Source: Mixed Chicks (South African Online Multi Gaming Organization)
Quote: http://www.mixedchicks.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=106%3Awhen-gaming-partnerships-work-&catid=42%3Aadmin&Itemid=76
Robert ‘PandaTank’ Botha was awarded the title of e-Sports Player of the Year 2011 by Mind Sports South Africa (MSSA).
I caught up with Colin Webster (The president of MSSA) and Matt ‘fluke’ Merks to talk about StarCraft and competitive gaming in SA.
Colin Webster president of MSSA
Lola: On what basis was PandaTank chosen as eSports Player of the Year?
CW: “At the end of every year, the MSSA’s Management Board gives out awards to deserving individuals. In 2011 the Management Board felt that Rob Botha deserved the title of e-Sports player of the year. The award is given out on a fairly holistic approach. Not only did Rob win the MSSA’s online league, but he demonstrated true character at the National Team Trials and at the 2011 International e-Sports Federation (IeSF) World Championship. Without doubt, Rob exemplifies what an e-Sports gamer should be ? kind, courteous, focused and competitive. His results at the 2011 IeSF Championship were also part of why he was chosen as e-Sports Player of the Year. Rob is the first South African that has passed through the group stages of an international championship and has finished in the top eight since the early 2000’s.
Lola: What does the MSSA plan for StarCraft 2 SA?
CW: “There is no doubt that StarCraft II is one of the most important games in the world. Thus the MSSA shall treat it as such. The MSSA shall introduce the game into the official inter-school league in order to help develop a wider and stronger player base. At the same time the MSSA is fully committed to sending gamers to represent South Africa in StarCraft II at both the IeSF and IeDF World Championships. Depending on finances, the MSSA may also be in a position to send gamers to represent South Africans at other international championships as well. Thus in 2012 the MSSA expects to see even more gamers earn school provincial colours, senior provincial colours and Protea Colours for the game.”
Lola: What has your experience with the SA StarCaft community been like?
CW: “I have found my interaction with the gamers who play StarCraft II to be most rewarding as the gamers with whom I have dealt, tend to be highly motivated and intelligent individuals.”
Lola: In your opinion how do the SA players compare to international players?
CW: “My biggest regret is that we as South Africans cannot interact more with international players than what we do. Our gamers probably have more guts than the international players ? just because of the obstacles they have to overcome. However, the international players have a distinct advantage, as no doubt Rob will tell you, as they all know each other on a face-to-face level and are thus more able to exchange ideas.”
Lola: The MSSA has taken a lot of negativity from especially the SA competitive community. Why do you continue to support and develop e-Sports in SA?
CW: “Sure there are some gamers who are not members of the MSSA who have been very negative to the MSSA, and yes, the MSSA does do things differently, but what the MSSA is seeing at the moment is a strong and steady growth, not only among the schools, but among clans that continually attacked the MSSA and everything it stands for. It should be remembered that the MSSA is a Universitas and that none of the office-bearers are paid in anyway for their time and trouble. The MSSA remains an instrument of its members and reflects the wishes and choices of the majority of its members.
Personally, I get a great deal of enjoyment of seeing gamers do well out of what they enjoy. When you consider that at Wits University alone, seven students have been awarded their full university colours (full blues) for their achievements, and that gamers are now eligible to earn Sports Bursaries, you will realize what the MSSA has done for the gamer. Many schools now too award School Colours to gamers which just help to enable the potential of learners who play e-Sports. The advantages of earning Protea Colours and representing South Africa too have a great effect on the individual ? and that is why I do it! There are many anecdotes that I could share, but one of the stories that immediately springs to mind is when the MSSA awarded Protea Colours to a gamer, and the gamers’ mother beamed and exclaimed, “I didn’t know that he was that good!” What is even more interesting about this anecdote is that the mother so mentioned also had Protea Colours ? but in a different sporting code! “
The recognition and accreditation of e-Sports as an accredited sport, does not just have benefits for the publishers, but have immense benefits for the youth. Instead of just spending hours aimlessly playing games, the gamer can now chart out a more focused approach. For example when I was young (long before the advent of PC’s) I was a competitive swimmer and used to do up to 14 000 meters a day. The training taught me many life skills which, to this day I still hold dear. Had I just spent all those hours just ‘chilling’ at our home pool, the hours would have been wasted, with very few lessons learnt.
Thus gamers can have goals and ambitions, and through the system of championships, colours, and awards have something very real at the end of the day which has enriched their lives, and even used on a CV.”
Lola: Last year you teamed up with PolarfluKe to host a Starcraft 2 provincial championship. What has your experience with this partnership been like?
CW: “PolarfluKe was incredible! PolarfluKe is more than able to run a championship to the highest possible level. Testament to its ability is how many top international gamers are now playing in the leagues. All one has to do is read different fora (forums) to see the praise that it gets from overseas clans. Without PolarfluKe’s help and dedication, it is unlikely that Rob Botha would have attended the IeSF Championships and that Jason von Belkum would have attended the IeSMoD Championships. It is the silent hard workers like PolarfluKe who are always there, always making other people achieve their dreams.”
Closing thoughts
In the SA competitive gaming community we can share a lot of stories about how difficult the road has been for us. Players face unnecessary drama and rage from within the community, clans hardly stick together and sponsorships are hard to come by, to name but a few.
But then there are stories like these that make it all worth our while, that give us hope. The partnership of PandaTank, MSSA and PolarfluKe has shown us that it is possible to achieve what every competitive player wants ? the opportunities to compete at the highest level and the recognition for achievements earned.
Letting go of your prejudices does have its benefits.
