EPT
IEM Katowice 2024: Caster line-up announced
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Kreuger
Sweden656 Posts
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JJH777
United States4378 Posts
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Harris1st
Germany6805 Posts
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WombaT
Northern Ireland24390 Posts
On January 25 2024 04:00 JJH777 wrote: No tastosis is unfortunate. Good/unsurprising lineup besides their omission. Yeah can’t complain, I do hope we get to see Tastosis again one day though! | ||
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SharkStarcraft
Austria2196 Posts
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bela.mervado
Hungary373 Posts
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yubo56
686 Posts
Also love the B and C stream lineup, Harambo chemistry through the roof. Can't wait for the event! | ||
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feardragon
United States970 Posts
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luxon
United States109 Posts
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Waxangel
United States33195 Posts
Really loved their work during Katowice 2021 | ||
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rwala
272 Posts
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CicadaSC
United States1455 Posts
here is just one example. | ||
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tigera6
3220 Posts
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Balnazza
Germany1102 Posts
If we purely talk devotion to the game, the elite is at Katowice. And I'm kind of sure that if BroodWar isn't part of the Gamers8-thingy, we won't see Tastosis there either | ||
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Pandain
United States12985 Posts
On January 25 2024 12:29 CicadaSC wrote: once again no tastosis, no it's not because they are too expensive. They cast stormgate and zerospace for pennies. they would cast sc2 if they were invited i remember years ago they exposed a few people at ESL nepotistic hiring practices and blacklisting them because certain people didn't like them. Sad! https://twitter.com/CallMeTasteless/status/1226094758860226560 here is just one example. Yeah if its not a money thing then its just a ridiculous decision by ESL. I don't care whatever interpersonal drama ESL may have with tastosis - they are the absolute premier casting duo and its the fans who lose out by not having them. On January 25 2024 13:13 Balnazza wrote: I know this is probably an unpopular opinion, but I don't really see the "devotion to the game". Artosis had his last real SC2 cast at Katowice '23 and Tasteless is also just doing GSL. Feels more like a thing to pay the bills if you compare it to some other casters. If we purely talk devotion to the game, the elite is at Katowice. And I'm kind of sure that if BroodWar isn't part of the Gamers8-thingy, we won't see Tastosis there either How does Demuslim fit in there? | ||
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Pandain
United States12985 Posts
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WombaT
Northern Ireland24390 Posts
On January 25 2024 13:13 Balnazza wrote: I know this is probably an unpopular opinion, but I don't really see the "devotion to the game". Artosis had his last real SC2 cast at Katowice '23 and Tasteless is also just doing GSL. Feels more like a thing to pay the bills if you compare it to some other casters. If we purely talk devotion to the game, the elite is at Katowice. And I'm kind of sure that if BroodWar isn't part of the Gamers8-thingy, we won't see Tastosis there either I just prefer their casting, as a duo to most other folks, I’m not that fussed about how dedicated they are outside of business hours. I’m excited for Harambo as they have that easy camaraderie going but they’ve also that insight that being top pros gives them that does really add to casts that is a genuine addition and quite rare. It’s a nice part of HSC and I fondly recall Idra and Grubby doing guest casts at events and just that little bit of real nitty gritty detail. Honestly I think most of us who’ve watched the game for a decade+ aren’t really being told all that much we don’t know, even if we’re not high level ladder heroes. I’ll be happy as long as various folks don’t bang on about ‘Big Gabe’ every 10 seconds if Heromarine plays. Perhaps a bit niche but that is my personal pet peeve from casters over the years. In a way I quite like that Tastosis were always (relatively) detached because the folks more embedded in the scene can let their biases towards their friends playing bleed through. | ||
Poopi
France12761 Posts
It’s unfortunate that the WC is in the SA event and not at Katowice I guess Still good line-up overall, should be a great event. I won’t go in person this year so it will be easier to choose the matches I want to watch | ||
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yezzir88
31 Posts
On January 25 2024 04:00 JJH777 wrote: No tastosis is unfortunate. Good/unsurprising lineup besides their omission. Yeah and its bullshit. Tastosis should really be at every single premier event. ESL really needs to expand their budget only for Tastosis. Other casters are great, but there's just something about the casting archon that makes games magical. | ||
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CicadaSC
United States1455 Posts
On January 25 2024 14:37 yezzir88 wrote: Yeah and its bullshit. Tastosis should really be at every single premier event. ESL really needs to expand their budget only for Tastosis. Other casters are great, but there's just something about the casting archon that makes games magical. it's not a budget thing. | ||
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CicadaSC
United States1455 Posts
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Waxangel
United States33195 Posts
On January 25 2024 12:29 CicadaSC wrote: once again no tastosis, no it's not because they are too expensive. They cast stormgate and zerospace for pennies. they would cast sc2 if they were invited i remember years ago they exposed a few people at ESL nepotistic hiring practices and blacklisting them because certain people didn't like them. Sad! https://twitter.com/CallMeTasteless/status/1226094758860226560 here is just one example. lol why are you digging this years old tweet up when they casted the last Katowice? Also, there wasn't any evidence of them being blacklisted or whatever (no one even used those words)—this was prolly just tasteless going public to get some leverage in a ordinary dispute (frowned upon but hey good on him if he got it to work). Carmac made a brief comment of "Needless to say, our default position is that we would love to work with Nick and Dan at every SC2 event we run. In describing the situation Nick omitted a part of the story and for now I will leave it at that" because ESL didn't want to have some silly public drama fight and nothing more was openly said from either side. Then Tastosis cast Katowice 3 years later; sounds like things worked out. People can be disappointed about Tastosis not being at Katowice without making it some kind of sinister pseudo-conspiracy | ||
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RaFox17
Finland4581 Posts
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Balnazza
Germany1102 Posts
On January 25 2024 14:50 CicadaSC wrote: artosis literally casts esl weekly cups for free, because that's just how much passion he has still for the game. Didn't know that, but honestly, it doesn't change much. However that can ofc just be my own perception of it. | ||
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Charoisaur
Germany15878 Posts
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Lambertus
South Africa965 Posts
On January 25 2024 15:47 Waxangel wrote: lol why are you digging this years old tweet up when they casted the last Katowice? Also, there wasn't any evidence of them being blacklisted or whatever (no one even used those words)—this was prolly just tasteless going public to get some leverage in a ordinary dispute (frowned upon but hey good on him if he got it to work). Carmac made a brief comment of "Needless to say, our default position is that we would love to work with Nick and Dan at every SC2 event we run. In describing the situation Nick omitted a part of the story and for now I will leave it at that" because ESL didn't want to have some silly public drama fight and nothing more was openly said from either side. Then Tastosis cast Katowice 3 years later; sounds like things worked out. People can be disappointed about Tastosis not being at Katowice without making it some kind of sinister pseudo-conspiracy I strongly support this! | ||
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WombaT
Northern Ireland24390 Posts
On January 25 2024 16:11 Balnazza wrote: Didn't know that, but honestly, it doesn't change much. However that can ofc just be my own perception of it. I mean if that doesn’t what would? At least for Artosis, I do think Tasteless was never quite bitten by the SC2 bug to quite the same degree, although I don’t think he phoned in the passion on broadcast days I never got the impression he lived and breathed the game. Which tbh is fine, casting is a skill not directly correlating with one’s passion. There are plenty of casters around who are absolute pillars of the community and do great work for the scene but IMO should stick to working in the background | ||
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Argonauta
Spain4902 Posts
On January 25 2024 17:13 WombaT wrote: I mean if that doesn’t what would? At least for Artosis, I do think Tasteless was never quite bitten by the SC2 bug to quite the same degree, although I don’t think he phoned in the passion on broadcast days I never got the impression he lived and breathed the game. Which tbh is fine, casting is a skill not directly correlating with one’s passion. There are plenty of casters around who are absolute pillars of the community and do great work for the scene but IMO should stick to working in the background That for sure, but at the same time both Artosis and Tasteless seems so out of touch to the game the last time they casted it. They cant do clever or deep reads into the game like PiG does, and often times they just do plainly bad takes of what is going on. That hurts specially Artosis as Tasteless was always occupying more he hype/funny role. Although I am honestly tired of tasteless repeating the "this is the craziest game ever" cuz he cant think of something else. But yes, they do bring nostalgia to the table. | ||
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Philippe
349 Posts
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jodljodl
140 Posts
Second woohoo: PiG. He's just great in general Even though I hated him in the beginning. Don't know why. Maybe because I was jealous of his good looks :>3rd woohoo: B & C stream caster line-up. Not the biggest fan of Beo & Steadfast casting but my god they deserve this. [Harstem. What a great dude. Always very good casts especially when lambo is joining him. It's so very informative when he's in a cast.] 4th woohoo: no feardragon. 5th woohoo: rest of the talent except for... demuslim as a caster/analyst. Maybe I'm missing something but he isn't around anymore in sc2 except for these kinda events. Should stick to his AoE stuff, imo. But maybe I'm totally wrong and he's active all year round and I simply don't know about it. In this case, I revise my opinion and apologise. Have a nice day, y'all <3 edit/addendum: I really love tastosis. But when it comes to tasteless I got the impression over many years now that he simply doesn't know much about current sc2. Maybe it's his style etc.. But my god, not just once I witnessed face palm moments of his where even I knew is statement was absolutely wrong. | ||
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WombaT
Northern Ireland24390 Posts
On January 25 2024 18:25 Argonauta wrote: That for sure, but at the same time both Artosis and Tasteless seems so out of touch to the game the last time they casted it. They cant do clever or deep reads into the game like PiG does, and often times they just do plainly bad takes of what is going on. That hurts specially Artosis as Tasteless was always occupying more he hype/funny role. Although I am honestly tired of tasteless repeating the "this is the craziest game ever" cuz he cant think of something else. But yes, they do bring nostalgia to the table. Having done more casting than most here in amateur tournies for over a decade (hopefully not too much footage floating around the internet), mostly with the other half of an established archon, but frequently rotating some of our higher level players in and out a lot is rapport, comedic timing and giving space to the other guy to show their chops. Even at my ‘peak’ I was pretty mid tier as a player, my knowledge perhaps slightly better than my game, but my ability to communicate the ebb and flow of a game and be entertaining considerably above either. So I’ll happily call a game in front of a bunch of high masters/GM players because I have a certain skill set, and they’re perfectly happy to have me call their games because I might miss something in terms of real specific build intricacies but I generally get the general flow right. And as I say at this stage even mediocre players who’ve watched for a decade can vaguely call a game pretty solid, if you look at a TL LR thread there’s good analysis there. I don’t think it’s pure nostalgia, not saying they don’t have annoying habits but Tastosis do have that special sauce where they compliment each other very well, and if nothing’s going on they’ll start talking about Ninja Turtles or something. It’s like watching a game of (insert sportsball) with your buddies. PIG’s excellent, Rotterdam’s very good as long as Heromarine isn’t playing and I’m excited for the Harambo stream. You get insights from like a top 15-20 active pro that is actually fantastic but they’re also both very good communicators, they’re not dry and they have fun too. I’ve watched every cast they’ve ever done on their YouTube and absolutely love the detail that really only being a top pro gives you. I won’t name names as even the casters I think aren’t as good still do a fine job, but for me you don’t get that convivial Tastosis vibe no matter what the combos, nor do you get the kind of technical analysis you’ll get from the Harambo combo. And as I’ve said on many occasions the time Grubby or Idra guest casted at various tournies with a good foil was top notch, especially the former. Honestly don’t blame guys like Creighton Olsen for saying fuck it, guy was a better caster (with a good foil) than some of this roster but never got a fair crack of the whip | ||
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jodljodl
140 Posts
On January 25 2024 18:51 WombaT wrote: [...]but for me you don’t get that convivial Tastosis vibe no matter what the combos [...]. I wholeheartedly agree. | ||
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WombaT
Northern Ireland24390 Posts
I have made the occasional sensible post in my 19k+ efforts! | ||
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True_Spike
Poland3415 Posts
They bring a certain energy to their casts that no other caster seems capable of matching. Glad to have Rotterdam though. | ||
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Locutus_
Brazil65 Posts
On January 25 2024 13:13 Balnazza wrote: I know this is probably an unpopular opinion, but I don't really see the "devotion to the game". Artosis had his last real SC2 cast at Katowice '23 and Tasteless is also just doing GSL. Feels more like a thing to pay the bills if you compare it to some other casters. If we purely talk devotion to the game, the elite is at Katowice. And I'm kind of sure that if BroodWar isn't part of the Gamers8-thingy, we won't see Tastosis there either True. Its been years since Tasteless has had real knowledge of the game. In recent years, half of what he says when he narrates matches is "oh, i dont know whats gonna happen". He has no clue about the meta anymore, or how the great players play nowadays | ||
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Locutus_
Brazil65 Posts
On January 25 2024 19:05 Locutus_ wrote: True. Its been years since Tasteless has had real knowledge of the game. In recent years, half of what he says when he narrates matches is "oh, i dont know whats gonna happen". He has no clue about the meta anymore, or how the great players play nowadays That said, their vibe when commenting together is truly unique. | ||
zatic
Zurich15324 Posts
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TossHeroes
281 Posts
I prefer this lineup in all honestly. Rotti is hands down the best caster in sc2 history (fight me). I’m happy for Pig too, I love his casting and the excitement he brings I would have love to see catz casting again though | ||
Mizenhauer
United States1804 Posts
On January 25 2024 23:32 TossHeroes wrote: Not sure what the big deal is? Tasteless and Artosis not in the line up I have no problem with that. Their legacy is casting in GSL events. I prefer this lineup in all honestly. Rotti is hands down the best caster in sc2 history (fight me). I’m happy for Pig too, I love his casting and the excitement he brings I would have love to see catz casting again though That is not their legacy. Their legacy was going to Korea and creating a job (english speaking bw caster) that did not exist prior to their arrival. | ||
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Starcloud
137 Posts
1. Tastosis is missing, which is really a shame in these big tournaments. They should be there. 2. ZombieGrub and Wardi are just basically boring and especially casting together is a bit pain. Both are awesome individuals who have been carrying the SC2-flag for a very long time, and I appreciate them both a lot. But just dont like them as casters. 3. What has happened to Nathanias and especially Maynarde ? Two of my favourites have been sidelined for a long time. Prolly has been mentioned somewhere, but personally I dont understand why arent they invited to the events anymore. I would take them any day before for example Lowko, Beo, Steadfast, Demu, ZG or Wardi. Big shame. Also, wth happened to Smix ? 4. Prolly bit unpopular opinion, but I dont usually like these player/player- casts that much outside Homestory Cups. Dont get me wrong, Lambo and Harstem are very good analyzers and nice to listen to, but I would like more of them separately with a "professional" caster. For example Rotti+Lambo- combination is one of the best duos you can make. Though Rotti rises the level of casting to excellent degree by himself. He is the best. | ||
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Locutus_
Brazil65 Posts
On January 26 2024 00:20 Starcloud wrote: Pretty good lineup. Few personal points; 1. Tastosis is missing, which is really a shame in these big tournaments. They should be there. 2. ZombieGrub and Wardi are just basically boring and especially casting together is a bit pain. Both are awesome individuals who have been carrying the SC2-flag for a very long time, and I appreciate them both a lot. But just dont like them as casters. 3. What has happened to Nathanias and especially Maynarde ? Two of my favourites have been sidelined for a long time. Prolly has been mentioned somewhere, but personally I dont understand why arent they invited to the events anymore. I would take them any day before for example Lowko, Beo, Steadfast, Demu, ZG or Wardi. Big shame. Also, wth happened to Smix ? 4. Prolly bit unpopular opinion, but I dont usually like these player/player- casts that much outside Homestory Cups. Dont get me wrong, Lambo and Harstem are very good analyzers and nice to listen to, but I would like more of them separately with a "professional" caster. For example Rotti+Lambo- combination is one of the best duos you can make. Though Rotti rises the level of casting to excellent degree by himself. He is the best. True, ZG and Wardi kinda have a very similar "sad aura". Which is a pitty, cus theyre both very good analyzers, specially ZG. I think shes spot on. But they are waaaaay too serious, and bring a heavy sentiment, i think. | ||
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tigera6
3220 Posts
On January 26 2024 00:20 Starcloud wrote: Pretty good lineup. Few personal points; 1. Tastosis is missing, which is really a shame in these big tournaments. They should be there. 2. ZombieGrub and Wardi are just basically boring and especially casting together is a bit pain. Both are awesome individuals who have been carrying the SC2-flag for a very long time, and I appreciate them both a lot. But just dont like them as casters. 3. What has happened to Nathanias and especially Maynarde ? Two of my favourites have been sidelined for a long time. Prolly has been mentioned somewhere, but personally I dont understand why arent they invited to the events anymore. I would take them any day before for example Lowko, Beo, Steadfast, Demu, ZG or Wardi. Big shame. Also, wth happened to Smix ? 4. Prolly bit unpopular opinion, but I dont usually like these player/player- casts that much outside Homestory Cups. Dont get me wrong, Lambo and Harstem are very good analyzers and nice to listen to, but I would like more of them separately with a "professional" caster. For example Rotti+Lambo- combination is one of the best duos you can make. Though Rotti rises the level of casting to excellent degree by himself. He is the best. AFAIK, Maynarde and Nathanias are done with casting SC2 for over a year, they both have moved on to something else. And the same with Smix, shes been doing other esport events in 2023. I dont have a problem with Lambo/Harstem casting although sometimes they seems to be within their own thought rather than informing the audience. | ||
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YuMi
Israel26 Posts
I would love to see some fresh faces there. | ||
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TentativePanda
United States800 Posts
On January 26 2024 02:28 Locutus_ wrote: True, ZG and Wardi kinda have a very similar "sad aura". Which is a pitty, cus theyre both very good analyzers, specially ZG. I think shes spot on. But they are waaaaay too serious, and bring a heavy sentiment, i think. ZG is a good analyzer and Wardi isn't? Lol The SC2 community is so bad at judging casters it's crazy. Wardi's strength is his analysis, and being very in touch with players and the community | ||
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TentativePanda
United States800 Posts
Artosis Game Knowledge 8/10 (Used to be 10 when casting SC2 regularly) Hype 8/10 Caster Charm* 10/10 * Caster Charm is probably the most important. It's their overall ability to narrate without hiccups, smooth transitions, being funny, having good stories, ability to capture attention etc. Tasteless Game Knowledge 3/10 (I mean, I think he even knows lol) Hype 10/10 Caster Charm 10/10 Rotterdam Game Knowledge 10/10 Hype 7/10 Caster Charm 10/10 PIG Game Knowledge 9.5/10 Hype 8/10 Caster Charm 8/10 Wardi Game Knowledge 9/10 Hype 6/10 Caster Charm 7/10 DeMu Game Knowledge 7/10 Hype 7/10 Caster Charm 9/10 | ||
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Balnazza
Germany1102 Posts
On January 25 2024 18:51 WombaT wrote: Having done more casting than most here in amateur tournies for over a decade (hopefully not too much footage floating around the internet), mostly with the other half of an established archon, but frequently rotating some of our higher level players in and out a lot is rapport, comedic timing and giving space to the other guy to show their chops. Even at my ‘peak’ I was pretty mid tier as a player, my knowledge perhaps slightly better than my game, but my ability to communicate the ebb and flow of a game and be entertaining considerably above either. So I’ll happily call a game in front of a bunch of high masters/GM players because I have a certain skill set, and they’re perfectly happy to have me call their games because I might miss something in terms of real specific build intricacies but I generally get the general flow right. And as I say at this stage even mediocre players who’ve watched for a decade can vaguely call a game pretty solid, if you look at a TL LR thread there’s good analysis there. I don’t think it’s pure nostalgia, not saying they don’t have annoying habits but Tastosis do have that special sauce where they compliment each other very well, and if nothing’s going on they’ll start talking about Ninja Turtles or something. It’s like watching a game of (insert sportsball) with your buddies. PIG’s excellent, Rotterdam’s very good as long as Heromarine isn’t playing and I’m excited for the Harambo stream. You get insights from like a top 15-20 active pro that is actually fantastic but they’re also both very good communicators, they’re not dry and they have fun too. I’ve watched every cast they’ve ever done on their YouTube and absolutely love the detail that really only being a top pro gives you. I won’t name names as even the casters I think aren’t as good still do a fine job, but for me you don’t get that convivial Tastosis vibe no matter what the combos, nor do you get the kind of technical analysis you’ll get from the Harambo combo. And as I’ve said on many occasions the time Grubby or Idra guest casted at various tournies with a good foil was top notch, especially the former. Honestly don’t blame guys like Creighton Olsen for saying fuck it, guy was a better caster (with a good foil) than some of this roster but never got a fair crack of the whip As someone who also shoutcasted for almost a decade (2009 to maybe 2017 or something like that) I can agree with a lot of your points. Synergy is something that is hard to train. In my high-time, I casted lots of cups and matches with two other casters, both of which I endored and had a great partnership with. Think we three at some small point in time were the biggest WC3 shoutcasters in Germany (that was before B2W of course but after the quasi retirement of Khaldor, orc1sh and co.). When I started to move on from shoutcasting, the league that I headadmin'd got a new shoutcaster, someone who had just started recently for fun. And I don't know why, but I had my best caster-synergy with that guy, just instantly clicked. So I really get why people enjoy the Archon, why they miss Tastosis. I do aswell whenever they eventually do an event. Also enjoy them individually, Artosis did great recently as an AoE 2 caster (even though he was clearly lacking the knowledge). But I don't "miss" them, it isn't the end of the world for me if they are not present and I certainly don't try to find some hidden agenda why they are not there. Personally I don't mind it when the people who pour their hearts and soul in the scene get rewarded with shoutcasting these big events. Isn't that basically how Feardragon and Wardi slipped into the regular caster lineups? Pulling out "the big guns" just for these events feels like punishing the people who's daily job and passion this game is. And yes, that also comes from a point of personal experience - lets just say it isn't particularly fun to cast like four days a week for free and then get past over for a big offline event in favor of a guy who has a bigger name, but hasn't touched the game in six month :3 | ||
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Charoisaur
Germany15878 Posts
On January 26 2024 04:17 TentativePanda wrote: Unequivocal (jk, sorta) caster power rankings of current casters. Leaving out casters I haven't heard much, since I haven't been following the scene as much lately (BW is better), and casters I think are bad at it. Don't like calling out casters I think are bad, it's just mean. So these casters are all ones I really really enjoy in the booth: Artosis Game Knowledge 8/10 (Used to be 10 when casting SC2 regularly) Hype 8/10 Caster Charm* 10/10 * Caster Charm is probably the most important. It's their overall ability to narrate without hiccups, smooth transitions, being funny, having good stories, ability to capture attention etc. Tasteless Game Knowledge 3/10 (I mean, I think he even knows lol) Hype 10/10 Caster Charm 10/10 Rotterdam Game Knowledge 10/10 Hype 7/10 Caster Charm 10/10 PIG Game Knowledge 9.5/10 Hype 8/10 Caster Charm 8/10 Wardi Game Knowledge 9/10 Hype 6/10 Caster Charm 7/10 DeMu Game Knowledge 7/10 Hype 7/10 Caster Charm 9/10 This seems like a pretty accurate list, I think I agree. Artosis should be hype 10/10 though | ||
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JimmyJRaynor
Canada16642 Posts
On January 25 2024 15:47 Waxangel wrote: People can be disappointed about Tastosis not being at Katowice without making it some kind of sinister pseudo-conspiracy I really enjoy Tasteless' life perspective. He dressed up as a bottle of bud light for hallowe'en. He had those banned green frogs prominently displayed in his little personal events after Overwatch/Blizzard banned green frogs, "ok" symbols, and 10,000 other innocuous things. However, you will receive return fire when you do stuff like Tasteless does. On January 25 2024 14:37 yezzir88 wrote: Yeah and its bullshit. Tastosis should really be at every single premier event. ESL really needs to expand their budget only for Tastosis. Other casters are great, but there's just something about the casting archon that makes games magical. I don't think it does. The game itself is great. That is what makes it magical. The casting line up is as good as its ever been. The omission of Tastosis has zero impact for me. | ||
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jimminy_kriket
Canada5490 Posts
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WombaT
Northern Ireland24390 Posts
On January 26 2024 05:18 Balnazza wrote: As someone who also shoutcasted for almost a decade (2009 to maybe 2017 or something like that) I can agree with a lot of your points. Synergy is something that is hard to train. In my high-time, I casted lots of cups and matches with two other casters, both of which I endored and had a great partnership with. Think we three at some small point in time were the biggest WC3 shoutcasters in Germany (that was before B2W of course but after the quasi retirement of Khaldor, orc1sh and co.). When I started to move on from shoutcasting, the league that I headadmin'd got a new shoutcaster, someone who had just started recently for fun. And I don't know why, but I had my best caster-synergy with that guy, just instantly clicked. So I really get why people enjoy the Archon, why they miss Tastosis. I do aswell whenever they eventually do an event. Also enjoy them individually, Artosis did great recently as an AoE 2 caster (even though he was clearly lacking the knowledge). But I don't "miss" them, it isn't the end of the world for me if they are not present and I certainly don't try to find some hidden agenda why they are not there. Personally I don't mind it when the people who pour their hearts and soul in the scene get rewarded with shoutcasting these big events. Isn't that basically how Feardragon and Wardi slipped into the regular caster lineups? Pulling out "the big guns" just for these events feels like punishing the people who's daily job and passion this game is. And yes, that also comes from a point of personal experience - lets just say it isn't particularly fun to cast like four days a week for free and then get past over for a big offline event in favor of a guy who has a bigger name, but hasn't touched the game in six month :3 Very well said | ||
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Infested.rine
33 Posts
I'm not trying to troll or be mean but I'm always surprised when I see Lowko there, I moved from BW to SC2 fairly late so I missed when he was active but for me he seems to come out of blue for these tournaments. | ||
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WardiTV
552 Posts
On January 26 2024 02:28 Locutus_ wrote: True, ZG and Wardi kinda have a very similar "sad aura". Which is a pitty, cus theyre both very good analyzers, specially ZG. I think shes spot on. But they are waaaaay too serious, and bring a heavy sentiment, i think. I'll take sad aura over last years description of me as a charisma vacuum. I'm on the up. FWIW : Katowice is not the world championship and this is the smallest caster team we have had for Katowice as far as I remember and I would very much so suspect it as a money / budget thing that we have less casters. Budget has been strict all year and it does make a difference on who is hired for events. | ||
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Comedy
453 Posts
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JimmyJRaynor
Canada16642 Posts
On January 27 2024 00:44 WardiTV wrote: I'll take sad aura over last years description of me as a charisma vacuum. I'm on the up. it is impossible to be "Captain Charisma" during your many hours long uninterrupted streams. It is 100% clear you love the game. I don't need a 20 second clip of you yelling and screaming at a flat screen to be convinced of your love of the game. It is great to see you on the casting team for this event. This same analysis applies to ZombieGrub. The other person said to have a "sad aura". It is 100% clear she loves Starcraft 2 and RTS. Great to see her on the casting team. | ||
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SXRomeo
4 Posts
Don't forget that last year the Katowice was the finals and we didn't know if we would have any major events after that, so that is probably why ESL went all out and got Tastosis in the first place. | ||
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Creager
Germany1889 Posts
On January 26 2024 02:34 tigera6 wrote: AFAIK, Maynarde and Nathanias are done with casting SC2 for over a year, they both have moved on to something else. And the same with Smix, shes been doing other esport events in 2023. I dont have a problem with Lambo/Harstem casting although sometimes they seems to be within their own thought rather than informing the audience. Would not have wanted them for the main caster line-up in the first place, on the other hand Tastosis not being there for one of the most anticipated tournaments of the year is really, really disappointing. | ||
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Creager
Germany1889 Posts
On January 27 2024 00:44 WardiTV wrote: I'll take sad aura over last years description of me as a charisma vacuum. I'm on the up. FWIW : Katowice is not the world championship and this is the smallest caster team we have had for Katowice as far as I remember and I would very much so suspect it as a money / budget thing that we have less casters. Budget has been strict all year and it does make a difference on who is hired for events. Rest assured that a variety in different casting-styles is much appreciated and I personally prefer a calm and collected cast over screaming hype into the mic any day. | ||
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BeoMulf
United States86 Posts
On January 25 2024 09:29 luxon wrote: need artosis. definitely going to watch harstem and lambo, their game knowledge + chemistry is really great. steadfast is pretty good but beomulf is kind of unknowledgeable and their chemistry together is quite poor. I'm sorry you feel that way. I work hard on all aspects of what I do - hopefully you feel I do it better at Katowice! I do agree that SF is fantastic! | ||
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Woosixion
117 Posts
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Balnazza
Germany1102 Posts
On January 28 2024 06:26 Woosixion wrote: I agree, none of these casters will ever be as good as Tastosis sorry. Also as a man of color theres too many fkn white people here for my liking, looking at the representation here one might think that all starcraft players were white Rotterdam is atleast as good, probably much better. And the entire rest of the casting lineup is more than good enough. Also...what PoC casters do we have except Feardragon? Or even players that are PoC (not counting koreans...are koreans counted as white? No idea, sorry)? I'm all for inclusion and representation, but there have to be some to be included... | ||
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knotfun
41 Posts
On January 28 2024 06:26 Woosixion wrote: I agree, none of these casters will ever be as good as Tastosis sorry. Also as a man of color theres too many fkn white people here for my liking, looking at the representation here one might think that all starcraft players were white well, Starcraft is historically kind of a "white" community if it even means anything. are there even non caucasic casters available? | ||
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TITSAcid
Australia5 Posts
On January 28 2024 06:26 Woosixion wrote: I agree, none of these casters will ever be as good as Tastosis sorry. Also as a man of color theres too many fkn white people here for my liking, looking at the representation here one might think that all starcraft players were white Only a racist would look at the colour of the skin of those involved and be upset about it. | ||
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t5Fab
182 Posts
It's so sad to read these harsh takes instead of more constructive criticism. Honestly, the cast is exactly what I expected, they do a good job every time and I'm ready to enjoy their commentary again. Of course, I'm also happy when ESL gives offline chances to "new" faces, like Lowko, Catz, Steadfast, Harstem... , but it doesn't need to be a constant rotation or an every tournament thing. | ||
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WombaT
Northern Ireland24390 Posts
On January 30 2024 08:06 t5Fab wrote: People should remember that casters are humans and maybe express their opinions without being assholish. It's so sad to read these harsh takes instead of more constructive criticism. Honestly, the cast is exactly what I expected, they do a good job every time and I'm ready to enjoy their commentary again. Of course, I'm also happy when ESL gives offline chances to "new" faces, like Lowko, Catz, Steadfast, Harstem... , but it doesn't need to be a constant rotation or an every tournament thing. It’s tricky to do when so much of considering whether a caster is good or not, to many at least is ‘do I like their voice/personality’ at the end of the day. There’s not really many casters these days who genuinely have big gaps in their knowledge, something you could neutrally critique and they could improve in. Whereas what does somebody do with the ‘hey I like this other person better’, in terms of actually taking it on board and not feeling like shit? I like the roster, but prefer Tastosis purely for their rapport, but I’ve forever hated caster bashing for the reasons outlined. It’s very rarely positive in outcome | ||
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Balnazza
Germany1102 Posts
On January 30 2024 10:21 WombaT wrote: It’s tricky to do when so much of considering whether a caster is good or not, to many at least is ‘do I like their voice/personality’ at the end of the day. There’s not really many casters these days who genuinely have big gaps in their knowledge, something you could neutrally critique and they could improve in. Whereas what does somebody do with the ‘hey I like this other person better’, in terms of actually taking it on board and not feeling like shit? I like the roster, but prefer Tastosis purely for their rapport, but I’ve forever hated caster bashing for the reasons outlined. It’s very rarely positive in outcome In the end, there is no real metric to meassure the skill of a caster. WPM aren't exactly helpful. Viewer numbers are of course somewhat of an indicator, but only if there is a big, noticable gap. Would have 500 people more watched with Caster A? Maybe, but who knows. Oh, the switch from Caster B to Caster C cost us 500 viewers...or is the next set just boring? Does it get late in an important part of our viewerships timezone? The skill in the game of the caster is also not an indicator. There are great casters who never even remotely could compete in progaming and there are progamers who are as interesting as moldy toast. You *could* do a quiz and check ingame-knowledge, but is that really helpful? Is someone who knows the exact damage of 2-1 Marines really per default a better caster than someone who just knows the general implications? And then there is the fact about time. Are some casters really that good or are they just around for so long you just have a bias for them? Did you really give the young blood a fair chance or just decided instantly that you didn't like them? Of course that doesn't mean all casters are equal. And I also don't critizise anyone for having favorites - everyone has, myself included. But maybe don't get that focused on "who is the best caster" and make it like it is an objectively wrong choice to not pick *your caster*. Just look at HLTV who just reported the caster lineups for two big upcoming events. Discussion is livid (and often extremly low in terms of manners), which some names coming up in every comment - either people being happy about it or claiming it is an "instant mute". Long blabla for a very short message: It is natural to have favorites and maybe even turn of the stream if someone you just can't stand is casting/hosting/analyzing. But like with most things in life, don't hoist your personal taste to the pantheon of truth. It is okay to say you like Caster A over Caster B, without making it out like Caster B should be ashamed to even cast this game... (just for clarification: With "you" I mean the general you of course, not Wombat who I quoted in the beginning) | ||
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Waxangel
United States33195 Posts
not enough to say what you like, but also have to say 'and this other [person/thing] SUCKS'  | ||
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Philippe
349 Posts
On January 30 2024 14:00 Waxangel wrote: dunno what it is about caster discussion that makes it like music or TV show discussion not enough to say what you like, but also have to say 'and this other [person/thing] SUCKS' Having personal caster preferences is always a soap opera. Outdated like a 1960's sitcom, makes me want to yawn like no tomorrow. There's lineups for a reason, won't delve too deep into it, will watch the event for what's worth. | ||
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WombaT
Northern Ireland24390 Posts
On January 30 2024 13:19 Balnazza wrote: In the end, there is no real metric to meassure the skill of a caster. WPM aren't exactly helpful. Viewer numbers are of course somewhat of an indicator, but only if there is a big, noticable gap. Would have 500 people more watched with Caster A? Maybe, but who knows. Oh, the switch from Caster B to Caster C cost us 500 viewers...or is the next set just boring? Does it get late in an important part of our viewerships timezone? The skill in the game of the caster is also not an indicator. There are great casters who never even remotely could compete in progaming and there are progamers who are as interesting as moldy toast. You *could* do a quiz and check ingame-knowledge, but is that really helpful? Is someone who knows the exact damage of 2-1 Marines really per default a better caster than someone who just knows the general implications? And then there is the fact about time. Are some casters really that good or are they just around for so long you just have a bias for them? Did you really give the young blood a fair chance or just decided instantly that you didn't like them? Of course that doesn't mean all casters are equal. And I also don't critizise anyone for having favorites - everyone has, myself included. But maybe don't get that focused on "who is the best caster" and make it like it is an objectively wrong choice to not pick *your caster*. Just look at HLTV who just reported the caster lineups for two big upcoming events. Discussion is livid (and often extremly low in terms of manners), which some names coming up in every comment - either people being happy about it or claiming it is an "instant mute". Long blabla for a very short message: It is natural to have favorites and maybe even turn of the stream if someone you just can't stand is casting/hosting/analyzing. But like with most things in life, don't hoist your personal taste to the pantheon of truth. It is okay to say you like Caster A over Caster B, without making it out like Caster B should be ashamed to even cast this game... (just for clarification: With "you" I mean the general you of course, not Wombat who I quoted in the beginning) Can’t disagree with any of that! | ||
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yezzir88
31 Posts
So it's political BS? | ||
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Balnazza
Germany1102 Posts
No, it is a budget thing and/or about working with your usual sets of casters. | ||
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CMS_Flash
Hong Kong47 Posts
On January 25 2024 04:00 JJH777 wrote: No tastosis is unfortunate. Good/unsurprising lineup besides their omission. Save them for the World Cup! | ||
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AdrianHealeyy
114 Posts
On January 27 2024 00:44 WardiTV wrote: I'll take sad aura over last years description of me as a charisma vacuum. I'm on the up. FWIW : Katowice is not the world championship and this is the smallest caster team we have had for Katowice as far as I remember and I would very much so suspect it as a money / budget thing that we have less casters. Budget has been strict all year and it does make a difference on who is hired for events. Just an FYI. I am sure you know this, but a lot of people (myself included) absolutely love a calmer, more serene approach to casting. I don't necessarily mind hype-casting, but when given the option, I am going to watch a calmer caster over super high energy hype-caster. I for one actually think you have great charisma, by being calm, composed and just a gentle person to watch. Please don't change. I can understand that other people prefer more high energy, high hype whatever casting. There is, however, no need to be mean towards other styles, because there are 100% people (like me) who enjoy (and/or prefer) that. | ||
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MJG
United Kingdom830 Posts
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Durnuu
13319 Posts
On February 02 2024 00:04 MJG wrote: I'd probably prefer if Lowko and Demu were replaced with people more engaged with the SC2 scene, with casters like Chickenman and Dave Testa (KSL) or CranKy Ducklings (OSC) coming to mind. It's a solid line-up otherwise. It is highly unlikely those were even considered. If you haven't been an official caster for an ESL online event, they sure aren't gonna make you debut in the biggest offline one at this stage in the game's life, even as a Bstreamer | ||
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namkraft
430 Posts
I know many people enjoy Tastetosis and would defend them on forums. I suspect that many people who don't like them or are indifferent wouldn't do the same, hence my coming forward. | ||
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rwala
272 Posts
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rwala
272 Posts
On February 02 2024 01:09 namkraft wrote: Didn't read thru all of the chat but just wanna put in my preference that from a Broodwar perspective, I have never liked Tastosis as casters, from 5-6 years ago until now. Tasteless displays poor knowledge of the game (I'm sure his playing of it isn't so bad). Artosis is slightly better. Neither of them shows enough energy and passion for the game during their casts (compared to the old-school casters like Klazart, Diggity and Nukethestars). I know many people enjoy Tastetosis and would defend them on forums. I suspect that many people who don't like them or are indifferent wouldn't do the same, hence my coming forward. How brave of you | ||
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WombaT
Northern Ireland24390 Posts
On February 02 2024 06:52 rwala wrote: Sad to see all these gamer bros who probably have never put themselves out there to create or contribute to anything in their lives criticizing the casters who are putting in so much time and energy to bring them entertainment. It’s an entertainment business, are you entertained or not? I don’t really care if someone is spending 100 hours a week grinding at something if they’re not as good as someone half assing it. I don’t agree with overly personal caster bashing but most posts here have been pretty respectful. | ||
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Branch.AUT
Austria853 Posts
On February 02 2024 01:09 namkraft wrote: Didn't read thru all of the chat but just wanna put in my preference that from a Broodwar perspective, I have never liked Tastosis as casters, from 5-6 years ago until now. Tasteless displays poor knowledge of the game (I'm sure his playing of it isn't so bad). Artosis is slightly better. Neither of them shows enough energy and passion for the game during their casts (compared to the old-school casters like Klazart, Diggity and Nukethestars). I know many people enjoy Tastetosis and would defend them on forums. I suspect that many people who don't like them or are indifferent wouldn't do the same, hence my coming forward. Brother you're comparing people slaving over a replay multiple hours to live show casters. That is just disingenous. Like everyone can bring the thunder in a 20 minute yt video. Go be on air for 7 hours. Let me know how that works out at hour 5 of day 3. Ridiculous. | ||
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WombaT
Northern Ireland24390 Posts
On February 02 2024 09:16 Branch.AUT wrote: Brother you're comparing people slaving over a replay multiple hours to live show casters. That is just disingenous. Like everyone can bring the thunder in a 20 minute yt video. Go be on air for 7 hours. Let me know how that works out at hour 5 of day 3. Ridiculous. Yeah it’s fucking tough man, keeping the energy going. And I have no (well, a few :p) critics doing it locally for the fun, I’m not in the public eye. And observing the games too! Back to back 10 hour days trying to keep the hype and the energy accurately call games is way more draining than one would assume. Hey I love doing it but doing it live in front of an audience, for a long stint just isn’t comparable to recording a cast at your leisure. Not sucking my own dick by any means, there’s a reason I’ve never posted VoDs haha but it’s a tougher gig than many make out | ||
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Balnazza
Germany1102 Posts
On February 02 2024 09:40 WombaT wrote: Yeah it’s fucking tough man, keeping the energy going. And I have no (well, a few :p) critics doing it locally for the fun, I’m not in the public eye. And observing the games too! Back to back 10 hour days trying to keep the hype and the energy accurately call games is way more draining than one would assume. Hey I love doing it but doing it live in front of an audience, for a long stint just isn’t comparable to recording a cast at your leisure. Not sucking my own dick by any means, there’s a reason I’ve never posted VoDs haha but it’s a tougher gig than many make out It is still on my wislist to cast in front of a live audience, but I feel you. I remember one shoutcast after a long weekend that was so draining, I started to vigorously speculate about a very minor optical detail on a map - for two minutes. Just 2AM, seven hours live things... | ||
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WombaT
Northern Ireland24390 Posts
On February 02 2024 10:04 Balnazza wrote: It is still on my wislist to cast in front of a live audience, but I feel you. I remember one shoutcast after a long weekend that was so draining, I started to vigorously speculate about a very minor optical detail on a map - for two minutes. Just 2AM, seven hours live things... Happens to the best of us! We’re just lucky we have a relatively gigantic entirely amateur run nerd convention via our local university that we can plug an SC event into, and we’ve gradually just become a social club over the years with SC being secondary If you do ever get a shot though I’d highly recommend, especially in smaller amateur things. Like a bunch of our audience is our player pool, everyone knows each other and we have a lot of fun with it, whoever fancies casting a particular match or rivalry will pop in and out co-casting and stuff. If you can grab like 16 players, double or triple it for a potential audience as a bare minimum and do something live, even with small numbers it’ll be way more energetic and hyped than youd think | ||
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namkraft
430 Posts
On February 02 2024 09:16 Branch.AUT wrote: Brother you're comparing people slaving over a replay multiple hours to live show casters. That is just disingenous. Like everyone can bring the thunder in a 20 minute yt video. Go be on air for 7 hours. Let me know how that works out at hour 5 of day 3. Ridiculous. I'm not sure if what you say is relevant here. Tastetosis also cast on purely-online games, yes? Are they showing enough energy in those videos? Not in my opinion. And most of their gigs are not seven hours per day. Maybe 3-4 continuously for some 1-day event. Are they showing enough energy there? Not in my opinion. Even for long events, are they showing enough energy in the first 10 minutes of their casts? Not in my opinion. Their non-energetic casting style is by choice, not by fatigue, because it's difficult to find things to say continuously and as if your life depends on it. Your personality matters a lot, and you have to be a kind of "trance" state almost. And to be fair, this is purely my personal preference. You may like their casting style, that's fine. I'm not attacking you for your preference. So you should not attack mine. FYI, I do cast 4-5 hours "straight". Sometimes I also lose my voice at the end of the session, but I try to give it my best as if my life depends on it. | ||
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bela.mervado
Hungary373 Posts
I'd love to see you cast day 5 of a round robin group stage of an sc2 tourney between dudes placed #7 and #8 in their group, giving your best as if your life depends on it. your energy fetish is a bit misguided. in my opinion. | ||
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namkraft
430 Posts
On February 02 2024 14:35 bela.mervado wrote: dear namkraft, I'd love to see you cast day 5 of a round robin group stage of an sc2 tourney between dudes placed #7 and #8 in their group, giving your best as if your life depends on it. your energy fetish is a bit misguided. in my opinion. Again, not sure why your argument that I can't possibly cast multiple days of an onsite event has anything to do with my claim that tastetosis are not energetic in their casts (regardless of time, space, duration). If you are logical, you would find me any videos of Tastetosis casting that you would call "energetic". And we can argue on that. Our definition of energy may be different, but it's a better starting point to what you have atm. | ||
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bela.mervado
Hungary373 Posts
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qwerty259
United States3 Posts
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rwala
272 Posts
On February 02 2024 08:49 WombaT wrote: It’s an entertainment business, are you entertained or not? I don’t really care if someone is spending 100 hours a week grinding at something if they’re not as good as someone half assing it. I don’t agree with overly personal caster bashing but most posts here have been pretty respectful. I don’t disagree and have my own caster preferences, but it’s not like these casters are T Swift raking in millions. I’m cool with critiques of artists and entertainers in general but this thread feels a little like a community eating its own to me. If a caster makes a serious mistake like Nathanias did with his comments about Lambo, Scarlett, etc. I’m all for some tough love and criticism but this is not that. | ||
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Branch.AUT
Austria853 Posts
On February 02 2024 13:32 namkraft wrote: I'm not sure if what you say is relevant here. Tastetosis also cast on purely-online games, yes? Are they showing enough energy in those videos? Not in my opinion. And most of their gigs are not seven hours per day. Maybe 3-4 continuously for some 1-day event. Are they showing enough energy there? Not in my opinion. Even for long events, are they showing enough energy in the first 10 minutes of their casts? Not in my opinion. Their non-energetic casting style is by choice, not by fatigue, because it's difficult to find things to say continuously and as if your life depends on it. Your personality matters a lot, and you have to be a kind of "trance" state almost. And to be fair, this is purely my personal preference. You may like their casting style, that's fine. I'm not attacking you for your preference. So you should not attack mine. FYI, I do cast 4-5 hours "straight". Sometimes I also lose my voice at the end of the session, but I try to give it my best as if my life depends on it. It is very clear to me, that your expectation of how working a multi-day public speaking appointment, is completely different of how I experience it. Or anyone else I know in the field, for that matter. You will come to understand this one day. Until then, just believe me, that apples are not oranges. What you, klazart, nukethestars do in your home, is oranges. What any professional casters do at a three day event, are apples. | ||
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Woosixion
117 Posts
On January 29 2024 23:36 knotfun wrote: well, Starcraft is historically kind of a "white" community if it even means anything. are there even non caucasic casters available? I wont deny it, still tho they could surely find one nerdy azn kid to get on the lineup, or maybe temp0?... hell what happened to Smix, the cute korean interviewer?! I would offer myself for the job but im too much of a real nikka, i dont think I would mesh well with the group | ||
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MJG
United Kingdom830 Posts
On February 02 2024 00:51 Durnuu wrote: It is highly unlikely those were even considered. If you haven't been an official caster for an ESL online event, they sure aren't gonna make you debut in the biggest offline one at this stage in the game's life, even as a Bstreamer I know that they probably weren't considered, but sticking with people who've moved on to different titles is a bit silly IMO. | ||
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