of them all too.
It makes no sense to say that all players are boring because of their profession when people are calling Innovation boring compared to any other player.
I did not say all players, but I'd note that those two statements do not contradict one another either.
On June 25 2013 15:29 Evil_Sheep wrote: This is a great interview, made me laugh.
"Do you like TV or movies?" "No." "Do you like to do anything besides Starcraft?" "Umm...I go for walks." "How was travelling to America?" "I didn't gain anything." "But were the fans good?" "I didn't notice them." "You have a lot of fans, how do you feel about that?" "I don't know." "So your main goal is to win championships?" "Yes." "So you must have felt happy when you won your first championship?" "I didn't feel anything." "Anything you'd like your fans to know about you?" "No." "Nothing?" "Uhhh..." "Who do you hang out with?" "Um, mostly Coach Calm." "You don't say....."
Everyone says he's boring, well what did you expect? To get to that level in starcraft you have to play 12 hours a day, every day of your life, adding up to thousands and thousands of hours of repetitive, monotonous practice. These guys don't have time for girlfriends, they are married to their keyboards. The ones who want to go out drink, party, have girlfriends and have a life, you don't hear about them, and there's a reason.
I'd suspect most sc2 players are pretty "boring" IRL, even the foreigners, it goes with the territory. And Innovation is the best of them all, he's the King of the Nerds, it makes sense that he is the most boring of them all too.
Well I hope you're still very young, because if you consider the epitome of cool to be "drinking, partying and occasionaly having sex" passed 20, I guess you must be pretty boring too. As everyone in this thread who believes that not liking TV and preferring to walk makes you dull.
On June 25 2013 15:29 Evil_Sheep wrote: This is a great interview, made me laugh.
"Do you like TV or movies?" "No." "Do you like to do anything besides Starcraft?" "Umm...I go for walks." "How was travelling to America?" "I didn't gain anything." "But were the fans good?" "I didn't notice them." "You have a lot of fans, how do you feel about that?" "I don't know." "So your main goal is to win championships?" "Yes." "So you must have felt happy when you won your first championship?" "I didn't feel anything." "Anything you'd like your fans to know about you?" "No." "Nothing?" "Uhhh..." "Who do you hang out with?" "Um, mostly Coach Calm." "You don't say....."
Everyone says he's boring, well what did you expect? To get to that level in starcraft you have to play 12 hours a day, every day of your life, adding up to thousands and thousands of hours of repetitive, monotonous practice. These guys don't have time for girlfriends, they are married to their keyboards. The ones who want to go out drink, party, have girlfriends and have a life, you don't hear about them, and there's a reason.
I'd suspect most sc2 players are pretty "boring" IRL, even the foreigners, it goes with the territory. And Innovation is the best of them all, he's the King of the Nerds, it makes sense that he is the most boring of them all too.
Well I hope you're still very young, because if you consider the epitome of cool to be "drinking, partying and occasionaly having sex" passed 20, I guess you must be pretty boring too.
I never said drinking, partying and sex are the epitome of cool. Not that I find anything wrong with that Simply that Innovation's life appears to be single-mindedly focused on one objective, which is playing and winning at Starcraft to the exclusion of most everything else.
By most people's standards, including my own, that is quite a dull life. But please don't think I'm judging Innovation. I respect him for his choices, I respect him for the success he's had and the ridiculous ease with which he stomps nerds into the ground who also play 12 hours a day. I respect the way that he plays terran at 500APM, multitasking 10 things at once in a way I could never hope to emulate to be quite remarkable. I merely find the total lack of irony in the monotony of his responses make him such a poor interview that it actually becomes quite funny.
the more i think about this, the more i feel like it should be obvious that such a great player doesn't really have time to do anything except play starcraft, eat, think about starcraft, talk about starcraft, and sleep. but even so, and no matter how much i love starcraft, i can't imagine living like that. this actually makes me feel bad for all the guys that train as much as Innovation. i mean, sure, he gets a lot of money and fame and respect (well, considering he's in e-sports), but that gotta be dull as hell. imagine just staring at your computer literally _all day_ _every day_. and it's more than that, you HAVE to do it because otherwise you're gonna be out of a job, or at least your skill will decrease and your coach will not be happy with you.
living like this just cannot be healthy. professional athletes don't train 12 hours every day, why do starcraft players?
On June 25 2013 15:29 Evil_Sheep wrote: This is a great interview, made me laugh.
"Do you like TV or movies?" "No." "Do you like to do anything besides Starcraft?" "Umm...I go for walks." "How was travelling to America?" "I didn't gain anything." "But were the fans good?" "I didn't notice them." "You have a lot of fans, how do you feel about that?" "I don't know." "So your main goal is to win championships?" "Yes." "So you must have felt happy when you won your first championship?" "I didn't feel anything." "Anything you'd like your fans to know about you?" "No." "Nothing?" "Uhhh..." "Who do you hang out with?" "Um, mostly Coach Calm." "You don't say....."
Everyone says he's boring, well what did you expect? To get to that level in starcraft you have to play 12 hours a day, every day of your life, adding up to thousands and thousands of hours of repetitive, monotonous practice. These guys don't have time for girlfriends, they are married to their keyboards. The ones who want to go out drink, party, have girlfriends and have a life, you don't hear about them, and there's a reason.
I'd suspect most sc2 players are pretty "boring" IRL, even the foreigners, it goes with the territory. And Innovation is the best of them all, he's the King of the Nerds, it makes sense that he is the most boring of them all too.
It makes no sense to say that all players are boring because of their profession when people are calling Innovation boring compared to any other player.
I did not say all players, but I'd note that those two statements do not contradict one another either.
All Kespa players practice 10+ hours a day, and probably most ESF players do as well. If you say that they're boring because of the amount of practice they do and how little time they have for anything else, then you're essentially saying that they're all boring. Other top player's interviews are often interesting, and they practice just as much as Innovation.
On June 25 2013 15:29 Evil_Sheep wrote: This is a great interview, made me laugh.
"Do you like TV or movies?" "No." "Do you like to do anything besides Starcraft?" "Umm...I go for walks." "How was travelling to America?" "I didn't gain anything." "But were the fans good?" "I didn't notice them." "You have a lot of fans, how do you feel about that?" "I don't know." "So your main goal is to win championships?" "Yes." "So you must have felt happy when you won your first championship?" "I didn't feel anything." "Anything you'd like your fans to know about you?" "No." "Nothing?" "Uhhh..." "Who do you hang out with?" "Um, mostly Coach Calm." "You don't say....."
Everyone says he's boring, well what did you expect? To get to that level in starcraft you have to play 12 hours a day, every day of your life, adding up to thousands and thousands of hours of repetitive, monotonous practice. These guys don't have time for girlfriends, they are married to their keyboards. The ones who want to go out drink, party, have girlfriends and have a life, you don't hear about them, and there's a reason.
I'd suspect most sc2 players are pretty "boring" IRL, even the foreigners, it goes with the territory. And Innovation is the best of them all, he's the King of the Nerds, it makes sense that he is the most boring of them all too.
It makes no sense to say that all players are boring because of their profession when people are calling Innovation boring compared to any other player.
I did not say all players, but I'd note that those two statements do not contradict one another either.
All Kespa players practice 10+ hours a day, and probably most ESF players do as well. If you say that they're boring because of the amount of practice they do and how little time they have for anything else, then you're essentially saying that they're all boring. Other top player's interviews are often interesting, and they practice just as much as Innovation.
The problem is bigger with innovation: even his starcraft is ultra standard and reflects his "boringness": purely mechanical. The guy could be a robot, as far as we know. Don't get me wrong, he is really good, and the amount of dedication he puts in the game is awesome, but even if he had more time, I'm pretty sure he would have a boring life. A good thing for him he went into starcraft because it allows him to at least do something interesting and appear somewhere.
A lot of very good progamer are way more interesting as persons, but they are often older, with more confidence in themselves, allowing them to develop a "starcraft personality". I'm pretty sure Flash is an interesting person. So much exposure and thought put into it have to forge a personality. But Innovation have been a tier 2 player for so long, and a top tier player for only a few month, so he haven't been able to develop a front figure personality yet. And I'm not sure he will, seeing how he seems not to care. But look at some players like MC, who have a clear, distinct personality, while still having practised all day long and dedicated to their careers.
There is a ton of players that aren't that boring. But you're probably right, boring goes well with mechanically perfect. Progamers with an interesting personality are more often the more stylistic ones.
On June 25 2013 15:29 Evil_Sheep wrote: This is a great interview, made me laugh.
"Do you like TV or movies?" "No." "Do you like to do anything besides Starcraft?" "Umm...I go for walks." "How was travelling to America?" "I didn't gain anything." "But were the fans good?" "I didn't notice them." "You have a lot of fans, how do you feel about that?" "I don't know." "So your main goal is to win championships?" "Yes." "So you must have felt happy when you won your first championship?" "I didn't feel anything." "Anything you'd like your fans to know about you?" "No." "Nothing?" "Uhhh..." "Who do you hang out with?" "Um, mostly Coach Calm." "You don't say....."
Everyone says he's boring, well what did you expect? To get to that level in starcraft you have to play 12 hours a day, every day of your life, adding up to thousands and thousands of hours of repetitive, monotonous practice. These guys don't have time for girlfriends, they are married to their keyboards. The ones who want to go out drink, party, have girlfriends and have a life, you don't hear about them, and there's a reason.
I'd suspect most sc2 players are pretty "boring" IRL, even the foreigners, it goes with the territory. And Innovation is the best of them all, he's the King of the Nerds, it makes sense that he is the most boring of them all too.
It makes no sense to say that all players are boring because of their profession when people are calling Innovation boring compared to any other player.
I did not say all players, but I'd note that those two statements do not contradict one another either.
All Kespa players practice 10+ hours a day, and probably most ESF players do as well. If you say that they're boring because of the amount of practice they do and how little time they have for anything else, then you're essentially saying that they're all boring. Other top player's interviews are often interesting, and they practice just as much as Innovation.
Yes, I would (and did) say most top players are boring interviews, and tend to repeat the same things over and over again, particularly Koreans. But there are exceptions, and I would note you don't have to be an interesting person to say something interesting. Personally I don't follow Starcraft for its rather quiet, reserved personalities and I don't really give a damn if they are boring people or not. It just tickles me to read an interview from a stone-cold killer like Innovation who takes the "Korean robot" cliche virtually to an artform.
I don't want to criticize his choices, but I just wonder what this guy will do when his career necessarily begins to decline, he seems to have no other interest in life other than being the best starcraft player in the world.
The guy is a hero. You'd figure his play would come off as more innovative, for lack of a better word, given his isolated nature. I'm surprised more of the top players aren't like him. I'm more of a fan of him than before, although I always loved his prior interviews and humble nature. Too many pros are too cocky when they have won. And a lot of the cocky pros end up becoming just another Korean, and their personality is probably a part of it.
sOs mentioned that he checks out community forums in between games to see what people are saying. Do you do that too?
I don't really read the forums that much. I don't think I have anything to gain from reading people's reactions to me.
Isn't it nice though, to read praise when you've played a good game?
It does feel good, but I don't think that will help me in terms of playing the game itself.
</div></div><div id="Newsfooter">
Interview: Waxangel Graphics: shiroiusagi Photos: GomTV and Silverfire Editor: Waxangel Special Thanks: Blizzard Korea and Jeong Seung Hyun
</div>
Take that TL forumers, lol.
Probably his English is not that good to follow a forum like TL and he is in a state that he wouldn't gain anything reading the actual forum itself even if it would be a Korean. I don't blame him for not following community forums rather playing games.
I kinda like how he doesn't care about fans and is focused on his play. No fake "I want to thank my fans, I will practice even harder to show better results for you."
I don't think it's cockiness either. He just doesn't want to pretend.
There were some really interesting tidbits there too, like his comments on the GSL final or why it's harder to stop all-ins in televised games than in practice.
This kinda attitude might be dissapointing for a spectator. But if you are a competitor, this scares you. Like a Stephano but with extreme work ethics.
I haven't watched a game of him in the past months, but from this interview, I can say that he is boring and a bit cocky, but hey.. PartinG is PartinG.
also, maybe he has some sort of social phobia or disorder or something :l
honestly, it's not very normal for someone to complete neglect every other aspect of life in order to become the best at one thing. Sure, he's an amazing starcraft player, but besides that, what does he do? He goes on walks? Don't you guys think that's at least a little sad?
On June 25 2013 21:46 IMoperator wrote: also, maybe he has some sort of social phobia or disorder or something :l
honestly, it's not very normal for someone to complete neglect every other aspect of life in order to become the best at one thing. Sure, he's an amazing starcraft player, but besides that, what does he do? He goes on walks? Don't you guys think that's at least a little sad?
what do you think other progamers do, party every night after practicing for 12 hours, cause fuck sleep right? What I've heard the best ones devote even the little freetime they have for practice
On June 25 2013 21:46 IMoperator wrote: also, maybe he has some sort of social phobia or disorder or something :l
honestly, it's not very normal for someone to complete neglect every other aspect of life in order to become the best at one thing. Sure, he's an amazing starcraft player, but besides that, what does he do? He goes on walks? Don't you guys think that's at least a little sad?
what do you think other progamers do, party every night after practicing for 12 hours, cause fuck sleep right? What I've heard the best ones devote even the little freetime they have for practice
Believe it or not, progamers are human and do other things besides starcraft. Weird concept, I know. I guarantee you that you could ask any progamer what they do when they're not playing sc2, and they'll say things like watching tv/movies, playing other games, cooking, reading books, etc. you know, other hobbies? Even in Kespa teams, I doubt everyone on those teams ONLY practice and sleep. Just because you've heard that the pros in Korea play a lot of sc doesn't mean that's literally the only thing they ever do.
Rather than thinking innovation is boring, this interview actually told me that he is a nice guy, and that he seems to invest more time in doing stuff with other people than watching some lame TV shows. He just doesn't seem the guy that has to demand attention to feel good about himself, which I like.
On June 25 2013 21:46 IMoperator wrote: also, maybe he has some sort of social phobia or disorder or something :l
honestly, it's not very normal for someone to complete neglect every other aspect of life in order to become the best at one thing. Sure, he's an amazing starcraft player, but besides that, what does he do? He goes on walks? Don't you guys think that's at least a little sad?
what do you think other progamers do, party every night after practicing for 12 hours, cause fuck sleep right? What I've heard the best ones devote even the little freetime they have for practice
Believe it or not, progamers are human and do other things besides starcraft. Weird concept, I know. I guarantee you that you could ask any progamer what they do when they're not playing sc2, and they'll say things like watching tv/movies, playing other games, cooking, reading books, etc. you know, other hobbies? Even in Kespa teams, I doubt everyone on those teams ONLY practice and sleep. Just because you've heard that the pros in Korea play a lot of sc doesn't mean that's literally the only thing they ever do.
The interview just stated that he does sometimes play badminton and obviously does from time to time watch TV and whatnot, so yeah playing is not literally the only thing he does. He just obviously doesn't have much time to spend doing anything exciting is my point, which I find pretty normal considering his circumstances.
I'm pretty sure most of the really high class gamers have a sort of personality that atleast cares to a certain extents about fans, traveling or anything else except their own game. Tbh, Bogus sounds really horrible as a rolemodel with the star level he has reach at this moment. I really hope he gets some attitude changes or coaching if he plans to stay on top of the HoTS thorne. If not, I wouldn't say this is good for e-sports. Players like Jaedong, Bisu and Flash had probably the same kind of boring "attitude" to some extent, but they still remained professional and appricative to all the fans. This interview is just lame...
On June 25 2013 21:46 IMoperator wrote: also, maybe he has some sort of social phobia or disorder or something :l
honestly, it's not very normal for someone to complete neglect every other aspect of life in order to become the best at one thing. Sure, he's an amazing starcraft player, but besides that, what does he do? He goes on walks? Don't you guys think that's at least a little sad?
what do you think other progamers do, party every night after practicing for 12 hours, cause fuck sleep right? What I've heard the best ones devote even the little freetime they have for practice
Believe it or not, progamers are human and do other things besides starcraft. Weird concept, I know. I guarantee you that you could ask any progamer what they do when they're not playing sc2, and they'll say things like watching tv/movies, playing other games, cooking, reading books, etc. you know, other hobbies? Even in Kespa teams, I doubt everyone on those teams ONLY practice and sleep. Just because you've heard that the pros in Korea play a lot of sc doesn't mean that's literally the only thing they ever do.
The interview just stated that he does sometimes play badminton and obviously does from time to time watch TV and whatnot, so yeah playing is not literally the only thing he does. He just obviously doesn't have much time to spend doing anything exciting is my point, which I find pretty normal considering his circumstances.
Idk, just seems weird to me that it looks like he has nothing else he enjoys doing besides playing SC2. Maybe you're right, maybe he just doesn't have time. Whatever his circumstances are, I at least hope he is having a happy life.
On June 25 2013 21:46 IMoperator wrote: also, maybe he has some sort of social phobia or disorder or something :l
honestly, it's not very normal for someone to complete neglect every other aspect of life in order to become the best at one thing. Sure, he's an amazing starcraft player, but besides that, what does he do? He goes on walks? Don't you guys think that's at least a little sad?
what do you think other progamers do, party every night after practicing for 12 hours, cause fuck sleep right? What I've heard the best ones devote even the little freetime they have for practice
Believe it or not, progamers are human and do other things besides starcraft. Weird concept, I know. I guarantee you that you could ask any progamer what they do when they're not playing sc2, and they'll say things like watching tv/movies, playing other games, cooking, reading books, etc. you know, other hobbies? Even in Kespa teams, I doubt everyone on those teams ONLY practice and sleep. Just because you've heard that the pros in Korea play a lot of sc doesn't mean that's literally the only thing they ever do.
On June 25 2013 21:46 IMoperator wrote: also, maybe he has some sort of social phobia or disorder or something :l
honestly, it's not very normal for someone to complete neglect every other aspect of life in order to become the best at one thing. Sure, he's an amazing starcraft player, but besides that, what does he do? He goes on walks? Don't you guys think that's at least a little sad?
what do you think other progamers do, party every night after practicing for 12 hours, cause fuck sleep right? What I've heard the best ones devote even the little freetime they have for practice
Believe it or not, progamers are human and do other things besides starcraft. Weird concept, I know. I guarantee you that you could ask any progamer what they do when they're not playing sc2, and they'll say things like watching tv/movies, playing other games, cooking, reading books, etc. you know, other hobbies? Even in Kespa teams, I doubt everyone on those teams ONLY practice and sleep. Just because you've heard that the pros in Korea play a lot of sc doesn't mean that's literally the only thing they ever do.
watching TV/movies is a hobby?
Is eating food a hobby too?
Yes, why wouldn't it be a hobby? Hobby Noun 1. An activity done regularly in one's leisure time for pleasure. 2. A migratory Old World falcon (genus Falco) with long narrow wings, catching dragonflies and birds on the wing. (lol)
On June 25 2013 21:46 IMoperator wrote: also, maybe he has some sort of social phobia or disorder or something :l
honestly, it's not very normal for someone to complete neglect every other aspect of life in order to become the best at one thing. Sure, he's an amazing starcraft player, but besides that, what does he do? He goes on walks? Don't you guys think that's at least a little sad?
what do you think other progamers do, party every night after practicing for 12 hours, cause fuck sleep right? What I've heard the best ones devote even the little freetime they have for practice
Believe it or not, progamers are human and do other things besides starcraft. Weird concept, I know. I guarantee you that you could ask any progamer what they do when they're not playing sc2, and they'll say things like watching tv/movies, playing other games, cooking, reading books, etc. you know, other hobbies? Even in Kespa teams, I doubt everyone on those teams ONLY practice and sleep. Just because you've heard that the pros in Korea play a lot of sc doesn't mean that's literally the only thing they ever do.
On June 25 2013 21:46 IMoperator wrote: also, maybe he has some sort of social phobia or disorder or something :l
honestly, it's not very normal for someone to complete neglect every other aspect of life in order to become the best at one thing. Sure, he's an amazing starcraft player, but besides that, what does he do? He goes on walks? Don't you guys think that's at least a little sad?
what do you think other progamers do, party every night after practicing for 12 hours, cause fuck sleep right? What I've heard the best ones devote even the little freetime they have for practice
Believe it or not, progamers are human and do other things besides starcraft. Weird concept, I know. I guarantee you that you could ask any progamer what they do when they're not playing sc2, and they'll say things like watching tv/movies, playing other games, cooking, reading books, etc. you know, other hobbies? Even in Kespa teams, I doubt everyone on those teams ONLY practice and sleep. Just because you've heard that the pros in Korea play a lot of sc doesn't mean that's literally the only thing they ever do.
watching TV/movies is a hobby?
Is eating food a hobby too?
Yes, why wouldn't it be a hobby? Hobby Noun 1. An activity done regularly in one's leisure time for pleasure. 2. A migratory Old World falcon (genus Falco) with long narrow wings, catching dragonflies and birds on the wing. (lol)
How is it a more exciting hobby than going for walks or playing badminton though?
On June 25 2013 21:46 IMoperator wrote: also, maybe he has some sort of social phobia or disorder or something :l
honestly, it's not very normal for someone to complete neglect every other aspect of life in order to become the best at one thing. Sure, he's an amazing starcraft player, but besides that, what does he do? He goes on walks? Don't you guys think that's at least a little sad?
what do you think other progamers do, party every night after practicing for 12 hours, cause fuck sleep right? What I've heard the best ones devote even the little freetime they have for practice
Believe it or not, progamers are human and do other things besides starcraft. Weird concept, I know. I guarantee you that you could ask any progamer what they do when they're not playing sc2, and they'll say things like watching tv/movies, playing other games, cooking, reading books, etc. you know, other hobbies? Even in Kespa teams, I doubt everyone on those teams ONLY practice and sleep. Just because you've heard that the pros in Korea play a lot of sc doesn't mean that's literally the only thing they ever do.
Mindset of a champion. The very best in every competitive discipline are the ones who devote themselves the most and trade their social life (or a huge part of it) for championships.
On June 25 2013 21:46 IMoperator wrote: also, maybe he has some sort of social phobia or disorder or something :l
honestly, it's not very normal for someone to complete neglect every other aspect of life in order to become the best at one thing. Sure, he's an amazing starcraft player, but besides that, what does he do? He goes on walks? Don't you guys think that's at least a little sad?
what do you think other progamers do, party every night after practicing for 12 hours, cause fuck sleep right? What I've heard the best ones devote even the little freetime they have for practice
Believe it or not, progamers are human and do other things besides starcraft. Weird concept, I know. I guarantee you that you could ask any progamer what they do when they're not playing sc2, and they'll say things like watching tv/movies, playing other games, cooking, reading books, etc. you know, other hobbies? Even in Kespa teams, I doubt everyone on those teams ONLY practice and sleep. Just because you've heard that the pros in Korea play a lot of sc doesn't mean that's literally the only thing they ever do.
It sounds like you are angry because some guy on the other side of the earth has no life. Wat.
Why do you guys insist that INnoVation has no personality. This is the most interesting and direct thing I have ever heard from Korean progamers. Unless you want silly tired schtick like those from EG? That's what you mean by personality?
On June 25 2013 21:46 IMoperator wrote: also, maybe he has some sort of social phobia or disorder or something :l
honestly, it's not very normal for someone to complete neglect every other aspect of life in order to become the best at one thing. Sure, he's an amazing starcraft player, but besides that, what does he do? He goes on walks? Don't you guys think that's at least a little sad?
what do you think other progamers do, party every night after practicing for 12 hours, cause fuck sleep right? What I've heard the best ones devote even the little freetime they have for practice
Believe it or not, progamers are human and do other things besides starcraft. Weird concept, I know. I guarantee you that you could ask any progamer what they do when they're not playing sc2, and they'll say things like watching tv/movies, playing other games, cooking, reading books, etc. you know, other hobbies? Even in Kespa teams, I doubt everyone on those teams ONLY practice and sleep. Just because you've heard that the pros in Korea play a lot of sc doesn't mean that's literally the only thing they ever do.
They really don't.
Flash slept 3 hours a day and played nearly every waking minute of his life playing Starcraft and when he couldn't play Starcraft he would think about Starcraft.
On June 25 2013 21:46 IMoperator wrote: also, maybe he has some sort of social phobia or disorder or something :l
honestly, it's not very normal for someone to complete neglect every other aspect of life in order to become the best at one thing. Sure, he's an amazing starcraft player, but besides that, what does he do? He goes on walks? Don't you guys think that's at least a little sad?
what do you think other progamers do, party every night after practicing for 12 hours, cause fuck sleep right? What I've heard the best ones devote even the little freetime they have for practice
Believe it or not, progamers are human and do other things besides starcraft. Weird concept, I know. I guarantee you that you could ask any progamer what they do when they're not playing sc2, and they'll say things like watching tv/movies, playing other games, cooking, reading books, etc. you know, other hobbies? Even in Kespa teams, I doubt everyone on those teams ONLY practice and sleep. Just because you've heard that the pros in Korea play a lot of sc doesn't mean that's literally the only thing they ever do.
They really don't.
Flash slept 3 hours a day and played nearly every waking minute of his life playing Starcraft and when he couldn't play Starcraft he would think about Starcraft.
Wrong, he actually spends those 3 hours lying on his bed theorycrafting.
After reading this interview, I can't tell if Innovation is a robot or a zen master. Since none of the robots I know enjoy going for walks, I guess I'll have to go with zen master.
On June 25 2013 21:46 IMoperator wrote: also, maybe he has some sort of social phobia or disorder or something :l
honestly, it's not very normal for someone to complete neglect every other aspect of life in order to become the best at one thing. Sure, he's an amazing starcraft player, but besides that, what does he do? He goes on walks? Don't you guys think that's at least a little sad?
what do you think other progamers do, party every night after practicing for 12 hours, cause fuck sleep right? What I've heard the best ones devote even the little freetime they have for practice
Believe it or not, progamers are human and do other things besides starcraft. Weird concept, I know. I guarantee you that you could ask any progamer what they do when they're not playing sc2, and they'll say things like watching tv/movies, playing other games, cooking, reading books, etc. you know, other hobbies? Even in Kespa teams, I doubt everyone on those teams ONLY practice and sleep. Just because you've heard that the pros in Korea play a lot of sc doesn't mean that's literally the only thing they ever do.
They really don't.
Flash slept 3 hours a day and played nearly every waking minute of his life playing Starcraft and when he couldn't play Starcraft he would think about Starcraft.
Plenty of progamers workout or play football etc...
You guys are jealous because Bogus IS a bad mofo when it comes to the game, while pseudo e-bad guys like Idra and Naniwa were always pushovers compared to top korean pros.
Bogus doesn't waste his precious time with trashtalking or other useless bullshit, he delivers, wins championships and collect teh $$$, leaving the cool kids scrapping in the group stages for 250 bucks.
All kidding aside, I feel it's pretty refreshing to see someone like him in the scene. I was really tired of seeing fake smacktalking and nerds trying so hard to get an attitude just to look cool on the picture.
Being a pro isn't cool, you play 10h a day and in the end you play to make a living, not to become a poster boy.
GoGo Terminator Terran ! Lay waste on the hipsters !
On June 26 2013 00:59 ChApFoU wrote: You guys are jealous because Bogus IS a bad mofo when it comes to the game, while pseudo e-bad guys like Idra and Naniwa were always pushovers compared to top korean pros.
Bogus doesn't waste his precious time with trashtalking or other useless bullshit, he delivers, wins championships and collect teh $$$, leaving the cool kids scrapping in the group stages for 250 bucks.
All kidding aside, I feel it's pretty refreshing to see someone like him in the scene. I was really tired of seeing fake smacktalking and nerds trying so hard to get an attitude just to look cool on the picture.
Being a pro isn't cool, you play 10h a day and in the end you play to make a living, not to become a poster boy.
GoGo Terminator Terran ! Lay waste on the hipsters !
...Or you could be really good, play 10 hours a day, and still have a personality? It's not either/or, you know. They're not mutually exclusive. Flash works harder than anyone and is one of the best, but he gives great interviews, is fun, intelligent, eloquent, interesting, has many hobbies (even if, sadly he doesn't always have the time for them), and he lets his fans know how much he appreciates them.
What do I care if hes boring or not, Im not gonna meet him or go for a beer, as long as he continues providing fucking awesome matches and providing great viewing, he could eat puppies for all I care.
On June 26 2013 00:59 ChApFoU wrote: You guys are jealous because Bogus IS a bad mofo when it comes to the game, while pseudo e-bad guys like Idra and Naniwa were always pushovers compared to top korean pros.
Bogus doesn't waste his precious time with trashtalking or other useless bullshit, he delivers, wins championships and collect teh $$$, leaving the cool kids scrapping in the group stages for 250 bucks.
All kidding aside, I feel it's pretty refreshing to see someone like him in the scene. I was really tired of seeing fake smacktalking and nerds trying so hard to get an attitude just to look cool on the picture.
Being a pro isn't cool, you play 10h a day and in the end you play to make a living, not to become a poster boy.
GoGo Terminator Terran ! Lay waste on the hipsters !
...Or you could be really good, play 10 hours a day, and still have a personality? It's not either/or, you know. They're not mutually exclusive. Flash works harder than anyone and is one of the best, but he gives great interviews, is fun, intelligent, eloquent, interesting, has many hobbies (even if, sadly he doesn't always have the time for them), and he lets his fans know how much he appreciates them.
Flash fanboy much ? :p
Ok I know I was kinda pushing it but I don't feel that Flash has a ton of charisma either, he's famous and loved first and foremost because he was and still is an incredibly skilled player.
I just feel that a lot of ppl in the scene try too hard to be cool and be loved and are pushed in that direction by esports fans. That doesn't mean you have to force yourself to be shy and quiet if it's not your personality of course. The best thing is to keep it natural and it makes you stay real.
That's why I felt it was pretty unfair that Innovation got so much criticism. I force no one to be a fan of his, I just think you cannot rightfully say "He SHOULD have sounded like this or that in his interview" He's a shy and simple guy, dedicated to what he does best, It's his personnality, don't hate him for that (I'm not targeting you in particular, I just saw quite a few posts that were pretty lame IMHO).
Besides, not being super original or outspoken or socially skilled doesn't mean you don't have a personality, Having a strong/charismatic personality is but one "mode" of personality in general.
I think Flash had most personality on that 'not impressed' meme.
...
Actually, that's exactly what Innovation needs, a meme about his 'I don't give a *%&! and I will win it all' attitude. But then again, he would need to show some emotion in the first place.
On slightly more serious tone, I still think his complete dedication to winning matches is so alien that it makes for great character for casters to compare more eccentric personalities to.
Can the party boy "insert generic BM foreign player" beat the machine, the stone cold killer who didn't even feel a thing when he won the season 1 final? The man who eats, sleep, might take a walk then plays StarCraft all day? Very easy to setup Innovation as the titan, the unmovable obstacle, when he does interviews like these and bring in the results that he does.
On June 25 2013 21:46 IMoperator wrote: also, maybe he has some sort of social phobia or disorder or something :l
honestly, it's not very normal for someone to complete neglect every other aspect of life in order to become the best at one thing. Sure, he's an amazing starcraft player, but besides that, what does he do? He goes on walks? Don't you guys think that's at least a little sad?
what do you think other progamers do, party every night after practicing for 12 hours, cause fuck sleep right? What I've heard the best ones devote even the little freetime they have for practice
Believe it or not, progamers are human and do other things besides starcraft. Weird concept, I know. I guarantee you that you could ask any progamer what they do when they're not playing sc2, and they'll say things like watching tv/movies, playing other games, cooking, reading books, etc. you know, other hobbies? Even in Kespa teams, I doubt everyone on those teams ONLY practice and sleep. Just because you've heard that the pros in Korea play a lot of sc doesn't mean that's literally the only thing they ever do.
They really don't.
Flash slept 3 hours a day and played nearly every waking minute of his life playing Starcraft and when he couldn't play Starcraft he would think about Starcraft.
He didn't regularly sleep 3 hours a day. He just did sometimes before big matches like finals.
Well, it is nice to be able to read through that rather quickly, not much in terms of response length. I did enjoy it and i do like him more now, although i am not sure why. I guess it is just becuase his lack of enthusiasm gave me nothing to dislike.. i guess.
I think it's great that we have different types of players and personalities in the sport. Not everyone needs to be funny like MC, bm like IdrA or whatever. While InNoVation may not be the most exciting personality, he has a humble attitude towards a game that he really wants to be the best at and I can totally respect that. The only thing that worries me is that judging by this interview he really doesn't seem to enjoy winning a championship as much as you'd expect. I truly hope he gets enough fullfillment when he himself thinks he's the best player in the world to keep going. Ultimately, I think that will be the case, I guess you don't need to enjoy the tournament wins if you really just enjoy being the best.
On June 25 2013 21:46 IMoperator wrote: also, maybe he has some sort of social phobia or disorder or something :l
honestly, it's not very normal for someone to complete neglect every other aspect of life in order to become the best at one thing. Sure, he's an amazing starcraft player, but besides that, what does he do? He goes on walks? Don't you guys think that's at least a little sad?
MMmm, He seems to be pretty content with it all, so I don't think it's sad
Ok, so his responses were slightly bland, thats fine, its not the standard response, at least he was honest and up front about it. He plays to win at all costs. To be fair i really enjoyed reading this interview.
Innovation seems to be kind of a robot: playing, eating, sleeping, no emotions, no empathy created ... just SC2. This sure seems to bring some good results gamewise but does it make him an interesting character? Not really ...
I feel the exact same way about Innovation after reading that interview than I did before ... and It's not the interviewer's fault
Idk whats the deal with people talking about how boring this was. It was a good interview, I particularly like his thoughts on how his 'mediocre' play during BW was just part of the process of becoming a good player. A lot of people seem to be reading the interviews and not comprehending what they're reading.
Also the interview questions were pretty poor...
"Isn't it nice though, to read praise when you've played a good game?" Interviewer is asking the same question as before a second time trying to get a different answer. "A lot of foreign players say they at least make sure to rewatch the games they've won. How about you?" Third variation of a question this time poised as everyone else vs him.
"Some players like to keep up on a lot of tournaments, whether they're Korean or international. How about you? Do you watch a lot of games?" Another dividing question.
"So your main goal then, all it is is winning championships?" Dripping in a 'that's it?' tone.
Overall I think that what people are finding 'boring' about him is the fact that he doesn't have the same interests as them. He's not interested in TV shows, movies or pop culture in general. He is interested in walks. I personally think people who enjoy walking are more interesting than those who enjoy watching TV shows.
There's word that the Hellbat might get nerfed. Players like Flash have said that this is a change that must not be made. What are your thoughts?
Lost all respect for Flash right there
Why, he is right. The game is extremely balanced as is.
Yeah, it is not Hellbats that necessarily need a change (note: change does not directly mean nerf). It is the combination of Hellbats and Speedivacs that is just silly.
Sure, he is being dull and self-depreciatory in this interview. . But sometimes honesty is precious. He is basically saying he is winning in SC2 because it is all about mechanics, microing big engagements, and no strategic finesse is involved, contrary to Broodwar.
Good to hear this truth from (one of) the best performing SC2 player !
Lol if I was in his shoes I would probably do the same, he doesn't bring home the bacon by watching movies and telling the world about his spectacular hobbies. He brings home the bacon by simply winning. Charlie Sheen bitches!! The guy is an iceman like chuck Liddell or Kimi Raikkonen. The guy wants to be the best and doesn't waste his time. I would respect that. Don't know why people are calling him a lame robot? This is a sport, if you want personality go watch Disney.
People like Innovation are introverts. (well duh, yeah?) My point is, these interview questions sucked for a personality like that. What are your hobbies? Who do you hang out with? Do you like TV? -.-
Ask him about his philosophy of life. Ask him about his country of South Korea and tension with North Korea. Introverts have a developed inner world, you just need to know how to reach it. Sorry Wax, but IMO almost no person is boring, if it seems that way, the interviewer failed. Everyone has something that makes him tick, and gives him passion, you just gotta undig it.
On June 27 2013 06:25 nuogaiyen wrote: Lol if I was in his shoes I would probably do the same, he doesn't bring home the bacon by watching movies and telling the world about his spectacular hobbies. He brings home the bacon by simply winning. Charlie Sheen bitches!! The guy is an iceman like chuck Liddell or Kimi Raikkonen. The guy wants to be the best and doesn't waste his time. I would respect that. Don't know why people are calling him a lame robot? This is a sport, if you want personality go watch Disney.
On June 27 2013 06:25 nuogaiyen wrote: Lol if I was in his shoes I would probably do the same, he doesn't bring home the bacon by watching movies and telling the world about his spectacular hobbies. He brings home the bacon by simply winning. Charlie Sheen bitches!! The guy is an iceman like chuck Liddell or Kimi Raikkonen. The guy wants to be the best and doesn't waste his time. I would respect that. Don't know why people are calling him a lame robot? This is a sport, if you want personality go watch Disney.
Introverts don't have hobbies...?
Yeah I'm introvert and have friends that are introverts too and we have tons of hobbies and interests. Not sure what everyone is on about with introversion being the same as shy and shallow. It has nothing to do with Bogus being a boring dude.
On June 27 2013 06:25 nuogaiyen wrote: Lol if I was in his shoes I would probably do the same, he doesn't bring home the bacon by watching movies and telling the world about his spectacular hobbies. He brings home the bacon by simply winning. Charlie Sheen bitches!! The guy is an iceman like chuck Liddell or Kimi Raikkonen. The guy wants to be the best and doesn't waste his time. I would respect that. Don't know why people are calling him a lame robot? This is a sport, if you want personality go watch Disney.
Introverts don't have hobbies...?
Imo Innovation is a super cool human. But the interview was not tailored well to his personality. It's like you talked to Tesla about football and what he thinks the best play of the season was? He'd reply 'i don't care, I don't watch football'. Then you ask about girls and he replies he's celibate for life. You'd think he's a weirdo and boring, and the guy is chaining lightings.
I just get a feeling Innovation's mind is super sharp, he has his own approach to life and isn't affected much by other people's opinions. A big chance was wasted by asking 'wrong' questions.
Im still surprised he admitted to disliking BW. I was expecting a few kespa pros to say that, but Bogus was a really strong player, and for him to say that is a bit revealing to how the pros really felt, now that BW has ended.
On June 27 2013 14:34 docvoc wrote: Im still surprised he admitted to disliking BW. I was expecting a few kespa pros to say that, but Bogus was a really strong player, and for him to say that is a bit revealing to how the pros really felt, now that BW has ended.
I'm actually not surprised to hear him say that. I recall reading one or two BW interviews a while back where the players question their passion for the game. No matter how fun the game, the jump between it being a hobby and it being a job will strain one's enjoyment of it over time. I wouldn't be surprised to see players question their enjoyment when facing losses or slumps, and though Bogus was a strong player with a lot of potential in BW, he wasn't quite TBLS level which might be connected to whatever frustrations he had with the game or his personal performance in it.
On June 27 2013 14:34 docvoc wrote: Im still surprised he admitted to disliking BW. I was expecting a few kespa pros to say that, but Bogus was a really strong player, and for him to say that is a bit revealing to how the pros really felt, now that BW has ended.
Not really. It's revealing as to how he felt, not anybody else. Particularly since one of the main reasons he gave is the fact that he's so much more accomplished in Starcraft 2.
On June 27 2013 06:25 nuogaiyen wrote: Lol if I was in his shoes I would probably do the same, he doesn't bring home the bacon by watching movies and telling the world about his spectacular hobbies. He brings home the bacon by simply winning. Charlie Sheen bitches!! The guy is an iceman like chuck Liddell or Kimi Raikkonen. The guy wants to be the best and doesn't waste his time. I would respect that. Don't know why people are calling him a lame robot? This is a sport, if you want personality go watch Disney.
Introverts don't have hobbies...?
Imo Innovation is a super cool human. But the interview was not tailored well to his personality. It's like you talked to Tesla about football and what he thinks the best play of the season was? He'd reply 'i don't care, I don't watch football'. Then you ask about girls and he replies he's celibate for life. You'd think he's a weirdo and boring, and the guy is chaining lightings.
I just get a feeling Innovation's mind is super sharp, he has his own approach to life and isn't affected much by other people's opinions. A big chance was wasted by asking 'wrong' questions.
On what are you basing this? He essentially says that he has no interests outside of Starcraft 2 and isn't active socially. Outside of questions regarding Starcraft 2 strategy or something, what can you really ask him to make him sound interesting?
On June 27 2013 15:43 GolemMadness wrote: Outside of questions regarding Starcraft 2 strategy or something, what can you really ask him to make him sound interesting?
Ask him what makes him really angry in life (or the world)? Ask him about his family. Ask him more about what it's like growing up as the eldest in his family and having that many siblings. Ask him...
On June 27 2013 06:25 nuogaiyen wrote: Lol if I was in his shoes I would probably do the same, he doesn't bring home the bacon by watching movies and telling the world about his spectacular hobbies. He brings home the bacon by simply winning. Charlie Sheen bitches!! The guy is an iceman like chuck Liddell or Kimi Raikkonen. The guy wants to be the best and doesn't waste his time. I would respect that. Don't know why people are calling him a lame robot? This is a sport, if you want personality go watch Disney.
Introverts don't have hobbies...?
Imo Innovation is a super cool human. But the interview was not tailored well to his personality. It's like you talked to Tesla about football and what he thinks the best play of the season was? He'd reply 'i don't care, I don't watch football'. Then you ask about girls and he replies he's celibate for life. You'd think he's a weirdo and boring, and the guy is chaining lightings.
I just get a feeling Innovation's mind is super sharp, he has his own approach to life and isn't affected much by other people's opinions. A big chance was wasted by asking 'wrong' questions.
On what are you basing this? He essentially says that he has no interests outside of Starcraft 2 and isn't active socially. Outside of questions regarding Starcraft 2 strategy or something, what can you really ask him to make him sound interesting?
Im basing it on myself, and people similar to me who were greater than me, but would answer to those questions similarly to Innovation at that age.
I know I wouldn't be able to passionately answer to those questions. But I would be a little more 'polite' and try to answer a bit more colorfully. However, notice that I'm draining my energy that way, as I don't really wanna answer trivial questions that make me yawn. (But since Innovation doesn't give a fuck what people think of him, he just responded how he felt.)
However, I'm VERY passionate about other things in life, which many normal people find 'unneccessary complications of life'. Spirituality being one topic for example.
On June 27 2013 17:17 Caihead wrote: Some day we might have interviews of public celebrity personalities that involve questions about their personal philosophy and world view, some day...
Would be nice indeed, but peoples usually meet difficultys expressing these feelings (Sorry for my bad english)
On June 27 2013 17:17 Caihead wrote: Some day we might have interviews of public celebrity personalities that involve questions about their personal philosophy and world view, some day...
Ah, well, there's a reason they don't do that much. Trust me, you really don't want to hear what Tom Brady or Kim Kardashian think about world politics or philosophy...
On June 27 2013 06:27 niteReloaded wrote: People like Innovation are introverts. (well duh, yeah?) My point is, these interview questions sucked for a personality like that. What are your hobbies? Who do you hang out with? Do you like TV? -.-
Ask him about his philosophy of life. Ask him about his country of South Korea and tension with North Korea. Introverts have a developed inner world, you just need to know how to reach it. Sorry Wax, but IMO almost no person is boring, if it seems that way, the interviewer failed. Everyone has something that makes him tick, and gives him passion, you just gotta undig it.
What are you getting at? I'm a free-wheeling and dealing extrovert and I have nothing against him. I have no problem accepting people for what they are. Not projecting, so please don't generalize. I agree that it is up to the interviewer to keep a good conversation going. That's why you see guys like George Stroumboulopoulos and Rick Campanelli move forward after they were done at Much Music Canada. They're both really good at doing research and connecting with every celebrity/band/etc. It's not easy being a great interviewer. It's takes a lot of time and practice. Something a lot of people can learn when it comes their podcasts and stuff like this. Wax has a strong foundation because he's been in the scene for so frigging long, so he knows his shit. That doesn't mean he's going to be really good at getting certain individuals to come out of their shell. That's more of a Hot_Bid thing to do. Still you have to find a way to get those who are uncomfortable with the given situation comfortable and that's not always easy when it comes to certain individuals. Not to say that makes them a boring person, but it takes work.
On June 27 2013 14:34 docvoc wrote: Im still surprised he admitted to disliking BW. I was expecting a few kespa pros to say that, but Bogus was a really strong player, and for him to say that is a bit revealing to how the pros really felt, now that BW has ended.
I'm actually not surprised to hear him say that. I recall reading one or two BW interviews a while back where the players question their passion for the game. No matter how fun the game, the jump between it being a hobby and it being a job will strain one's enjoyment of it over time. I wouldn't be surprised to see players question their enjoyment when facing losses or slumps, and though Bogus was a strong player with a lot of potential in BW, he wasn't quite TBLS level which might be connected to whatever frustrations he had with the game or his personal performance in it.
That's what happens when players are struggling to find their identities in a game and you start questioning yourself without results. Even when you find success (this has been a problem for many players which includes everyone from Stephano, HuK, NaDa, etc. you can go down the line) the passion and drive will test you. It becomes work not only to make it to the top but to stay there. There have been several interviews with the KeSPA players that I can recall including XellOs, NaDa and Bisu where they lost their motivation and drive. It's hard work and work isn't always fun. If you loss your passion it's really hard to collect yourself and regain what you lost. Not easy pressing the reset button. That's why I tell others to always set new and exciting goals to keep things fresh. Even if it's a small goal. You have to set yourself up in order to succeed and re-motivate yourself.
His comments about fans and fan reactions made me think of Sasquatch's article about common misconceptions about foreigner teams.
Outside of a few pros, almost every player I know reads reddit/TL threads about matches they played in to see what fans said, and some will even go as far as to watch vods of their own matches just to see what commentators said about them during the games. If you tweet a player they will for sure read it and some (A LOT) search their names on TL to see where their names are popping up.
Now, it's not my intention to make a sweeping generalization about koreans versus foreigners. But I think this highlights that perhaps SOME foreign pros are stuck at a lower level of play because they're in the pro scene for superficial reasons to begin with. Of course you can show some appreciation for your fans without being a sucker for attention, but it's still something to think about.
On June 28 2013 04:26 adius wrote: His comments about fans and fan reactions made me think of Sasquatch's article about common misconceptions about foreigner teams.
Outside of a few pros, almost every player I know reads reddit/TL threads about matches they played in to see what fans said, and some will even go as far as to watch vods of their own matches just to see what commentators said about them during the games. If you tweet a player they will for sure read it and some (A LOT) search their names on TL to see where their names are popping up.
Now, it's not my intention to make a sweeping generalization about koreans versus foreigners. But I think this highlights that perhaps SOME foreign pros are stuck at a lower level of play because they're in the pro scene for superficial reasons to begin with. Of course you can show some appreciation for your fans without being a sucker for attention, but it's still something to think about.
That's the problem with looking for confirmation/positive reinforcement and it's goes way beyond the professional gaming scene. It can be very hard to block out a lot of the shit you see and that's why living in a bubble/keeping your interactions with the community (like doing very little streaming *cough, wink, wink, nudge, nudge) can be viewed as a good thing. Especially when most opinions don't matter and focusing on yourself is a good thing. As for the rest of his blog, those are all relatively obvious things if you've been or followed the scene long enough. We know these things. They date back to BW. That's why I say setting attainable/realistic goals are a good thing and not to aim for the moon. They're all building blocks to create success for the future. I guess I should make this relevant to the thread because we're sort of getting offtrack. Innovation has a very good mindset to continue to succeed considering he says he blocks most of the fluff out and focuses on the task at hand. The lost to Soulkey didn't bother him and I look forward to seeing how he plans on staying on top of the pack that's chasing him.
Am I the only one who liked this interview? Yea the answers are short, but it at least reflect his person not like some other dudes who just tell you what you want to hear <- that is boring!!
I read excited through it, and I didn't even look on the watch - if you know what I mean
He is really honest. You can see how everything connects lol. And you can see how he treats sc2 as a job and how committed he is... He might be "boring" but looking at him as at an object it's kinda interesting to read about that kind of person.
Besides, while being THE BEST in the world PERHAPS you don't have that much time for movies and stuff!? Going out for a walk is probably one of the few things he can do and it's required - moving once a day for 30 minutes is required :D
Maybe he watches movies even, but didn't tell you cause he doesn't consider it as a hobby
On June 27 2013 06:25 nuogaiyen wrote: Lol if I was in his shoes I would probably do the same, he doesn't bring home the bacon by watching movies and telling the world about his spectacular hobbies. He brings home the bacon by simply winning. Charlie Sheen bitches!! The guy is an iceman like chuck Liddell or Kimi Raikkonen. The guy wants to be the best and doesn't waste his time. I would respect that. Don't know why people are calling him a lame robot? This is a sport, if you want personality go watch Disney.
Introverts don't have hobbies...?
Imo Innovation is a super cool human. But the interview was not tailored well to his personality. It's like you talked to Tesla about football and what he thinks the best play of the season was? He'd reply 'i don't care, I don't watch football'. Then you ask about girls and he replies he's celibate for life. You'd think he's a weirdo and boring, and the guy is chaining lightings.
I just get a feeling Innovation's mind is super sharp, he has his own approach to life and isn't affected much by other people's opinions. A big chance was wasted by asking 'wrong' questions.
On what are you basing this? He essentially says that he has no interests outside of Starcraft 2 and isn't active socially. Outside of questions regarding Starcraft 2 strategy or something, what can you really ask him to make him sound interesting?
Im basing it on myself, and people similar to me who were greater than me, but would answer to those questions similarly to Innovation at that age.
I know I wouldn't be able to passionately answer to those questions. But I would be a little more 'polite' and try to answer a bit more colorfully. However, notice that I'm draining my energy that way, as I don't really wanna answer trivial questions that make me yawn. (But since Innovation doesn't give a fuck what people think of him, he just responded how he felt.)
However, I'm VERY passionate about other things in life, which many normal people find 'unneccessary complications of life'. Spirituality being one topic for example.
On June 27 2013 03:05 Snijjer wrote: Idk whats the deal with people talking about how boring this was. It was a good interview, I particularly like his thoughts on how his 'mediocre' play during BW was just part of the process of becoming a good player. A lot of people seem to be reading the interviews and not comprehending what they're reading.
Also the interview questions were pretty poor...
"Isn't it nice though, to read praise when you've played a good game?" Interviewer is asking the same question as before a second time trying to get a different answer. "A lot of foreign players say they at least make sure to rewatch the games they've won. How about you?" Third variation of a question this time poised as everyone else vs him.
"Some players like to keep up on a lot of tournaments, whether they're Korean or international. How about you? Do you watch a lot of games?" Another dividing question.
"So your main goal then, all it is is winning championships?" Dripping in a 'that's it?' tone.
Overall I think that what people are finding 'boring' about him is the fact that he doesn't have the same interests as them. He's not interested in TV shows, movies or pop culture in general. He is interested in walks. I personally think people who enjoy walking are more interesting than those who enjoy watching TV shows.
"But they know Innovation very deeply, that's why they say he's boring, and how boring someone is can be easily assessed." don't you hear it in your minds? I've been told once "when you call someone 'boring', you are calling yourself 'boring'", and that actually aplies to other subjective qualities.
My thought is that Innovation is the one profiting from this interview.