Q) Please explain about the status of e-sports in Canada. eSports Canada (ESC) is growing at a very fast pace. We have an existing community that is very supportive, and more and more business are taking interest in this new niche. Our membership with the IeSF is getting a lot of Canadians excited, and the future is looking very bright. Q) How is the perception of public toward e-sports in Canada? and How is e-sport recognized in Canadian market? Currently, the are many organizations we are in discussions with to become ESC corporate members. A revolution is currently underway that will unite Canada as an eSports Nation, thereby overcoming the previous city state status. As the Canadian market is very heavily influenced by American media, many eSports fans recognize it as a North American market. Q) We heard that you were occupied in other filed than e-sports before. Is there any special motivation or occasion to establish the e-Sports Canada? Previously, I was a manager of a portfolio of non-profit corporations for a global company. My previous occupation provide me with enough knowledge and experience to have the courage to move forward with a non-profit organization for Canadian eSports. The motivation among our founders was to revolutionize the Canadian eSports landscape. Q) We heard that e-Sports Canada consists of a lot of volunteers. Please let us know if there was any episode or obstacle to gather and operate these volunteers. As the second largest nation (by land mass) with a population density that is very scattered, there were many complications that needed to be overcome. There were always a lot of eSports events; however, the issue was they were not networked and operated without national exposure. Through effective communication, efficient recruitment programs, and standardized policies and procedures, the community has come to recognize that an organization like eSports Canada is the future for eSports in Canada. Q) There are several other national associations in such situation consist of volunteers. If there is any know-how or efficient process to recruit and operate volunteers effectively, please let us know. A good structure is the first step to efficient operations. Secondly, a good interview process for applicants interested in volunteering will ensure that you find the right places for the right people. Lining up positions with specific skill sets and desired outcomes will ensure that your volunteers grow and better themselves as professionals with the eSports industry. Reaching out to new volunteers is far more successful when you have a standard process and answers to all their questions. Q) There may be some disadvantage on managing an organization with volunteers since they are not professionals. Is there any measure to supplement this issue? Many of our volunteers choose to help our organization “out of love for eSports”, however, we are aware that life changes can have an impact on volunteer positions. This is why we operate in structured teams and maintain transparency. Several volunteers are professionals in fields like management, journalism, and the production industry. As a result of this, many volunteers gain experience and knowledge from these individuals that help them grow. Having a “plan B” will only benefit everyone when these issues arise. Q) Is this your first visit in Korea? How is your impression on the game industry and e-sports in Korea? This was my first trip to Korea, and I was very excited. Once there, the citizens of Korean were extremely kind and helpful. I was amazed at the professionalism, organization, and support displayed by the IeSF. The staff was extremely supportive and helpful, the schedules were accurate, and the meetings were very well structured and truly valued by everyone who attended. Korea truly is the “Mecca of eSports”. I cannot wait to for an opportunity to return in the future. Q) How is your impression and opinion of the IeSF World Championship and Symposium? The IeSF tournament was held in the beautiful city of Cheon-an. This was the first ever outdoor eSports event I attended, and I couldn’t have asked to attend a better venue. The festival was breathtaking, and the excitement of seeing the nation’s best competing for global eSports glory was an extremely memorable experience. I was honored with an invite to the International eSports Symposium, where we were given the opportunity to provide discuss and provide input on matters vital to the development of international eSports. Q) What would be the impact on the status of e-Sports Canada and esports in Canada as e-Sports Canada obtaining the membership of IeSF? If there is anything that you would like to comment about IeSF Staffs or other members of IeSF, please tell us. ESC becoming an member of IeSF will help us tremendously with further developing and improving our amateur players, our referee knowledge base, and, of course, our participation in future IeSF tournaments. I had the opportunity to meet with many of the representatives from the IeSF and member nations, who all displayed a vast knowledge and experience within their respective nations. Mr. Alex Lim, the international coordinator of IeSF, was exemplary host and most professional in conducting meetings and communications. Q) What are the plans and goals for e-Sports Canada? Our future goals are to further increase our members, both at the individual and corporate level. We look to 2013 to host a Canadian national tournament to find our best players to compete in the IeSF tournament and to aid the growth of eSports wherever possible.
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