EPT+ Show Spoiler +
- Why does my opinion matter? It doesn't. My opinion is being used as a medium to provide people with a space to objectively comment upon the professional Starcraft II gamers in a dignified and professional manner.
What I would like to see come from this blog series: interesting and respectful discussion from TL.net members from around the world.
What I would not like to see in this blog series: disrespectful character sniping, or disdainful remarks. Feel free to post that stuff on the forums, or on a different website, or start your own blog. But here, we will comment about the players we discuss in a dignified way.
The Rules of Engagement:
+ Show Spoiler +
- Negative remarks are allowed, but they should be well worded (Non-English speakers are okay, don't fret if you don't speak English well) and constructive.
- Hardcore analysis of the players as people shouldn't be done unless you've met this player in real life, and you have known him/her personally for some significant amount of time.
- Your comments should show some amount of intelligent thought. "lol day[9] is mad" will get you banned from my blog.
Previous blog: Re: Day[9] with original, in-depth interview.
Now, the topic for today:
EG.iNcontroL
![[image loading]](http://files.g4tv.com/ImageDb3/261989_S/North-American-Star-League-Exclusive-Interview-with-Geoff-iNcontroL-Robinson.jpg)
Geoff "iNcontroL" Robinson, the Voice of E-Sports, is a professional level StarCraft II player. Known for his highly personalized style of Protoss, Geoff has come close to many championships in his time, and has proved time and time again that he can hold his own against some of the best players in the world.
The Man
Geoff is well known for being one of the most "manner" players in the game, often reciting that he is honored to play his opponent in his tournament matches. Despite the fact that he is one of the best mannered players, he still encounters many people who berate and belittle him. These people attack him personally, and his response varies, but it is usually an apology, accompanied with the words "I will try to be better." The only insult Geoff will not brush off with a few polite words and a nice smile is one that makes his girlfriend, Anna "Uncontrollable" Prosser the target of its hate.
![[image loading]](http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs008.snc4/33747_712880784228_19706356_39849891_7813950_n.jpg)
Geoff and Anna
As revealed in an interview with Rachel from CSN (Link), Geoff and Anna were Co-Captains of the Speech and Debate team at Oregon State University, which I suspect is the reason he can win over most of the trolls that insult him.
It should not come as a shock to anyone that Geoff is gym savvy. He is a power-lifter, specializing in Bench Pressing (specifics in the interview).
![[image loading]](http://holtymet.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/bench_press.jpg)
An image depicting Geoff's "other" arms. Lifting only one bar at a time was simply not enough for him.
Let us review, shall we?
- He's polite and kind to the bitter end.
- He defends his girlfriend's honor.
- He can bench press you. And your friend. For multiple reps.
- He's intelligent, and can win any argument you get into with him.
- Oh, and he makes his living in the E-Sports industry.
I don't know about you guys, but I'm already trying to invent a device that will allow us to switch lives. I suppose if we can all learn only one thing from him, it would be that having a strong will, a good heart, and a silver tongue is how you can work towards your dreams.
E-Sports
Geoff has been involved in the following E-Sports projects:
- NASL
- EG:MCS
- Kings of Tin
- Inside the Game
- State of the Game
- TL Attack
- Kingston HyperX Commercials
- Coaching (www.gosucoaching.com)
- et al
and that's on top of his streaming, laddering, practicing, and competitive play.
If djWHEAT is truly the President of E-Sports, Geoff is the Vice-President, Secretary of Defense, and Director of the Secret Service of E-Sports.
The Interview
As you could probably imagine, getting an interview with Geoff isn't reasonably easy to do. It's not securing the actual interview itself, but rather trying to find time when he's not busy working a 16 hour shift in the E-Sports factory. For that reason, this interview was PM based. It took place over the course of a couple weeks, and some answers have even been spoiled.
. Regardless, here it is, in all its glory. ![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/9o6b8.png)
Question (Jesse): I suppose an appropriate place to start would be the beginning; What's your best childhood memory?
Answer (Geoff): I actually had an amazing childhood. I think I was exceptionally lucky to have the life I did. Loving parents. Stable income with a supportive community/friend/family network.. we really had it all. Honestly I could pick 1 of a million great memories but the one I think I will go with is watching X-Files with my dad. He used to always make us both a mug of chocolate ice cream and milk just before it would go on. Then as the show would start he would whistle the intro alongside it.. sounds silly but I truly treasured him including me in his show/ritual, it was "our" thing and I valued that tremendously.
Jesse: That doesn't sound silly at all. Sometimes it's the little things that mean the most to us.
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/WtYsL.png)
Question (Jesse): How much can you lift with your nerd-crushing arms?
Answer (Geoff): Haha I get asked about this a lot. Never will I do enough interviews to fully set everyone straight! I used to compete in power lifting.. I am going to get back there in July when I can go to a gym daily again. While doing NASL I don't have my car and nobody here works out (WTF) so I have lost a lot of my strength.. but regaining it won't be much of an issue. I maxed at 700lbs in bench. I did it with a benchpress shirt which is obvious for anyone that knows about lifting but I think a lot of people envision me doing that lift raw and that simply is insane.. the world record raw bench is 770 afaik.. it was around 3 months ago anyways.
Jesse: From what I've found, the records are currently 715 raw, 1070 with a shirt. Is this the kind of equipment you can put on and just lift 300 more pounds, or is it something that helps you better utilize your own strength (as opposed to just flat out increasing your strength)? Personally, I'm not the most fit guy. Any advice for us body-noobs who may want to get started?
Geoff: Bench shirt mostly helps relieve the weight from taxing you as you lower the weight onto your chest. This allows you to save energy/strength for the lifting of the weight. It helps a lot but it doesn't make a weak person strong.. it makes a strong person stronger. Advice to get started? Eat protein and go to the gym! Pretty simple
Question (Jesse): It would not be an interview with iNcontroL if Uncontrollable wasn't brought up. How is your relationship with Anna going?
Answer (Geoff): Amazing. I plan on making her an honest woman pretty soon. Need to get the ring and make sure I do the proposal right (she expects something pretty meaningful and special!). She is supportive of me and we've been together so long (over 5 years) that we just get each other. She knows what I need and I know what she needs... having the security of someone you unconditionally love and are best friends with is amazing.
Jesse: That's awesome news. I'm sure someone with your wit will find the perfect way to ask. Now, I don't want to sound too presumptuous, but would you like to, some day, have your own little "iScontroLled" (A kid)?
Geoff: Yeah actually. Anna has always felt pretty strongly about adopting.. I have always felt pretty strong about creating at least 1 life I think at the end of the day we will both get what we want.
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/kg2M6.png)
Question (Jesse): Anyone who has ever seen you play more than one game knows you love templar. Tall ones, short ones, big ones, and small ones, templar of all kinds can be found in your army. If you had to explain your use of these units (and the heavy investment that comes with them) to a fellow Protoss player who doesn't use any DTs/HTs, what would you say to him/her?
Answer (Geoff): Well I think I am pretty known to love the DT. I use a lot of HT as well but I am still trying to find the comfortable time to incorporate them in the various matchups. PvT I think Collo / HT is near perfect. Both demand separate counters (viking and ghost respectively) and if done right the P deathball can demand a high count of both... it puts a strain on the T's control and economy. I also find Collo/HT in the PvZ army to be extremely powerful. The HT cancels out the fearsome baneling/ling composition quite nicely and it does amazing damage vs muta/hydra. That said I still find it important to get them out in the right economic climate otherwise you are trimming down on MORE important units like the collo/stalker. If you don't have enough sturdy units that deal damage you can storm all you want but the zerg will outlast your damage.
The DT is amazing. Against terran no T's make ravens.. so if you are careful you force AT WORST a scan which is an alternative to mules which they would prefer. Usually the DT can give map control, force static defenses and/or destroy an economy / defend a drop / harass important units like sieged tanks. The DT represents a unit that has utility for the P (can be made into an archon) but demands the recuperation from your opponent. I really like that because I find one of my strengths in this game is to out think my foe or inject concepts at a time that they aren't prepared to handle said concept.
Jesse: This was always something that stood out about you. About a year ago I began my fandom of Protoss players with players like HuK, KiWiKaKi, Naniwa, Socke, and MC, who are all super-fantastic players. But they always lacked a little something, at least from the spectator point of view. I was completely unfamiliar with you until MLG Dallas 2011. I took notice of you because of your good manners, actually, when KiWiKaKi eliminated you from Loser's Bracket Round 9, you said "You are a fantastic player. I wish you the best of luck in the remaining tourney. and I am honored to play you." which was in stark contrast to the way a certain other member of EG had been speaking to his opponents that day. Since discovering your playstyle, I am truly upset that more Protoss do not utilize Dark Templar and High Templar at or around the same amount that you do. I feel like DTs are the Ravens of Protoss. They have so much use, and players don't make nearly enough of them. As a Terran player, I can affirm just how horrible they can be to us.
Question (Jesse): What do you feel is the greatest weakness of the Protoss and why?
Answer (Geoff): Hmmm.. I think protoss is unforgiving in the early or middle game. Losing sentry, forgetting to scout an influx of units or not getting a read on an opponents strategy (fast 3rd OC, hatch etc) can nearly outright defeat you when playing someone of equal or greater skill. The techs that allow a protoss to over come that are few and hard to get to with the DT and Protoss deathball being really the only two options for a protoss to "catch" their opponent off guard and get back up there. Truly the greatest strength is the cost effectiveness of a well equipped P army.. unfortunately that is an expensive, time oriented endeavor that requires multiple techs and money to resupply it. Terrans have huge bank for their buck units that can deal a death blow almost individually with marauders (drop) or ghost (emp/cloack). Zerg used to be manageable because they didn't use infesters so yeah it was difficult to face their relatively weak army but huge numbers.. now with the best spell caster in the game they have the strength of their numbers and the anchor of a unit that literally counters everything the protoss can make. Is P underpowered? No.. but in the current metagame you NEED to achieve some advantage vs Z and go from there OR you need really good information vs T/Z... otherwise you are rolling the dice .. which granted, is best for P imo. P all ins are the most powerful and that of course translates to a lot of success as they are also the most varied.
Jesse: So early game advantages taken by the other races resonate throughout the whole game, to a very high degree? Or would you say that the whole of the early game itself is the weakness? For argument's sake, lets define the early game as the first 10 minutes.
Geoff: Hmm I don't know that I would stand by the words "early game is a weakness" but it is a dangerous time. Any misstep in scouting or lapse in judgement and the punishment tends to be more severe. As a protoss I find myself playing at a higher level when I am hitting my stride early on and engaging my opponent/their build and what the map calls for us to do as players. Sometimes I try too hard to play how I want and not necessarily what is best for the map/position etc... costs me games.
Question (Jesse): I'm actually going to repeat a question from the interview I did with Day[9] a couple weeks back. Blizzard has confirmed that they may be removing some units in Heart of the Swarm. If you could remove any unit, which unit would you pick and why?
Answer (Geoff): Oh wow tough question.. my mind usually doesn't think along the lines of "this unit needs to be removed." Hmm I think there are units that need redoing.. the Mothership doesn't really have a place. Would I remove it? Not necessarily.. I really have no good answer here to be honest. I think CHANGES could be made but not outright removing. Take the khadarin amulet away from the zerg. Rework the ultralisk, needs to be faster or something. Archon splash damage needs to be increased.. mutas should fear them not laugh at them. Siege tanks should probably do a bit more damage.. yeah I know.. but honestly they don't have the fear ability that they had in BW.. I kinda miss that.
Jesse: The higher tiers of units in SC2 aren't very spectacular. Tier 3+ units, like Carriers, Motherships, Battlecruisers, Archons, and the tier 3 Ultralisks all feel like a liability because if you lose them, you've lost your investment and your army, while the tier 3 Dark Templars, High Templars, Broodlords, and Thors can be hard-countered by Tier 1 or Tier 2 units (Ghosts, Blink Stalkers, Lings respectively). Is it an issue of poor game design that the biggest and baddest of the units in the game are seemingly designed for the Bronze league player who doesn't even know what Esports is? Or is it the fault of the better players for not finding creative ways to utilize these massive units in ways we'd never even thought possible (Think: Using phoenix to lift immortals out of Thor cannons)?
Geoff: Well I don't necessarily agree with your assessment that the tier 3 units have these mega hard counters.. certainly some do and yes they have compositions they are weak against but with each unit to a certain extent I can name a place and time for which they are fantastic.. that said some units are almost ALWAYS useful like the archon, DT, thor and to a lesser extent the MS. They just simply aren't akin to the BW mega units like an ultralisk where you can make pure ultralisk and be great... this game requires matchup fluency and situational play to a higher degree.
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/bNT89.png)
Question (Jesse): (I am not picking on Destiny, he is only an example. I like Destiny, I watch his stream all the time. But I had to use someone, and he's the one. <3 you Destiny.)
In SotG episode 41 Destiny and the gang had a serious discussion about the language that progamers use on their streams and at major events. Destiny used the argument "If someone is offended by <this word> than I don't want that person as a fan" (paraphrased). So I want to apply context to this. If someone is offended by the word "Faggot" than Destiny does not want them as a fan. Well, who is offended by that word? Almost all homosexuals. So to say "I don't like people who are offended by the word 'faggot'" is to say "I don't like homosexuals". I feel almost as if it shows an intolerance on Destiny's part for that groups' lifestyle rather than an intolerance for his language on the part of that group. This can be applied to any derogatory word, such as the "n word" and African Americans, and other people of African decent, and a certain four letter "c" word and women. To draw no line shows an intolerance for anyone who isn't exactly like the person using this language. Do you agree or disagree, and why? (Again, Destiny is just an example)
Answer (Geoff): I agree with you. I think offending people is always going to happen if you share your opinion and use language that is close to casual. Destiny's argument (as far as I understood it) is that his channel is not a professional cast.. that he really does speak that way at home or anywhere else and doesn't want to change himself just for the minority that are offended. He sites his channel's popularity and says he believes in capitalism.. until he needs to change to pay the bills he won't. On the one hand he is correct and fine there. His channel is not a professional cast that is supported by organizations etc.. it IS the minority that is offended as is evident by the success of his streaming. Where he and I differ is the willingness to hear people and want to change not because they will hurt us financially or whatever.. but because one of us cares what people think and want to represent this game in the best light possible. I offend people all the time. Some times the offended are unreasonable. If someone gets mad at a joke I share with a friend like Gretorp.. and neither of us are offended or using racial language than it is unreasonable for someone to yell at us about that. However, if I make a racially stereotypical joke and someone says "that really hurt my feelings" I am much more motivated to hear them out and work on changing. Not because I am financially obligated or because I meant the word to be offensive but because I recognize that my audience is varied and large.. why alienate people from this game because I have a selfish perspective that says "I don't care about you."
lastly I want to hit on another argument that gets thrown out there.. a lot of people say "well his fame is based on his raunchy behavior." Destiny (as an example) won't lose a single fan if he cuts the "N" word out and uses less "faggots" in his sentences. He doesn't need to announce it or anything.. in fact logically speaking, he only seeks to gain more fans. He can still be hilarious (which he is) and run a casual stream but the huge lightening rod words like the ones you mentioned just simply aren't needed.
btw I still watch destiny's stream and I like the guy... I KNOW he doesn't mean it offensively and he is in general a good person obv. But speaking from the perspective of "you reach a lot of people" the willingness to adapt is important and a character trait I hope he develops some day!
Jesse: I do love to watch Destiny's stream. He is a very good player, and it is always an interesting experience. With or without the volume turned on.
Question (Jesse): Females in gaming tend to be looked down on, as just about everyone knows. I think this has lead to both good and bad ideas about how they can be integrated into the community without all this judgment. Esports tends to be male-normative, but many females are looking to challenge that. This has lead to the invention of an organization known as the NESL Iron Lady, where female gamers will compete exclusively against other female gamers. Do you think this will help or hurt the cause? <This question is from the "separating foreigners and Koreans" perspective. I feel like "worlds best foreigner" and "worlds best female" may get the same response: "lol">
Answer (Geoff): Well as it stands there is no place for immediate integration of female gamers. The community / environment is too hostile. Not only are male gamers more established so they will get more gaming related opportunities and be allowed access to privileged training (tops with tops etc) they will also look down and as a collective subjugate the female gamers. Females need to develop their game in a community where they can do that happily and freely so in that sense this is a good start. Once the skill is established and in place they can move on up.. it will be a horrifically difficult task as there will ALWAYS be that wall of torment that females will have to break through in a male super competitive community like SC2. I think the ESL Iron Lady initiative is a great one.. a safe and reliable league for women exclusively. This gives them a reason to train and a place to display that without being held back. Will the Iron Lady champion get the same respect as any of the male champions? No. But some day maybe.. and that is fine by me.
Jesse: Again we seem to have reached a point where intolerance is the topic of discussion. It is important to note that the top-level female players aren't like diamond league players who are at like a 50% win ratio at best. Some of the women can kick serious butt in smaller tournaments. If good female gamers, like Megumixbear who is high masters league in 1v1, 2v2, 3v3, and 4v4, were able to get professional-level practice sessions with the best in the world, would that alone be enough for them to integrate? I must disagree with your one point, that collectively the males will look down upon them. Yes, the community side of the population will look down on them, but I can't imagine HuK, Naniwa, IdrA, and TLO laughing off a skilled female opponent just because she's not male. Perhaps I am wrong, but I think the professionals would be, as the title suggests, professional.
Geoff: I'm not going to name names and say "they wouldn't take her serious" but no.. as a professional gamer I can tell you the professional gamers would always consider a female gamer a lesser competitor. The only thing that would change that is huge results... not even a tourney WIN per se but a major tourney top finish.. something even top male pro gamers struggle to achieve. "high masters" is utter crap by a professional standard. If she trained with other pro gamers and spent MORE time than them (she has to catch up -> exceed their work thus far) she could do well sure.. it isn't like there is a physical limitation for why women don't do as well. If she has all the tools a male does sure.. but the community would not be receptive which makes the likelihood of that more difficult. Games been out 1 year and we can name the 3-5 girls worldwide who are notably "kinda masters". It is pure ignorance to look at how women have been/were treated in the past and assume that with some more skill they'd "get more respect." Absolutely not. This community is not receptive to females.. it isn't like I am happy about it but it's true thus far.
Jesse: I feel as though I must concede to your wisdom, oh Great One. It is truly unfortunate, and I hope this situation will one day change. Maybe President WHEAT will change our goal to one misogynist at a time, after we've won the great troll war of '11.
![[image loading]](http://i.imgur.com/2FZz9.png)
Question (Jesse): You've been doing a lot of work in Esports. You're a player, a caster for NASL, you've recently recorded some real commercials, and you were formerly a star of State of the Game. Does it ever feel like too much, or would you like more?
Answer (Geoff): Yes it absolutely is too much. I have a tough time saying "no." I am also a person that wants to do more more more more so I can open new doors for myself but also so I can further the causes of the game I love. It got to a point where despite my efforts I was unhappy because I was spending more time speaking, moving and doing things aside from playing SC2.. my results suffered my general level of play fell and I became more frustrated. You cannot play SC2 casually and be a top player. It just doesn't work that way. You can have some small results and do "ok" off the sheer value of experience but you will never be taking down a MLG or Dreamhack. That takes work. I eventually want to take down a big tourney and I need to put in the work.
Jesse: I've been following you for a little while, in all of your Esports endeavors, and I must say, it seems like you've been working 16 hours a day to make things work. But you've definitely put forth a great effort, and the entire community is better off because of it.
Question (Jesse): If you had to choose between playing or casting which would you pick?
Answer (Geoff): Timely question! I choose playing. I have stepped down from the job of casting the NASL. It was a 9-5 essentially that was fun and engaging but it cut way too deep into my training time. On top of that it anchored me in California so I couldn't travel to big tourneys like Homestory Cup, DH etc.. I really want to do it all and be a top player. Can't do that as a full time caster! I will still cast, still do some shows etc.. but I will for the first time in my SC2 life spend MOST of my time playing for myself. Even before the NASL I had an imbalance with coaching.. I was doing 6 to 8 hours a day and it had the same effect.
I cannot wait to work to be a champion!
Jesse: Ha, because of how busy you've been with NASL/EGMC/coaching between the time that I asked you this question, and the time that you answered this question, the answer was announced publicly. On behalf of the community, I'd like to offer my thanks for a job well done with NASL. It was always a good experience to tune in, and you we're a very good caster. As sad as it is to see you go, I look forward to jumping out of my chair, hands raised as high as they'll go, yelping like an excited child on Christmas because you just took first place in DreamHack or MLG. You're already at 95% of what you need to be to become a champion, so I have no doubt that with this extra time you'll surpass the opposition with ease.
Geoff: It will take a lot of work but I am in a really good place in my life where I have a supportive team, family and gf.. I also have the time and luxury in life to designate huge chunks of my time to chasing dreams. I choose to try and be a champion.. something I was and want to return to.
Jesse: Shoutouts?
Geoff: Thanks for the interview! Was nice chatting about all these things I care deeply about. I want to thank my team Evil Geniuses as always. Our wonderful sponsors and the players that make it more than a team for me but a family. My wonderful gf Anna, love you. My family and friends. Also some awesome people who treat me really good like Alaska Distillery and my stream chat moderator Goku who is helping me get buff in the gym by supplying me with the top of the line Protein and weight training supplements... soon he will have a site and I will tell the world!
Jesse: And of course, on behalf of the community, a big thanks to the EG sponsors, Intel, SteelSeries, Monster Energy, Kingston HyperX, In Win Development, Six Pool Gaming, Intel Extreme Motherboards, Bigfoot Networks, Split Reason Clothing, Inferno Online, G7 Teams, Nuclear Fallout Servers, and Ventrilo, for their continuing support of E-Sports. The industry we love so much is only possible through a collaborative effort of the players, the sponsors, and the fans.
Conclusion
It was an amazing honor to interview iNcontroL. As a fan, I found myself excited yet rather nervous. I wonder if it'll ever get easier?
I'm glad to say that he is, in fact, as cool of a guy as he seems to be.
Anyways, share your thoughts and feelings about anything mentioned in the article/interview in the comments below. Thanks for reading.
Jesse John "Chargelot" Spillane
