Hey there, I’m Tate (aka captenredbeard). As part of the ‘Rift Life’ NALCS blog series, I’ll be continuing my conversation on Professionalism in Esports. The landing page for this week’s issue can be found HERE
Professionalism in the NALCS
The Shoutcasters, the heroes we need
So last week I made my first gripe session post about professionalism in esports and how I'm not too happy with the state of things. At least, when it comes to the players. The pros. The athletes. The potential future role models. I'll continue to rant about this but for now, I’d like to talk about the leading examples in the NALCS. I have been, and continue to be, truly impressed by the analysts, casters, and various other hosts from Riot.
The Analysts Desk
Aside from the high level of professionalism already existing on this team, along with the franchising changes, they made the Analyst desk more permanent. Now you have Jatt as a full-time analyst (swapping from casting sometimes) as well as Mark and the ever-present Dash. On top of that, you’ve got the big name, mainstream, sponsor State Farm coming into the picture. The NA LCS State Farm Analyst Desk...
Credit: Riot GamesSo it’s clear that the LCS is transitioning into the big leagues and the Analysts have been gearing up for it for a while. Everytime you see these guys they look dapper. They speak eloquently. It’s not all about nice suits and big words either. These guys have well thought concepts on every aspect of the game. There’s also more to come, as they are working on social media for feedback on how and what they are doing during analyst segments, including the pre and post game sessions.
The casters
Many of the same points made for the analysts remain the same for the casters. These guys have some serious talent. Sure, they have the support of the staff in their ears to quote stats or quickly remind them something here and there...but to be honest that just makes their casting more impressive to me. To not only keep your head in the game, casting everything that is happening, while also receiving details in your ear, and coming up with conversational topics based on what is happening in the game....all live. They look good doing it too. I probably missed some but be sure to support them Azael, Rivington, Phreak, Kobe, Zirene, CaptainFlowers.
Joint content
Additionally, the team as a whole works on side content that brings another level of awesomeness to the LCS. Such as ‘The Dive’ podcast and shorts like ‘This or That’.
Source:YouTubeOverall this team of people is what really makes the LCS a true sport in my opinion. They’re are a driving force for putting eSports on the map and smashing the naysayers. It only looks like they are getting better as well. Constantly making changes (such as the recent addition to the team, Ovilee and keeping up with the fans in order to update content accordingly.
Source:YouTubeI’ll continue to watch LCS not only for the game I enjoy but because this team truly makes it an enjoyable experience.
Let me know if you agree, disagree, or don’t care. Until next time...
One thing that was quite impressive last year was when they would do breakdowns of decisive fights that basically decided the game or turned the tide. It was done really well, think nfl level play breakdown, and did an awesome job of really explaining it. Would love to see that this year more.
Yea pretty sure they will. They did a great one for the TSM/C9 final game. Where basically if Jensen had cast his ult or zhonya, they'd have won.