Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Why do pro gamers resemble boy bands?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/07/why-do-pro-gamers-resemble-boy-bands/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/07/why-do-pro-gamers-resemble-boy-bands/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/07/why-do-pro-gamers-resemble-boy-bands/#commentsFiled under:


Professional video gaming has an image issue. The best known pro-gamer is Jonathan "Fatal1ty" Wendell, but he's really not getting any Sports Illustrated covers or receiving much mention in gaming mags, which focus more on games than professional gaming. Then we've got the fully-manufactured FragDolls. They bring on the sex with the T&A quotient, but don't get respect (although they are very capable gamers) due to their Spice Girls/ Pussycat Dolls status. It's time to find the image for the masses.

Wonderland wonders how pro gaming, which is getting increased television time, will translate and market itself. The picture above encapsulates everything wrong about pro-gaming's image. Even when it tries to be serious, it comes off looking like a boy band. It's the type of image that looks like it's meant to appeal to 12-year-old girls, and frankly, they aren't the demographic. And as far as sex appeal goes, other than pedophiles, it only works on gay 13- to 17-year-old-boys comfortable with their sexuality, and that's not really a big demo either. The image just doesn't work to any adult demographic -- well, the aforementioned pedophile demo, but they're even smaller than the other stated demos.

So, how does pro gaming market itself? Talent, image, sexuality, envy and money all play a roll in professional sports. How can companies market pro gaming to gamers without making male, female, gay, straight and everyone else over the age of 18 not cringe at the sight of pro gaming team photos?

JoystiqWhy do pro gamers resemble boy bands? originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 May 2007 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fatal1tyfragdollsprogamingtelevisionMon, 07 May 2007 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Attention pro gamers: stop taking drugs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/06/attention-pro-gamers-stop-taking-drugs/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/06/attention-pro-gamers-stop-taking-drugs/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/06/attention-pro-gamers-stop-taking-drugs/#commentsFiled under: ,

An interesting article on Tom's Hardware reveals that the Cyberathlete Professional League (CPL) is preparing to introduce drug testing at all of its gaming competitions next year. Ignoring the kneejerk observation that gaming can be a drug all on its own (we frequently test positive for Lumines), there are two ways of looking at this development. The CPL having to test for drugs sends an unfortunate message about gamers we've known for quite a while -- some of them just like to cheat. On the other hand, such serious measures imply that professional gaming (or, sigh, "eSports") is being treated in the same manner as "real" sports, with all the rules and repercussions that accompany them.

The founder and president of the league, Angel Munoz, is clearly concerned about dubious drug activities in league events. "The potential for [drugs] being an issue absolutely concerns me. It should concern anybody in eSports, because as the stakes get larger, as in any sport, people will look for an edge." In case you were wondering, some of the chemical concoctions under consideration are crystal methamphetamine and Ritalin, both of which could be used to enhance mental alertness and twitch reflexes.

Luckily, Munoz rules out the banning of Red Bull and the like, mostly because it would prove too difficult to regulate. He must also be astutely aware that gathering a large group of gamers (apologies -- cyberathletes) and robbing them of caffeinated beverages is an invitation to unmitigated disaster.

[Via CVG]

See also: LAN parties meet drug parties

JoystiqAttention pro gamers: stop taking drugs originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Dec 2006 18:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CPLcyberathlete professional leagueCyberathleteProfessionalLeaguedrug testingDrugTestinggame addictionGameAddictionpro gamingProGamingWed, 06 Dec 2006 18:55:00 EST<![CDATA[MLG goes FTW on USA TV [update 1]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/03/mlg-goes-ftw-on-usa-tv/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/03/mlg-goes-ftw-on-usa-tv/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/03/mlg-goes-ftw-on-usa-tv/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

[Update: Commenter Ben found a second part of the preview, which interviews pro gamer Walshy and shows some more in game action. Part 2 is now also embedded below Thanks Ben.]

Months ago, when Major League Gaming and the USA cable network announced plans to air seven hour-long programs on the MLG national tour, we begged the powers-that-be at the network to "please keep the cheese factor low." It looks like somebody up there was listening, because a new five-minute trailer for the program is low on cheese and high on production values.

From the quick-paced jump cuts to the well-placed crowd shots and the respectful interviews with the gamers themselves, most everything in the trailer shows that this is a well thought-out, professional production and not some fly-by-night "Xtreme Gamerz" marketing stunt. The introduction strikes a good balance in being informative without being condescending, making the audience care about the players and the competition without forcing some manufactured personalities down our throats. Our only major concern is the announcers and commentators, some of whom still seem a little uncomfortable on camera, but this will likely improve as the season continues.

Despite the slick production, it still remains to be seen whether U.S. gamers will want to watch Halo 2 instead of playing it themselves. We'll find out when MLG on USA premieres at 10 a.m. (EST/PST) on Nov. 11.

Continue reading MLG goes FTW on USA TV [update 1]

JoystiqMLG goes FTW on USA TV [update 1] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Nov 2006 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>HaloHalo 2Halo2MLGpro gamingprofessionalProGamingTVUSAXboxXbox-360Fri, 03 Nov 2006 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CPL cancellation "a step backwards"]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/26/cpl-cancellation-a-step-backwards/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/26/cpl-cancellation-a-step-backwards/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/26/cpl-cancellation-a-step-backwards/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The BBC reports on the disappearance of the CPL World Tour from an international perspective. With budding British pro gamers having pinned their hopes on the event -- one even giving up a tennis career -- the cancellation comes as quite a blow. Teams that have trained on specific games, maps and rulesets have work ahead to retrain for other events.

Philip Wride, manager of Intel-sponsored clan 4Kings, described the move as "a step backwards" for pro gaming. While there are still tournaments in Europe, the UK is left with just a few LAN tournaments that concentrate on fun rather than professional prize money. However, for gamers willing to travel, there is still a substantial amount of cash available to those who play well -- the World Series of Video Games, World Cyber Games and e-Sports World Cup all offer the chance to triumph.

JoystiqCPL cancellation "a step backwards" originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Apr 2006 10:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bbccompetitive gamingCompetitiveGamingcplesportshuman interestHumanInterestmlgpro gamingProGamingukWed, 26 Apr 2006 10:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Girl gamer recruitment good reality TV?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/11/girl-gamer-recruitment-good-reality-tv/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/11/girl-gamer-recruitment-good-reality-tv/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/11/girl-gamer-recruitment-good-reality-tv/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Recruiting a new member for a sponsored girl gaming team can't be easy. When Eekers (one of Ubisoft's Frag Dolls) left the line-up last summer, a nationwide search for her replacement rolled into motion, requiring everything from a gaming CV to glamour shots. Months later, when all but the hopefuls have forgotten the empty space to be filled, the shortlisted candidates have been announced and the final selection procedure outlined.

All eight of the finalists will be flown to San Francisco to "join the existing Frag Dolls in a weekend of playing games and interviewing", a party that sounds like good fodder for frazzled nerves -- especially when you add in the filming. For this is no ordinary interview -- instead, the whole thing will be covered by Internet TV site GameTrailers, providing a reality TV glimpse into the mysterious world of girl gamers.

Continue reading Girl gamer recruitment good reality TV?

JoystiqGirl gamer recruitment good reality TV? originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Apr 2006 07:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>competitive gamingCompetitiveGamingfemale gamersFemaleGamersfrag dollsFragDollsgirl gamersGirlGamersgirlsinternet tvInternetTvpro gamingProGamingreality tvRealityTvrecruitmenttvubisoftwomenwomen gamesWomenGamesTue, 11 Apr 2006 07:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Continents clash in transatlantic tournament]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/24/continents-clash-in-transatlantic-tournament/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/24/continents-clash-in-transatlantic-tournament/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/24/continents-clash-in-transatlantic-tournament/#commentsFiled under: , ,

A $100,000 gaming tournament is taking place from today until Sunday in New York, hosted by the Global Gaming League. The "AmeriCup vs EuroCup TransAtlantic Showdown" pits the winners from the European EuroCup tournament against the AmeriCup champions across three games: Counter-Strike 1.6, Quake 4 and Warcraft 3.

There is live streaming media from the GGL website, and it's entertaining to watch, especially if you're interested in competitive gaming. If you're not, the seriousness of the event and its commentators may surprise you, but there's big money at stake for the champions--no laughing matter.

JoystiqContinents clash in transatlantic tournament originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Mar 2006 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>esportsprizepro gamingProGamingquake 4Quake4tournamentwarcraft 3Warcraft3Fri, 24 Mar 2006 13:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Pro gaming tournament sets sights on U.S.]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/21/pro-gaming-tournament-has-its-sights-set-on-u-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/21/pro-gaming-tournament-has-its-sights-set-on-u-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/21/pro-gaming-tournament-has-its-sights-set-on-u-s/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The news that the World Cyber Games is headed for Seattle in 2007 goes hand-in-hand with this recent announcement of a new U.S. office for the WCG. Headed up by Michael Arzt, the office serves to show quite how much faith pro gaming leagues like the WCG have in the American market.

While professional gaming as a career is mostly associated with Eastern countries, especially Korea, it's been rising in profile in the West recently. As well as the World Cyber Games, the Major League Gaming (MLG) and Cyberathlete Professional League (CPL) tournaments are going strong--if you've got the skill and the dedication, there's some serious money to be won in gaming nowadays.

JoystiqPro gaming tournament sets sights on U.S. originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Mar 2006 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e-sportsmichael arztMichaelArztpro gamingProGamingusawcgworld cyber gamesWorldCyberGamesTue, 21 Mar 2006 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sponsorship of female gamers a "joke"?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/14/sponsorship-of-female-gamers-a-joke/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/14/sponsorship-of-female-gamers-a-joke/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/14/sponsorship-of-female-gamers-a-joke/#commentsFiled under: ,

There hasn't been a good rant about female gamers for a while, but this article by Kim Rom delivers quite nicely. Looking at female gaming teams who seek sponsorship and attention based on their gender and looks rather than their skill, Kim points out the disparity in marketing between some female teams and the male teams they compete alongside.

Continue reading Sponsorship of female gamers a "joke"?

JoystiqSponsorship of female gamers a "joke"? originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Mar 2006 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>esportsfemale gamingFemaleGaminggirl gamersGirlGamerspro gamingProGamingTue, 14 Mar 2006 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[World Cyber Games looking for gamer input]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/06/world-cyber-games-looking-for-gamer-input/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/06/world-cyber-games-looking-for-gamer-input/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/06/world-cyber-games-looking-for-gamer-input/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Interested in contributing to the World Cyber Games? The WCG is searching for gamer feedback on the rules and regulations of its tournament games, so if you have a burning desire to see a particular ruleset put in place, now's your chance.

Looking for gamer input like this is useful, although part of the WCG organisers' job is to be, or seek out, experts on individual games to advise on rules. However, if enough players contribute their thoughts, there should be less contention over minutiae during the tournament itself.

JoystiqWorld Cyber Games looking for gamer input originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Mar 2006 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>pro gamingprofessional gamingProfessionalGamingProGamingworld cyber gamesWorldCyberGamesMon, 06 Mar 2006 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Changes afoot in pro gaming leagues]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/02/24/changes-afoot-in-pro-gaming-leagues/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/02/24/changes-afoot-in-pro-gaming-leagues/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/02/24/changes-afoot-in-pro-gaming-leagues/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

It's all go on the pro gaming scene this week, with two announcements from different leagues revealing what's in store for professional gamers and wannabes.

Firstly, the company behind the MLG console league, Major League Gaming, Inc., announced it had secured first-round venture capital funding to the tune of $10 million--the console side of pro gaming sees fewer competitors than PC gaming, and this funding will help MLG's goal of becoming a serious sports circuit.

Over at the Cyberathlete Professional League (CPL), however, a partnership is on the cards. This year's CPL World Tour has been cancelled; instead, MLG are teaming up with Games Media Properties to offer a World Series of Video Games. The prize money for the CPL Summer tournament has been halved as a result, and CPL's Angel Munoz hints at a stronger console focus than we've previously seen.

The common thread behind both of these announcements is a shift towards more credibility, more television focus and more console gaming--pro gaming is maturing into a sport in its own right.

JoystiqChanges afoot in pro gaming leagues originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Feb 2006 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cplcyberathletese-sportsmlgPCpro gamingProGamingwsvgXboxFri, 24 Feb 2006 18:00:00 EST