So, one thing I’ve noticed a lot recently is a lot of people building their local scenes. And what stands out to me is the same question being asked over and over again, which is one that I love hearing.
“What can I do to help?”
Fantastic question. Everyone at one point in their “career” is a player, but there are other things you can do to help a scene grow. And well, I’m going to look back in order to help you all look forward.
If you are going to give an MVP award to any one individual for their contributions to the SSBM scene outside of play, in my opinion, the winner is easy: HMW.
Why? Of course, looking back, there were “dark ages” between the golden age that we revere and the platinum age that we’re currently in. He did some of the big stuff for scene growth, such as…
1. Commentary
I remember watching TNE and people in the stream chat begging for HMW/Phil…to get off the mic. Blew my mind. Day9 (Starcraft former pro moved into commentator, content creator, etc.) stated that commentary is meant to embody the feel of the event. During that time, it was complete grassroots, natural, etc. And the commentary reflected it, it was real, it was about having a good time, being with friends and playing an amazing game. No expectations, no worries about stream and stream numbers, etc. it was just about excitement for a game that was played. And well, he had (and still has) the charisma, a great scene, and a great partner to work with for all of the above.
Nowadays, with how everyone can stream their friendlies, locals, etc. a lot of people want to do commentary for their local scenes, let alone a big stage like a major. Locals, just like for players, are where you find your style and hone your craft. It’s also how you represent your local scene to everyone that’s viewing. Listen to those matches, how can you not be excited from their responses or from the crowd in the background? All of that being said, be yourself on the mic, everyone else is taken.
2. Promotion
Not every scene has top players that people want to tune in and see. It happens. Doesn’t prevent you from building your scene so that way if an up and comer ends up being the next big thing, they know. Let people know about what is going on in your scene. Whether it is writing about it like Marc did on Smashboards for Europe’s Melee scene, or making videos, all of that helps get your scene out there and makes you a resource for not just the locals, but for everyone with an eye out there.
A couple of other examples of what can be done even after an event is over:
Now, how do we bring this up to the current era?
Exhibit A: https://twitter.com/TexasMelee
Local scene with a bunch of talented players, occasional streams, etc. You want to know anything about that scene, they’ve been a great resource.
Exhibit B: http://www.saltyplayground.de/avalon-iii-event-profile/
These guys have been building their brand for the whole European scene. What do they do before big events they stream? Write-ups on individual players that are the ones to watch. Who are the stars in your scene? Let us know some background info.
3. Archiving
http://www.youtube.com/user/TheWaffle77
Remember when you had to go to Youtube to find an event after it was completed instead of it being on the front page of Twitch when live? How about the DC++ hub? A few even exchanged VHS (Isn’t that how you change party members in FF7?) cassettes.
Well, archives on twitch are great, but not always the easiest thing to deal with. Especially if broken up improperly, or not broken at all. YouTube is still important. However, my recommendation, if you are looking to do this, get in talks with other uploaders and try to combine forces so that everyone will be under the same banner (MeleePacWest, MeleeAtlNorth for example). Instead of having people argue for who gets what match on their recording setup, everything is centralized. Even still, what up and coming player wouldn’t like their matches on the same channel as some legends, whether they’re local or internationally known. Even YouTube playlists neatly organized by tournament help with presentation.
That’s where HMW set the tone for years to come.
However, we’re in the streaming era. Have to be presentable with your stream. Not every event will have a VGBC/CT present, however, every detail matters. The overlay, the updating, etc. I remember a tournament last year with a ton of major players in a certain region that had horrible audio, a horrid overlay, and all of that reflects back on the streamer. Attention to detail is what separates the good from the great in any aspect of life.
But of course, there is a lot more that can be done.
4. Tournament Organizing
From the smallest local to the biggest major, this is something that flies under the radar too often. It’s not just about making a bracket and securing a venue. It’s about having a hand in everything from the first venue search until the last check is given out. Think about places that are central for various areas, accessible by mass transit if necessary, venue fees, tournament fees, etc. Ask well versed TOs for guidance but remember you aren’t going for the same demographic as them (unless you’re in the same region). What works in SoCal may not work in NYC may not work in Kentucky, so on and so forth.
In addition, talk to other local TOs. No need to have 4 events in a 40 mile radius on the same day all pulling for the same demographic.
5. Teaching/Recruiting
I think Alex Valle said that the biggest thing a top player can do is be a reachable part of their local community. I agree with Valle, but I also think it trickles down. It doesn’t matter if you’re a top player or not, you can always be invested in your local community and play other people, teach them, etc. You may not know every frame, every hitbox, but you may see how a player reacts in a certain situation, their habits, etc. Who knows, you might learn a bit about yourself. Not just that, but be friendly, courteous, etc. Do you remember how nervous you were at your first tournament? “Hey, I know you’re not interested, but come anyway, I don’t know anyone.” I hear tons about Phil in NorCal who besides being stellar on the microphone has been a pillar for new players with his personality, as well as getting them involved in the game.
It’s not about “babying” a new player, it is about setting them on the right path and investing in someone who has the same passion as you. You may not be able to do one on one sessions. But, you might be able to reach the world. There are tons of players out there (you may be one of them) who are new and want to learn more. Every player that has won an event has been there too. Look at the Arcadian events in California, over 100 people who aren’t ranked in SoCal battling it out. MattDotZeb’s work in Massachusetts constantly pulling in new players, reaching out to the college demographic and investing in players of all skill levels is exceptionally notable.
Winnar has been doing breakdowns for a while with involvement from twitch chat.
Chillin started doing his own recently as well, complete with keys to the matchup. We’ve had the Smash Lab here on MIOM (and don’t worry, we’ll be bringing it back).
Maybe you’re a bit more artistic. Maybe you really liked “How Fast Is Melee” and want to break down impressive moments like that.
http://www.mattdemers.com/2014/games-motion-week-6-lcs-breakdowns/
Besides being a social media wizard, Matt Demers does this too (and if you want to up your Twitter game, read his eBooks: http://www.mattdemers.com/ebooks/).
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What does all of this stuff show? It shows your enthusiasm for the game beyond playing. You can hear the enthusiasm and interest from the commentators, you see the investment in the local scene, whether in time spent or money spent in getting a recording/stream setup. You’re reading this because you’re passionate. Help other people’s passion grow. Your local scene is different from every other local scene, so figure out what makes sense. Best of luck!
loool @ ff7
People who didn’t like HMW and Phil commentating simply don’t understand smash hype. They are excellent commentators and probably the most fun commentators. It’s very difficult to live commentate a game as fast as smash and half the time there’s no point. It’s up to the commentator to just flow with the vibe of the game and HMW and Phil were perfect.
I don’t like HMW commentary, and I do understand smash hype. There’s a lot of empty space in his commentaries, and virtually no discussion of tactics. I prefer Toph, who thoughtfully comments on strategy and decision-making while bringing in his ample knowledge of the game. But he also can bring in the excitement and the hype. Ultimately, commentary is a matter of personal choice, so to say that HMW/Phil commentary is objectively good is simply wrong.
[…] was to “be eSports now.” In the past few months, there have been a fair number of posts on both Melee It On Me and r/smashbros about how to build up local communities, and being from a fairly small community in […]