At Red Bull Battle Grounds, Golden concluded his career as a professional gamer. The journeyman Zerg played StarCraft 2 since 2010, and was one of the first Korean progamers to look for opportunities abroad in international teams. He achieved his goal of winning a championship at Red Bull Training Grounds earlier this year, an accomplishment that would lead to his decision to retire.
You announced your retirement the night before Red Bull Battle Grounds. How long ago did you make up your mind to retire?
My goal as a gamer was to win at least one championship. When I won Red Bull Training Grounds, I thought I had reached my goal, and I told myself I would prepare hard for Battle Grounds to end it.
Others might take that championship as a reason to keep on going. Why did you decide to retire?
I'm not in a situation where I can keep being a gamer – since I'm a Korean gamer I have to think about military service. And I did have some desire to return to my studies as well. More than anything, I had achieved my dream as a progamer, and I decided that there was nothing more for me to do so I retired.
How was the experience of being a progamer?
I don't think at all that experiencing esports was a bad thing. Looking at my friends, there's people who just went to high school normally and went to college to study something they didn't even want. I did what I wanted to do, and I gained a lot from it, so it was a good experience.
What are some important lessons you learned, or experiences you had as a progamer?
I didn't know how to speak English at all at first, I just knew my ABCD's. I think it was great that I learned some English by living in the US for about seven months and going to a lot of other countries. I also had a lot of unique experiences that you couldn't buy with money.
What are your happiest memories then, aside from winning tournaments?
After I announced I would retire, and I lost the series to Scarlett at this tournament and was eliminated.
When you're in the booth, you can feel who the crowd is cheering for. When the game started, there was a lot of cheering for Scarlett, and not so much for me. I typed "gg, goodbye" to leave the game at the end, and the fans gave me a big cheer. At that moment, I felt really good, and thought that it was good that I had played the game.
What was tough about being a progamer?
I can't think of a particular period that was difficult for me, but in general the fact that you have to win against another human being, not yourself, made things difficult.
Was it fun playing the game? Or were you playing because you enjoyed the winning part of it.
Honestly I played mostly to win, and I got very stressed when I lost. There were some periods when I really enjoyed the game, and those were the periods when I got the best tournament results.
So getting results was a source of pressure?
I started feeling pressure about results when I began to gain some recognition as a player, when I got fourth place at HomeStory Cup. That's when I started feeling some pressure about results. Results were directly related to my pay, and my pride got hurt when I couldn't perform. After that, I really started to play for the sake of winning.
Was the reason you looked toward foreign teams, starting with LighT because you wanted to have more varied experiences in your career?
When I was on SlayerS, I really didn't have good results, and I really wanted to compete in international tournaments, so I decided that I would join a foreign team. When I returned to a Korean team in Startale, it was because I wanted to improve my skill level again – of course, Quantic disbanding played a big part too.
Looking back, I think that choosing to go abroad may have been my best choice in my gaming career.
Is it kind of suffocating, kind of depressing to just stay in Korea?
In Korea, there's just one StarCraft 2 tournament right now, and the situation was similar back then as well. Losing one map could mean you had to wait three months for another chance. That situation was really frustrating. Seeing other players go abroad and doing well, I thought to myself that I wanted to do that, too.
While some Korean players are able to make that big decision to go abroad, most other players aren't that decisive and just keep going in the pattern they're used to. Why do you think it's that way for Korean players?
Like, there's a lot of players you look at and think 'with that kind of skill, they could definitely succeed abroad.'
Players typically enjoy gaming in an environment they're used to. Also, when you go abroad you have to use English to communicate with people, and some find that to be a huge hassle.
I don't think that's a good way to go about it.
Personally, I think it would be a great experience for pros if they could experience a foreign team at least once.
What do you think about StarCraft 2 in Korea? The mood doesn't seem that great.
That's true, but I think a lot of the fans went to games like LoL and Dota2 because they were more fun. If the game becomes more fun, I think the fans will naturally return.
If there was no military service to worry about, would you have gone on being a progamer?
If there was no mandatory military, I would have kept going on as a progamer for the duration of service, about two years? But recently, StarCraft has just been very difficult for me. Even if I had continued on, I would have had taken a break to rest, and then returned to being a progamer.
Do you have any advice to teens who want to become progamers?
Play Protoss! (laughs)
But seriously, it's not an easy thing to do. But it's definitely something worth taking one shot at. It's better than giving up at something you want to do, just because of the way other people are going to look at you. It's better to try and regret than not try at all.
Any regrets? Like points in time you think you should have tried harder, or some really unlucky moments in tournaments?
I just regret that I can't take my current skill back to the GSL Open days. I would dominated the SC2 world! (laughs) I think "why didn't I realize these things back then?" and regret it a little.
But there's nothing to gain from regretting things in the past, so I try not to look back at things that way. I think I did good.
You said you were interested in returning to your studies. Any fields you are interested in?
It's hard to say just now. If I do go to school again, I want to go to the US, after the military.
Other players stick around in esports as coaching staff or in some other capacity. Did you think about that?
I don't have any thought of returning as a player, but if there's an opportunity then maybe I could be a streamer? Or if I get better at English later, maybe a caster? So maybe a return is possible.
But at least for the next three years, I don't think I'm going to be around in esports. Even if I returned then, I feel that a lot of people will have forgotten me.
Some gamers feel that they are limited by their mechanics, and could maybe do better in a strategy game that was less mechanically demanding. How about yourself?
Out of all the gamers, I have some of the fastest hands. But I'm just not that smart, so I didn't do well (laughs). Or maybe because it was I lacked patience? I don't really know.
If a game comes out and I end up liking it and play it a lot, a return is... ….I guess not that likely (laughs).
If there's an opportunity, in the future I suppose I can decide then? It's too early to say something now.
If you had fast hands, then how were you at Brood War?
I was really bad at Brood War. The reason that I think I have fast hands but a dumb head is because I played Terran in BW, Terran is really good if you have fast hands. But I was just really bad at BW, so it made me think 'ah, I don't have a head for this.' I was really fast even since BW.
You were on a lot of teams in your career. What was good about each of them?
SlayerS was the biggest team I was on, and Jessica took good care of us. I got to grow close with players like Boxer, MMA, Alicia, and so forth.
The team I got the best results on was LighT, but I didn't leave LighT in the best way, because I was trying to go to a different team. So I'm sorry to our manager Duran (Xeris) for that.
The team wasn't in the best situation at that time, but it seemed to get better later after I left and they acquired some new players. I think my time on LighT was the happiest; I was getting good results and I got to go to America for the first time.
What are you going to miss the most about progaming?
Going abroad a lot. I've met a lot of people in this industry, and I have to wonder if they'll remember me later. Even if I come back in the future, are they still going to be around?
Okay, any final comments?
Whether it's Korean fans or international fans, thanks to everyone who cheered me on. If I come back somehow, I hope we can meet in a good way. But, I think it will be unlikely you will see me again in esports.
It's too bad he's retiring but at least he won the one Red Bull tournament which is more than many people will do in their pro gaming career. Best of luck to him in the future.
He seems like a great guy, with a good perspective both on life as a progamer and in general. I wish him all the best in whatever field he decides to study/work in in the future. I also really hope to see him stream sometime.
Golden <3 ! It was a great time, living with you for several months. I think we both learned a lot. It's pretty remarkable how much your English improved.
Always sad to lose a guy thats been around for a while. Have to say though that in my eyes, winning that RBTG wasn't really a "championship". I guess definitions differ. Good luck in the future regardless.
Great interview. We need more interviews with less well-known Korean players - sometimes just by listening to their stories and realising how great they are as 'real people' make us like them more.
It seems some of these progamers, esp golden, want to take their money and run when it comes to esports.. great.. I've achieved something and I can't (or dont want to put in to work to) win another large event.. so I "retire" the game all together. I think at first this large influx of "retirements"will negatively affect the popularity and community of the game.. but I'm really starting to see this as the chipping off of the weak links to starcraft 2. the real core champions will stay and really show fans what starcraft 2 can become, and the weaker players will die off. congrats on your retirement, golden. I wish the best of luck to you.
I would say farewell, but he'll be back, I know for sure he will be back. :-p
On November 27 2013 09:22 LarJarsE wrote: It seems some of these progamers, esp golden, want to take their money and run when it comes to esports.. great.. I've achieved something and I can't (or dont want to put in to work to) win another large event.. so I "retire" the game all together. I think at first this large influx of "retirements"will negatively affect the popularity and community of the game.. but I'm really starting to see this as the chipping off of the weak links to starcraft 2. the real core champions will stay and really show fans what starcraft 2 can become, and the weaker players will die off. congrats on your retirement, golden. I wish the best of luck to you.
If only there wasn't issues with the gameplay, this might be true.
Pretty sure Golden doesn't owe anyone anything. He started his career as a pro gamer with a goal, and he reached that goal. Nothing really more to it than that - plus he faces the sobering reality of mandatory military service. I actually think Golden is really smart for getting it out of the way now rather than trying to delay it like so many other Korean gamers. Think of it this way: many pros have/are delaying their military service until age 25-26. The farther removed from your education the more difficult it becomes to pick it up again, and pros who aren't big enough names to re-enter the scene as coaches or commentators are dooming themselves later in life.
Golden is very smart because he's young (19) and he'll be 21 when he finishes military and can jump right into college and move to lead a more normal life.
On November 27 2013 09:22 LarJarsE wrote: It seems some of these progamers, esp golden, want to take their money and run when it comes to esports.. great.. I've achieved something and I can't (or dont want to put in to work to) win another large event.. so I "retire" the game all together. I think at first this large influx of "retirements"will negatively affect the popularity and community of the game.. but I'm really starting to see this as the chipping off of the weak links to starcraft 2. the real core champions will stay and really show fans what starcraft 2 can become, and the weaker players will die off. congrats on your retirement, golden. I wish the best of luck to you.
Yeah, ~$11,000 over 3 years. He sure pulled a fast one on us!
On November 27 2013 09:22 LarJarsE wrote: It seems some of these progamers, esp golden, want to take their money and run when it comes to esports.. great.. I've achieved something and I can't (or dont want to put in to work to) win another large event.. so I "retire" the game all together. I think at first this large influx of "retirements"will negatively affect the popularity and community of the game.. but I'm really starting to see this as the chipping off of the weak links to starcraft 2. the real core champions will stay and really show fans what starcraft 2 can become, and the weaker players will die off. congrats on your retirement, golden. I wish the best of luck to you.
Yeah, ~$11,000 over 3 years. He sure pulled a fast one on us!
Don't forget the enormous salary and the millions from his international ad campaign for Coca Cola!
On November 27 2013 09:22 LarJarsE wrote: It seems some of these progamers, esp golden, want to take their money and run when it comes to esports.. great.. I've achieved something and I can't (or dont want to put in to work to) win another large event.. so I "retire" the game all together. I think at first this large influx of "retirements"will negatively affect the popularity and community of the game.. but I'm really starting to see this as the chipping off of the weak links to starcraft 2. the real core champions will stay and really show fans what starcraft 2 can become, and the weaker players will die off. congrats on your retirement, golden. I wish the best of luck to you.
go play 10+ hours a day for 3 years and try to criticize someone for retiring plz "take their money and run" is so insulting lol
It was kind of surreal the way he ended that last game. I kinda choked up for a second there, it was interesting to be in the crowd when he left the booth for the last time, bittersweet.
He's got a good head on his shoulders, I know he'll do well in the future. Keep in touch, Golden!
That's true, but I think a lot of the fans went to games like LoL and Dota2 because they were more fun. If the game becomes more fun, I think the fans will naturally return.
Kind of depressing, I know everyone likes to ignore it but even the pros think the game is boring. Can't imagine having to play something you don't find that fun for 10 hours a day. Can't say I blame him for retiring.
Wow, seriously this guy is a fucking SAGE. He's seriously got his head in the right place, I hope he can keep it there in the future. Golden's career in E-sports is seriously a model to keep in mind; he exploited his talents, worked hard as hell on his weaknesses, and even managed achieved some success at the highest level of play. Then, when he stopped having fun, he moved on to the next thing.
Really depressing to read this interview, but I like how straight forward he is with everything. A career in esports can't last forever for just anyone, and he's choosing the best option to do military service and then study again with no regrets of "what if I had been a progamer". He lived his dream and for that I applaud you.
It feels like an honest interview. I'm not sure why someone said it was copy/paste like every other Korean interview. I don't know the guy but I enjoyed the interview. Good luck!
That's true, but I think a lot of the fans went to games like LoL and Dota2 because they were more fun. If the game becomes more fun, I think the fans will naturally return.
Kind of depressing, I know everyone likes to ignore it but even the pros think the game is boring. Can't imagine having to play something you don't find that fun for 10 hours a day. Can't say I blame him for retiring.
Hoping LotV goes well.
The reason it's boring is because they play it 10 hours a day. Doing anything 10 hours almost straight is straining in itself
What a great interview. Such maturity at a young age. So nice to hear that he enjoyed seeing the world while learning so much about himself and life. I'm impressed. This is such a smart way to look at things - he will succeed in his new endeavors. Thanks Golden.
On November 27 2013 06:00 mishimaBeef wrote: "It's better to try and regret than not try at all."
I don't understand. Isn't the saying usually "it's better to try than not try at all and regret"?
Yes, but this is two different idea. When you don't try something, you can regret later. If you try it, you can also regret you didn't win more, or wasn't a better player. This is the kind of regret you have to face when you're trying Starcraft 2, 'cause there's a ton of other people, so it could look like a waste of time. But Golden is actually saying it's better trying, even if you fail or if you regret what you were able to achieve, than not trying at all.
By the way, gg gl, Golden. I liked his retirement's interview.
I can't think of a particular period that was difficult for me, but in general the fact that you have to win against another human being, not yourself, made things difficult.
I just became a fan notice he did not say "to play against", but "to win against", i can completely relate to that...
Its sad that he's retiring and isn't planning on coming back but I'm happy for him that at least he achieved the tournament win that was obviously so important.
That's true, but I think a lot of the fans went to games like LoL and Dota2 because they were more fun. If the game becomes more fun, I think the fans will naturally return.
Kind of depressing, I know everyone likes to ignore it but even the pros think the game is boring. Can't imagine having to play something you don't find that fun for 10 hours a day. Can't say I blame him for retiring.
Hoping LotV goes well.
The reason it's boring is because they play it 10 hours a day. Doing anything 10 hours almost straight is straining in itself
That's a valid point.. But I get maybe 3 games a week max of sc2.. And not because my time is limited, but simply bexause the game is just not fun or good to be honest. I'm sure many can agree.
That's true, but I think a lot of the fans went to games like LoL and Dota2 because they were more fun. If the game becomes more fun, I think the fans will naturally return.
Kind of depressing, I know everyone likes to ignore it but even the pros think the game is boring. Can't imagine having to play something you don't find that fun for 10 hours a day. Can't say I blame him for retiring.
Hoping LotV goes well.
The reason it's boring is because they play it 10 hours a day. Doing anything 10 hours almost straight is straining in itself
That's a valid point.. But I get maybe 3 games a week max of sc2.. And not because my time is limited, but simply bexause the game is just not fun or good to be honest. I'm sure many can agree.
But your still playing it 3 times a week. That is more than almost any 3 year old game.
Golden did well, but he is ready to move on. He is young and wants to do new things. Best of luck to him.
Whether it's Korean fans or international fans, thanks to everyone who cheered me on. If I come back somehow, I hope we can meet in a good way. But, I think it will be unlikely you will see me again in esports.
Retirements like these don't make me feel bleak about the scene. People have to move on, especially with military service looming. Plus it's cool to hear Golden talk about the experiences from the game that he will take with him in life
EPT
![[image loading]](/staff/Waxangel/redbullstuff/goldenstuff.jpg)
Golden concluded his career as a professional gamer. The journeyman Zerg played StarCraft 2 since 2010, and was one of the first Korean progamers to look for opportunities abroad in international teams. He achieved his goal of winning a championship at Red Bull Training Grounds earlier this year, an accomplishment that would lead to his decision to retire.
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