A Call from the Darkness

Wilson Scr1be Xu
Jul 28, 2017 · 3 min read

Not everyone gets to be a pro player.

It’s an unfortunate reality, which I feel has been avoided for its implication. Overwatch has always been a game, where the average person could make it onto a team and compete for the highest of prizes. From the open qualifiers at the start of Open Release to the Contenders Season Zero qualifiers, Overwatch has been the game of the people.

No other game’s competitive scene has been this open to new entries. Yet, at the same time, the Overwatch League (OWL) looks to be one of the most selective flagship leagues in recent memory.

Due to the uncertain nature of the number of teams in the league and the unknown promotion process from lower leagues, participation in the league is entirely dependent on factors outside of players controls. With insanely deep talent pools at every position, the only thing differentiating one player with another is who they know and what they have done.

I worry day-to-day about who makes it into the league. My only investment in the scene has been with the people. When talented players tell me they worry about their future, I can do very little except extend words of encouragement.

For many of the players in ProTalk, the signing period between August 1st and October 31st represents the last chance to follow their dreams. Yet, with even General Managers and Support staff for most of the 7 teams unknown, it leaves us in limbo. Who do players talk to in order to gauge their value? Who will be in charge of evaluating talent?

The scouting reports submitted to Blizzard from each player shows very little outside of some basic information. For exceptional players, who have been previously unable to obtain fame through playing with well-known teams, they go into the selection process without a full evaluation of their skill sets. In fact, I actually doubt any “scout’s” ability to remain unbiased during the signing process due to the extreme lack of exposure for many of the players involved.

This is my call to those figures approached by OWL teams to lead their venture: Please find talented and knowledgeable support staff, and take the time to do your research before coming to decisions. Understand you are not only making the final decision on which players will guide your team to the 1 million dollar prize, but also deciding the fate of players who have given up everything to pursue this 1 in 75,000 dream.

Do not be ashamed to admit you do not know about a player, or you do not know what would be the best choice to make with regards to building a team.

Make the investment to create the best team possible.

For players, be realistic with yourself. Playing professionally is not a commitment everyone can make. Be ready to practice with the expectation of this becoming a full time job. Be ready to dedicate your free time to getting better at the game. Learn to deal with teammates who you may be wary of. For those who receive this unique opportunity, push through with everything you have.

Not everyone is made to be a professional player. There’s nothing wrong with working at McDonald’s if that’s your call.

Just be real with yourself.

Wilson Scr1be Xu

Written by

the second dumbest person in Overwatch | writer @GosuGamers

Welcome to a place where words matter. On Medium, smart voices and original ideas take center stage - with no ads in sight. Watch
Follow all the topics you care about, and we’ll deliver the best stories for you to your homepage and inbox. Explore
Get unlimited access to the best stories on Medium — and support writers while you’re at it. Just $5/month. Upgrade