Media that has applied will recieve confirmation in the next 24 hours for Friday's Media Night-- 7pm till 11pm.
All players that applied will be welcome for Saturday's Player's Night-- 7pm till 12am.
CatsPajamas will be hosting the AMAs with the Reddit Community!
At MLG Anaheim, 7/29-7/31, TL will help host a special Player's Lounge located next to the venue. Professional Starcraft 2 players will be able to relax, meet with sponsors, conduct media interviews, and communicate with their fans that are watching from all over the world.
In addition to videos and interviews done by TL and other media, players will be conducting AMAs (Ask Me Anything) throughout the weekend on Reddit's r/starcraft.
I am glad there will be a place where the players can relax and hang out while at the same time remaining available to the community. I am excited to see the video and interview content that will be produced. On top of that I love the reddit AMA format. It’s a great tool for any interview. -- Diggity
Any player wishing to take advantage of the Player's Lounge should contact events@teamliquid.net by 7/24. All pro players participating in the tournament are encouraged to apply. Seeded players should apply as well, and will be automatically approved. All other applicants will be approved based on community interest and spacial limitations.
We wanted to do something that makes the MLG experience better for all pro players, not just the ones from Liquid. We want to improve player-fan interaction as well for all communities. -- Kennigit
Attending players and teams will be able to conduct private meetings and interviews in a quiet, professional setting. Members of the media who require press access and/or sponsors wishing time set aside for a meeting should contact events@teamliquid.net by 7/27.
It always felt like we were inconveniencing players by pulling them off the floor to do interviews. This will a place where the players can enjoy themselves while we produce some great content. -- Hot_Bid
The tournament weekend can be grueling for the participants. The Player's Lounge offers a chance for those involved to recuperate and prepare for the next round, as well as a central contact point for calling players. It also provides a venue for pro players to celebrate with their teams and the greater community.
I think that the big winners are the players, who now have a great place to hang out together near the venue while they are waiting for their next matches. This should help everyone be fresh and ready for their games. Tournaments can be a draining experience and we hope that we can help pro-gamers in this regard. -- Liquid`Nazgul
The Players Lounge planning and logistics will be handled by Ibsen. He organized the TL Blizzcon party last year. If you would like more information on this topic, or wish to sign up as a player, media, or sponsor, please contact events@teamliquid.net.
Very cool indeed. As mentioned it can be very hard for the players and content creators to arrange a place to meet and do interviews and such so this sound really good for that, as well as a place to chill
Oh this is sweet! Now the players won't have to bear outrageous decibels if they want to lay back. The most important thing i see is the fact that the players will have it easier in between games. You can even have someone to get the messages directly to the players if they have to play.
Awesome, I know how draining a tournament like MLG can be. It's really cool to have something like this set up to help players relax and give interviews and stuff.
On July 15 2011 07:32 imPERSONater wrote: Now how to get in without being pro........ or to Anaheim.
You'll have a chance to participate through the AMA's. You'll also get a great view from the video, pictures, and interviews regardless of where you are in the world.
On July 15 2011 07:37 Secret05 wrote: do you know where this will be located yet? is it going to be in the same convention center that the event will be held at?
We will be adjacent to the Convention center. We timed it and a player can get to the floor in less than 5 minutes.
I don't get it. Does this mean the pros will be isolated from the fans at mlg and be restricted to asking them questions online through reddit? I dunno, sounds great for the players, but not for any kind of real fan interactions.
Oh wow this is awesome! I like that players can gather at a central point where they can hang out and actually be found when they are needed to play. I would love to see Teamliquid become a central institution in player-fan connection as well as a hub for players to meet and communicate. I'd imagine it's quite expensive both in cost and organizing time to accommodate so many players. So I hope it will pay off for TL. Are you going to have sponsors for this lounge or will you get something via the produced content? Also will you provide live-webcams?
Anyways, Homestory Cup III was really great with all the players in a casual atmosphere. Even though MLG is a more "serious" tournament I'm really looking forward to seeing the players take it easy in the lounge and having a good time. Love it!
This is a fine idea, but it really hurts amateur reporters like me who don't have press badges/access. I imagine I'll get fewer chances to say hello to players now. Hopefully some still take time to mingle with the crowd.
RIP photo opportunities
personal views aside, it sounds pretty kickass. Like a rockstar VIP lounge kind of thing. Has snacks and drinks I hope.
I dunno I feel like this is gonna make it harder for me to ask my favorite gamers for autographs. Good for the pros though I guess. After Thorzain and July's less than favorable reviews of MLG Columbus from the player's perspective this sort of thing will go a long way to ensuring the pros play at their best by providing them a more organized environment.
As long the lounge will give fans the opportunity to get autographs/pictures then it sounds like a good idea. Part of the reason I bought my MLG ticket was to hopefully meet a few of my favorite players.
On July 15 2011 07:43 Pokebunny wrote: How pro is pro? lol. Do I qualify as good enough for this? D:
Good question! If the community wants you there you'll be there. Make sure that you apply. I think a bunch of players are going to miss out, because they don't apply. If you guys have a favorite player: make sure to tell them that you want them there.
On July 15 2011 07:45 Canucklehead wrote: I don't get it. Does this mean the pros will be isolated from the fans at mlg and be restricted to asking them questions online through reddit? I dunno, sounds great for the players, but not for any kind of real fan interactions.
On July 15 2011 08:00 red4ce wrote: I dunno I feel like this is gonna make it harder for me to ask my favorite gamers for autographs. Good for the pros though I guess. After Thorzain and July's less than favorable reviews of MLG Columbus from the player's perspective this sort of thing will go a long way to ensuring the pros play at their best by providing them a more organized environment.
No Way! The players are still going to be at the event. They will need to play and they will want to watch. The problem is that many of these players go back to their hotels to get away and they have private parties that the community never gets to see. We want to give the players a place where they can relax together, while providing additional access to fans all over the world.
On July 15 2011 07:50 VATO_Gandair wrote: This is a fine idea, but it really hurts amateur reporters like me who don't have press badges/access. I imagine I'll get fewer chances to say hello to players now. Hopefully some still take time to mingle with the crowd.
RIP photo opportunities
personal views aside, it sounds pretty kickass. Like a rockstar VIP lounge kind of thing. Has snacks and drinks I hope.
Make sure to apply as press-- you never know what will happen. Even if you don't-- you'll still have access to the players at MLG. This is a way to give the community greater access: not limit it.
What determines a pro player from anyone? As we all know, there are up and coming teams and prominent players who haven't really met the public eye, how will you distinguish these players or know which to give access to?
edit: sort of answered already.
Are only players given access if applied, or are managers of these players equally allowed. How big is the room exactly?
On July 15 2011 08:34 Torte de Lini wrote: Yes, yes, yes!
What determines a pro player from anyone? As we all know, there are up and coming teams and prominent players who haven't really met the public eye, how will you distinguish these players or know which to give access to?
The community decides. If you want a player, lets us know. Post on Reddit. Tell the player that you want to see in the lounge, "I want to see you in the lounge." This is first and foremost an event to give greater access to everyone who can't make it to MLG Anaheim. Let us know who you want to see!
On July 15 2011 08:34 Torte de Lini wrote: Yes, yes, yes!
What determines a pro player from anyone? As we all know, there are up and coming teams and prominent players who haven't really met the public eye, how will you distinguish these players or know which to give access to?
The community decides. If you want a player, lets us know. Post on Reddit. Tell the player that you want to see in the lounge, "I want to see you in the lounge." This is first and foremost an event to give greater access to everyone who can't make it to MLG Anaheim. Let us know who you want to see!
Oh, e-mail doesn't work? I was just about to send in an application for these players I have~
Somehow feels like being out of the actual venue is more an inconvenience than a good thing. From what I heard from Colombus, they asked the players to be on site at the moment, and they never knew when they were called, so I can see many discouraged after the first time they go, they spend 5 minutes and have to go back. Some would rather spend those 15 minutes in backstage. Because players would find this useful betwheen games. If they are finished for the day they will probably go to the hotel. And players who have a tighter schedule with the open bracket might not even have the time to go there. Best of luck tho.
On July 15 2011 07:45 Canucklehead wrote: I don't get it. Does this mean the pros will be isolated from the fans at mlg and be restricted to asking them questions online through reddit? I dunno, sounds great for the players, but not for any kind of real fan interactions.
I think this is a valid concern, was thinking the same thing the entire time i was reading it, seems like a great thing for players, but i thought part of the awesome MLG experience was for the players and fans to get to interact in between games. Maybe its just me though.
as always TL establishes itself as THE place to hang out, first on the internetz now in real life.
do you think a lounge stream would be a possibility like in TaKeSen's flat on HSC3, or do you consider that to intrusive when the main focus is on giving the players a chance to chill out.
On July 15 2011 07:45 Canucklehead wrote: I don't get it. Does this mean the pros will be isolated from the fans at mlg and be restricted to asking them questions online through reddit? I dunno, sounds great for the players, but not for any kind of real fan interactions.
I think this is a valid concern, was thinking the same thing the entire time i was reading it, seems like a great thing for players, but i thought part of the awesome MLG experience was for the players and fans to get to interact in between games. Maybe its just me though.
The current model is:
A player's section separate from the fans at the MLG event
The players try to get away to relax whenever they can (hotels and rooms away from fans)
Many small parties that are totally closed to all but a select few
In reality we are not removing players from the fans: they are already removed. We are trying to grant access to fans worldwide in a way that respects the needs of the players and casters.
On July 15 2011 07:45 Canucklehead wrote: I don't get it. Does this mean the pros will be isolated from the fans at mlg and be restricted to asking them questions online through reddit? I dunno, sounds great for the players, but not for any kind of real fan interactions.
I think this is a valid concern, was thinking the same thing the entire time i was reading it, seems like a great thing for players, but i thought part of the awesome MLG experience was for the players and fans to get to interact in between games. Maybe its just me though.
see it that way if the player is fed up and wants 2 hours of quiet time he had to leave the venue get to the hotel depending on the hotel location it can be 45 minutes to more than an hour round trip, now he can go to the lounge in 5 minutes and is back in 5 minutes, giving you at least 30 minutes and more, time to see him on the MLG floor every-time they take a break.
plus they can take quick breaks in between which mean your favoured player is well rested so he will like play better, be in a better mood and less tired all of which will mean he is more likely to stroll around the venue ---> better chances for you to grab a handshake an autograph and maybe a quick snapshot.
TL;DR: rested and happy players have a higher chance at winning and interacting with the community.
This is going to be great; all the talent will be rounded up into one room where we can feed off there awesomeness :p
I imagine this will allow for a ton of great content to be produced out of Anaheim including interviews etc; i am expecting some world class HB trolling :p and unless someone brings a copy of Portal, i don't see anyone that stop him
On July 15 2011 07:45 Canucklehead wrote: I don't get it. Does this mean the pros will be isolated from the fans at mlg and be restricted to asking them questions online through reddit? I dunno, sounds great for the players, but not for any kind of real fan interactions.
I think this is a valid concern, was thinking the same thing the entire time i was reading it, seems like a great thing for players, but i thought part of the awesome MLG experience was for the players and fans to get to interact in between games. Maybe its just me though.
The current model is:
A player's section separate from the fans at the MLG event
The players try to get away to relax whenever they can (hotels and rooms away from fans)
Many small parties that are totally closed to all but a select few
In reality we are not removing players from the fans: they are already removed. We are trying to grant access to fans worldwide in a way that respects the needs of the players and casters.
Thanks sounds a lot better than how it first seemed, in the OP it makes it seem like whenever they are not playing games, they will immediately leave and go to the lounge but thanks for clearing things up.
On July 15 2011 10:41 Jibba wrote: I wonder what the spread will be like. O.O
At least 2 footlong subs from Subway (one with mustard the other with extra mustard). Two bowls of Sunchips to be shared across a single refried bean dip can. Sufficient plates, napkins and sporks to serve 500 - 600 people. A 12 pack of Dr Pepper (courtesy of Kiwi) and 4 - 5 packs of Stride gum. Oh, and for Nani - a 'make your own sushi kit' (plastic knife and a mostly still alive fish purchased from local china town grocery store). Party supplies that were purchased on-sale, despite being for a girls sweet 16 party will accent the lounge to provide an ambiance of total sophistication and refinement.
On July 15 2011 10:57 Kazeyonoma wrote: This is obviously awesome but does that mean your avg joe won't be able to mingle with the pros anymore like previously mlgs?
Ibsen said this is to keep the players closer to the venue when they need to take a break from the crowds (I'm sure it's draining), so hopefully that means more interaction with more refreshed players.
But still, it's funny, I'm picturing a velvet rope and a bouncer only letting in the pros and the "beautiful people". [Queue pic of Hot_Bid in his shades a feather boa and with some hot ESPORTS babes... like QXC, on his arms, swaggering in.]
I'm glad that TL is making a difference for all the pro players on the scene, and I hope it works out nicely.
I recently found out I have to go to a competition myself for 5 days RIGHT WHEN MLG ANAHEIM IS. I'm oh so very sad about it, but I heard Ibsen, who is organizing this, also organized last year's Blizzcon meetup. I had obligations and couldn't make it to Blizzcon last year, but I hope that this player lounge is fantastic and he will be arranging another Blizzcon meetup this year since I will definitely be going.
On July 15 2011 10:57 Kazeyonoma wrote: This is obviously awesome but does that mean your avg joe won't be able to mingle with the pros anymore like previously mlgs?
Ibsen said this is to keep the players closer to the venue when they need to take a break from the crowds (I'm sure it's draining), so hopefully that means more interaction with more refreshed players.
But still, it's funny, I'm picturing a velvet rope and a bouncer only letting in the pros and the "beautiful people". [Queue pic of Hot_Bid in his shades a feather boa and with some hot ESPORTS babes... like QXC, on his arms, swaggering in.]
They should get some of the TL mods to be bouncers at the front door, I can totally imagine Manifesto throwing some nerd out of the players lounge.
This is great news. It seems like the biggest criticism of Columbus was that players would do several interviews that would all consist of basically the same questions. Hopefully was an area set out for this players that don't want to have an interview each time someone asks can instead do a press conference with the any media who are interested.
Also I presume that miniWheat will be automatically approved to the players lounge.
On July 15 2011 10:41 Jibba wrote: I wonder what the spread will be like. O.O
At least 2 footlong subs from Subway (one with mustard the other with extra mustard). Two bowls of Sunchips to be shared across a single refried bean dip can. Sufficient plates, napkins and sporks to serve 500 - 600 people. A 12 pack of Dr Pepper (courtesy of Kiwi) and 4 - 5 packs of Stride gum. Oh, and for Nani - a 'make your own sushi kit' (plastic knife and a mostly still alive fish purchased from local china town grocery store). Party supplies that were purchased on-sale, despite being for a girls sweet 16 party will accent the lounge to provide an ambiance of total sophistication and refinement.
Glad to see that Homestory is having this sort of an influence. Players need a place to chill, to be able to get away from the crowd but without being cloistered. Can't wait to see the content from this.
very nice! can we have a makeout room as well (with a jacuzzi) so that pro players and their significant others can ehm ehm. Of course there needs to be a camera there 24/7 ala Big Brother style
On July 15 2011 13:37 Bart wrote: very nice! can we have a makeout room as well (with a jacuzzi) so that pro players and their significant others can ehm ehm. Of course there needs to be a camera there 24/7 ala Big Brother style
On July 15 2011 13:37 Bart wrote: very nice! can we have a makeout room as well (with a jacuzzi) so that pro players and their significant others can ehm ehm. Of course there needs to be a camera there 24/7 ala Big Brother style
Maybe at MLG Vegas...
but what happens at vegas stays at vegas. that plan would stream what happens at vegas to everywhere.
If you watched the QXC Columbus interview you'll know why this kind of stuff might be necessary, They just kind of recorded next to some poor old woman who didn't know wtf was going on. Finding a spot on the floor that's quiet enough but not too far away so the player doesn't miss their next match I can imagine would be quite difficult. Hoping this works out to the betterment of both the players and the fans.
It seems crucial that there are no way for players to watch games from th lounge as that would take away a lot of the time they want to spend at the event.
As someone who will not be going to MLG, this is awesome! More interaction with the players!
Nice, if TL keeps doing these kinds of things, eventually they can run off of them when esports get bigger, then wont really even need the players to play.
On July 15 2011 18:09 Liquid`HuK wrote: wow seems like a really cool idea, i wish u would of told me earlier TT; i expect blow and hookers to help me "relax"
Sorry-- finalized the plans after collecting data from the NASL afterparty. BTW you still need to apply :p
On July 15 2011 18:09 Liquid`HuK wrote: wow seems like a really cool idea, i wish u would of told me earlier TT; i expect blow and hookers to help me "relax"
On July 15 2011 18:09 Liquid`HuK wrote: wow seems like a really cool idea, i wish u would of told me earlier TT; i expect blow and hookers to help me "relax"
On July 15 2011 18:09 Liquid`HuK wrote: wow seems like a really cool idea, i wish u would of told me earlier TT; i expect blow and hookers to help me "relax"
"TL Pro Player Lounge" Hosted by Charlie Sheen.
For some reason their apm are all over 600 post lounge....
Hmm, I can't help but think that there will be a line of groupies outside the door just begging to get into this place. I nominate iNcontrol for bouncer!
On July 15 2011 07:45 Canucklehead wrote: I don't get it. Does this mean the pros will be isolated from the fans at mlg and be restricted to asking them questions online through reddit? I dunno, sounds great for the players, but not for any kind of real fan interactions.
I'd assume that no player is "required" to use the lounge... but odds are good that most of them don't want to be pestered by fans right after games, while they are warming up or trying to get some relaxation time during the tournament. It makes much more sense from their perspective than from ours.
On July 16 2011 01:41 royal.cze wrote: taking away the direct fan / player interaction... its kind of the point of this event... no ?
Other then losing that great idea.
So when Combat EX gets thru open is he aloud in the lounge ?
CombatEX has not applied yet. If the community wishes a player in the lounge, they need to tell us. Post here. Post in Reddit. Get the word out. Go on their stream and tell them to apply.
Awesome idea! Hopefully they'll have like 4+ spare computers so in their off time, the pros can get together, form some 3v3/4v4 teams and go on ladder and troll newbs.
On July 16 2011 03:10 Clamev wrote: So are people like Edwardstarcraft or Skjoshy be able to get in there?
Players have over a week to apply. Media has a little bit longer. Once we know all the players who wish to attend (by the fact that they applied), we will make the decision on who is in (based on community demand). We wish we could take everyone. My biggest concern is that a big team like EG will fail to apply then expect to get in. We want to be fair to everyone. This means that we will hold everyone to the same standard.
The Liquid Team just applied. Their seeded players are automatically accepted (they still had to apply), but anyone else is subject to the opinion of the community. Personally-- I would be surprised if someone on the Liquid Team wasn't popular enough with the community to get in.
On a more personal note: for those who know me and have been to my events, you know that I never want to exclude anyone. The BlizzCon party last year was open to everyone. At this year's BlizzCon party we will do the same. There is only a finite amount of space to work with here. I am trying to juggle the needs of the players with the needs of the greater Starcraft community (not just the TL community). Media and Sponsors must be secondary to these needs.
I am surprised that this isn't on the front page of /r/Starcraft, given the fact that this should be the biggest series of AMAs ever for that community. This isn't just a Team Liquid event-- this is a pan-Starcraft event. I am confident that this will be an amazing event and I am personally thankful for the trust that the community continues to place in us.
On July 16 2011 04:00 Shichibukai wrote: This is basically what Thorzain wished for with regards to the previous MLG? :> Just make sure to bring food
Well no, this player's lounge is mainly for those seeded who have pauses between their matches and know their schedule beforehand, and those who are out of the tournament.
The problem of Open Bracket players (like Thorzain at Columbus) was that there was no time between matches to eat/drink etc. - and even if there was a bit of downtime, no one could use it in fear of missing their next match.
So going into this lounge while playing in the OB is pretty much impossible.
edit: if Ibsen makes a deal with MLG so they know they can quickly check and fetch players from the lounge, it might work for OB players.
So what are the requirements of you getting accepted in this lounge? Be known? I'm sure Randy Jackoff Everyman won't be getting in because he loves SC2 and wants to hang with pros in a chill place or something.
We should start our own lounge with black jack!...and hookers... You know what forget the black jack....
On July 16 2011 01:41 royal.cze wrote: taking away the direct fan / player interaction... its kind of the point of this event... no ?
Other then losing that great idea.
So when Combat EX gets thru open is he aloud in the lounge ?
CombatEX has not applied yet. If the community wishes a player in the lounge, they need to tell us. Post here. Post in Reddit. Get the word out. Go on their stream and tell them to apply.
We should all "vote" combat-ex and deezer into the players lounge just to troll all the pros
Thanks so much to those who have applied already! Among the applicants, we've had Checksix, Dynamic Gaming, GoSu, Liquid, and Vile. If there is a player or team that you guys want to see apply-- let them know!
On July 15 2011 07:29 Echuu wrote: Very cool indeed. As mentioned it can be very hard for the players and content creators to arrange a place to meet and do interviews and such so this sound really good for that, as well as a place to chill
Except. CHILL GET OUT.
Other than that. Great idea, and good initiative. Hopefully it will go so well this will now be standard :D
Make sure you have people keeping track of what is going on inside the venue, the last things we need is people missing their matches and getting dq'd because their partying in the lounge.
When will we be getting emails back, I emailed for Vile gaming and wondering when we will get a response. I love the idea, thank you so more for setting something like this up!
On July 18 2011 10:39 Kangg wrote: When will we be getting emails back, I emailed for Vile gaming and wondering when we will get a response. I love the idea, thank you so more for setting something like this up!
Spartan applied first for the whole team. Then Spanishiwa applied. Then you did for the whole team as well. If I didn't know better-- I'd think that you guys really want in.
Once the cutoff has passed we'll take all the applicants and make the decisions based on spacial constraints. I don't think that everyone will be able to get in. Many teams have applied for 10 or more people, so I think it is unlikely that everyone will get in that has applied.
Here is the current list of players who have applied in order of their ELO rating. Players are still able to apply to events@teamliquid.net until Monday. Players, Press, and Sponsors will be notified of their status on Wednesday.
Can't wait to see what you guys do with the place. I've been to a bunch of MLGs and not all Pro Player Lounges are created equal. So do it right guys. Lots of pictures.
List of applied players. Seeded players are automatically accepted. Full list of accepted players will be posted on Wednesday. Thanks to all those who applied!
Media that has applied will recieve confirmation in the next 24 hours for Friday's Media Night-- 7pm till 11pm.
All players that applied will be welcome for Saturday's Player's Night-- 7pm till 12am.
CatsPajamas will be hosting the AMAs with the Reddit Community!
Lol, what were the criteria for the players to be accepted?
The 20 seeded players were automatic if they applied. The other half was based on a combination of: ELO, stream popularity, tournament success, and overall popularity within the community. We had almost a hundred players apply (and over 250 media), so I wanted to find a way for each applying player to get a chance to hang out together. That is why we are having a Player's Night.
With CatsPajamas helping the players with the AMAs, I hope that it will be fun and interactive for all the fans.
Am I the only one who thinks this will suck for actual event attendees that travel out there just to meet the pro gamers? Inbetween matches was the best time for autographs. I understand its draining on the pros but thats a part of being e-famous.
On July 28 2011 21:52 Alaz wrote: Am I the only one who thinks this will suck for actual event attendees that travel out there just to meet the pro gamers? Inbetween matches was the best time for autographs. I understand its draining on the pros but thats a part of being e-famous.
Yeah this is a pretty terrible move, IMO. You go to these events to watch live starcraft, yes, but to get to meet the players was the best part.
At IEM New York back in October I sat down at one of the starcraft 2 booths and was playing a custom game vs some random dude. And then terran player sat down next to me and entered a match, and he was fucking crushing it on his keyboard, he had to be playing at like 200 APM or something. So I stop playing to watch this guy play, and sure enough his first opponent was Catz and they play a long macro game that ended with him losing.
I see his name after he loses: Gretorp. Hahaha. Keep in mind this was pre-NASL gretorp, so not a lot of people had heard of him. So I go up and introduce myself after his match and I shook his hand and complimented him on his play and told him I saw him on Day9's friendsday wednesday the week beforehand. He enters another match, this time it was against HuK who was warming up for his match against qxc, and during the whole match they're just talking about random ass stuff. HuK says "play like qxc" to which gretorp responded "why? I don't want to lose" or something like that.
tl;dr: It was a lot of fun, and I feel like by segregating the players from the fans you miss out on a key part of the fun events like these
On July 28 2011 21:52 Alaz wrote: Am I the only one who thinks this will suck for actual event attendees that travel out there just to meet the pro gamers? Inbetween matches was the best time for autographs. I understand its draining on the pros but thats a part of being e-famous.
Yeah this is a pretty terrible move, IMO. You go to these events to watch live starcraft, yes, but to get to meet the players was the best part.
At IEM New York back in October I sat down at one of the starcraft 2 booths and was playing a custom game vs some random dude. And then terran player sat down next to me and entered a match, and he was fucking crushing it on his keyboard, he had to be playing at like 200 APM or something. So I stop playing to watch this guy play, and sure enough his first opponent was Catz and they play a long macro game that ended with him losing.
I see his name after he loses: Gretorp. Hahaha. Keep in mind this was pre-NASL gretorp, so not a lot of people had heard of him. So I go up and introduce myself after his match and I shook his hand and complimented him on his play and told him I saw him on Day9's friendsday wednesday the week beforehand. He enters another match, this time it was against HuK who was warming up for his match against qxc, and during the whole match they're just talking about random ass stuff. HuK says "play like qxc" to which gretorp responded "why? I don't want to lose" or something like that.
tl;dr: It was a lot of fun, and I feel like by segregating the players from the fans you miss out on a key part of the fun events like these
all this read to me like: "I don't care if he is tired and needs to rest to post good results and earn his lively hood, you're famous, that's your fault, you made me like you, you're my bitch now, DANCE BITCH DANCE!" ----
Great player list Ibsen, I look forward to some awesome content, get HB on that please
On July 28 2011 21:52 Alaz wrote: Am I the only one who thinks this will suck for actual event attendees that travel out there just to meet the pro gamers? Inbetween matches was the best time for autographs. I understand its draining on the pros but thats a part of being e-famous.
Yeah this is a pretty terrible move, IMO. You go to these events to watch live starcraft, yes, but to get to meet the players was the best part.
At IEM New York back in October I sat down at one of the starcraft 2 booths and was playing a custom game vs some random dude. And then terran player sat down next to me and entered a match, and he was fucking crushing it on his keyboard, he had to be playing at like 200 APM or something. So I stop playing to watch this guy play, and sure enough his first opponent was Catz and they play a long macro game that ended with him losing.
I see his name after he loses: Gretorp. Hahaha. Keep in mind this was pre-NASL gretorp, so not a lot of people had heard of him. So I go up and introduce myself after his match and I shook his hand and complimented him on his play and told him I saw him on Day9's friendsday wednesday the week beforehand. He enters another match, this time it was against HuK who was warming up for his match against qxc, and during the whole match they're just talking about random ass stuff. HuK says "play like qxc" to which gretorp responded "why? I don't want to lose" or something like that.
tl;dr: It was a lot of fun, and I feel like by segregating the players from the fans you miss out on a key part of the fun events like these
The players are still going to be on the floor as much at this event as they were at previous ones. The point of the lounge is:
- give the players a place to relax when they are not on the floor (as opposed to the existing system of them being in 20 different hotel rooms and people miss games)
- put the players in contact with sponsors (increasing the likelihood that they can continue to afford to be players)
- give the greater community (those who can't afford to come to MLG from all over the world) a chance to interact with a ton of these guys all in the same place. Is it potentially a little worse for those fans in attendance (1 or 2 thousand people)? I concede that it is possible. Is it definitely better for the greater community (22 million streams in Colombus)? Absolutely.
If the Player's Lounge hits these goals it will enhance the quality of the games played, the quality of life of the players, and most importantly the quality of content (and access) for the greater community.
On July 28 2011 21:52 Alaz wrote: Am I the only one who thinks this will suck for actual event attendees that travel out there just to meet the pro gamers? Inbetween matches was the best time for autographs. I understand its draining on the pros but thats a part of being e-famous.
Yeah this is a pretty terrible move, IMO. You go to these events to watch live starcraft, yes, but to get to meet the players was the best part.
At IEM New York back in October I sat down at one of the starcraft 2 booths and was playing a custom game vs some random dude. And then terran player sat down next to me and entered a match, and he was fucking crushing it on his keyboard, he had to be playing at like 200 APM or something. So I stop playing to watch this guy play, and sure enough his first opponent was Catz and they play a long macro game that ended with him losing.
I see his name after he loses: Gretorp. Hahaha. Keep in mind this was pre-NASL gretorp, so not a lot of people had heard of him. So I go up and introduce myself after his match and I shook his hand and complimented him on his play and told him I saw him on Day9's friendsday wednesday the week beforehand. He enters another match, this time it was against HuK who was warming up for his match against qxc, and during the whole match they're just talking about random ass stuff. HuK says "play like qxc" to which gretorp responded "why? I don't want to lose" or something like that.
tl;dr: It was a lot of fun, and I feel like by segregating the players from the fans you miss out on a key part of the fun events like these
Dude I remember at iemny I was playing a game at one of those setups and in the middle of it gretorp comes and stands at the computer right next to me and I remember tensing up and getting all self concious about my play and I lost T_T
On August 01 2011 11:39 HCastorp wrote: I looked this up on a whim - remembered being excited about it when it was first announced - what ended up happening? Does glorious content await?
Here's another one that's interested! What happened? Success?
On August 01 2011 11:39 HCastorp wrote: I looked this up on a whim - remembered being excited about it when it was first announced - what ended up happening? Does glorious content await?
Here's another one that's interested! What happened? Success?
I expected more content from this as well. If anything, there was less. I remember TL releasing interviews with Hot_Bid at Columbus. I didn't see anything this time.
On August 01 2011 11:39 HCastorp wrote: I looked this up on a whim - remembered being excited about it when it was first announced - what ended up happening? Does glorious content await?
Here's another one that's interested! What happened? Success?
I expected more content from this as well. If anything, there was less. I remember TL releasing interviews with Hot_Bid at Columbus. I didn't see anything this time.
There aren't any interviews this time, we (Kennigit and I) were very busy with meetings and setting stuff up, as well as with the event in general (helping the Liquid guys, etc). We simply didn't have the time or energy to do all the coverage we wanted in the way we wanted so instead of half-assing it we are just going to do it better at Raleigh.
As for the lounge itself, I'd say it was a success as a hang out spot after the days were over, but it wasn't used in the way we intended (place for interviews, amas, etc) because the distance from the venue was still long enough to deter players from coming between matches, and when they did finally come after their matches were over, they are not in the mood to do interviews.
In this way it did not meet our goals, but ultimately this was an experiment for one MLG so we'll just reevaluate and determine whether we want to do one for Raleigh, and we're probably leaning toward no. Still, it was fun hanging out there and the place was really nice.
In regard to the promising words in the OP this did not work as intended(for us fans). But I guess it was more to do for you Liquid-guys this MLG, since you have done interviews etc in the last ones but not here? It's okay though, rakaka did some good interviews for example.
Though it did not meet your guy's initial expectations, I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to meet other players in a friendly, stressless environment.
On August 01 2011 11:39 HCastorp wrote: I looked this up on a whim - remembered being excited about it when it was first announced - what ended up happening? Does glorious content await?
Here's another one that's interested! What happened? Success?
I expected more content from this as well. If anything, there was less. I remember TL releasing interviews with Hot_Bid at Columbus. I didn't see anything this time.
There aren't any interviews this time, we (Kennigit and I) were very busy with meetings and setting stuff up, as well as with the event in general (helping the Liquid guys, etc). We simply didn't have the time or energy to do all the coverage we wanted in the way we wanted so instead of half-assing it we are just going to do it better at Raleigh.
As for the lounge itself, I'd say it was a success as a hang out spot after the days were over, but it wasn't used in the way we intended (place for interviews, amas, etc) because the distance from the venue was still long enough to deter players from coming between matches, and when they did finally come after their matches were over, they are not in the mood to do interviews.
In this way it did not meet our goals, but ultimately this was an experiment for one MLG so we'll just reevaluate and determine whether we want to do one for Raleigh, and we're probably leaning toward no. Still, it was fun hanging out there and the place was really nice.
While this was not utilized as efficiently by TL, other media outlets (including Well Played and Team Razer) were able to conduct a good number of interviews. Each evening was a safe (and legal) way for the players (and media on Friday) to relax, network, and party.
It was never my intent to remove the players from the floor during MLG. During the day, we used the room to meet with potential sponsors and allow media, players, and sponsors to network in a less hectic environment than MLG was able to provide.
The AMAs were great on Saturday. I appreciate CatsPajamas' help with them. Unfortunately IGN was not there on Sunday, so we didn't have CatsPajamas to help on Sunday (when the most players were in attendance).
There was a lot to be learned from the weekend. For instance: did you know that White-Ra is fueled almost entirely by Vodka or that Tyler's wife makes great cookies?
The final anaylsis I have about the lounge is that for those who attended and were organized, the lounge was a great success. While TL may not have the resources or organization to best utilize it, I hope that we will see some type of implementation in the future by the event organizers themselves. While this is unlikely from MLG based on the chaotic nature of their events, maybe we will see something at the next NASL final.
Thanks to everyone who attended. I appreciate all of the help from those who stepped up. While it was never my intent to have a lounge at Raleigh (my apologies to anyone who assumed that), the lounge will be back for BlizzCon. It will be the staging area for the upcoming BlizzCon after party. I appreciate any feedback (both public and private). The primary goal of all of my events is the try to best serve the greater community. I can only do this with the help of strong supporters (thanks to Hot_Bid and Kennigit), advice from players (Sheth and Tyler are wicked insightful), and most importantly the feedback of everyone in the greater community.
I hope that everyone who attended had a fantastic time and I hope to see everyone in the community who can make it at our after party at BlizzCon.
EPT![[image loading]](http://www.teamliquid.net/staff/Hot_Bid/HawaiianPig/pplounge.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/3320/mlgplayersapp.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/3494/finalapps.jpg)
![[image loading]](http://img62.imageshack.us/img62/2114/final2mlg.jpg)
