Blog 8: The Chariot

Name: PDPop MSL 2010 Finals (Munhwa Bank Starleague)
Sport: eSports (Starcraft: Brood War)
Location: South Korea
Matchup: Hydra (Hite Entus) vs great (Samsung KHAN) (ID's, Teams)
Link:PDPop MSL Finals: Hydra vs great set 1, part 1 (not necessary to watch the game, opening minute showcases the hype and excitment surrounding the game)

Starcraft: Brood War Part I: Innovate and Imagine,an analysis on the cultural impact of Brood War on the world. (Modern Examples)

Professional starcraft in South Korea has become the most successful example of eSports in the world. Ever since the games release in 1998, Starcraft: Brood War has created a phenomenom and cultural craze over a video game. Whenever you think of Starcraft, you think of Korea, they are one and the same.

With the release of Starcraft II and legal disputes between Blizzard entertainment and KeSPA (Korean eSports Association) many predicted the downfall of this 13 year old video game. On the contrary, Brood War has taken a hit, but continues to thrive.

Players sign for professional teams and compete in leagues broadcasted on two tv channels. One of the latest tournaments to happen was the MSL (an individual 1v1 tournament)

 Hydra (left) and great (right)

There was much hype surrounding the finals, the two are not the best, or the most famous players. But great declared that he would show a brand new strategy to make the game entertaining again. As a result, many people eagerly awaited this new style of gameplay.

One of the reasons why Starcraft has lasted so long is this constant innovation, new strategies are discovered and the way the game plays changes entirely. Its this innovation that keeps the game fresh and exciting.

The effects of the Korean professional seen sweep across the international community as well. Foreign fans try to copy and adapt to Korean strategies. Some terms have even become common meme's on forums (ex: Zerg Rush)

great showed us amazing gameplay in set 1, showing new hope for innovation in the game. Although he lost 4 games in a row right after, losing the championship, he still showed us an exciting game. As for Hydra, solid fundamentals and standard play allowed him to crush great. The foreign reception to the overall finals was negative, but everyone agreed that the innovation in the first set was amazing to watch.

 

A very happy Hydra-lisk