Content like those coming straight from Blizzard helps build context for viewers and highlights personalities that often get drowned out by the games team-centric nature.
I have said it before earlier in the year, but its keeps getting more relevant by the month-- it's never been a better time to be a Heroes of the Storm fan.
Part of what makes this so true is the content that Blizzard themselves are creating in support of the HGC and competitive heroes in general. One of their most effective articles (which I personally would love to see more of) is the latest "Captains' Scouting Report, a series of rapid-fire questions that each team captain has a chance to respond to.
Articles like this are important for several reasons:
It highlights personalities
How else would we of known that Quackniix is impish to the extreme, or that Glaurung would describe Fnatic as "cute together"? What better way to explain that veteran (almost smug) confidence of someone like Blumbi than by simply showing his response regarding the minor regions and their chances of winning the clash:
"Minor region (shrugs)"
Come on Blumbi!
Contrast that with the equal confidence that Jschritte of Infamous exudes when asked about Gale Force eSports:
"They have 4 flex and 1 support, this is something that affects the micro of each hero and the macro of each role — this type of strategy is not something that worries us.”
Calculated-- like they already know what to expect from NA. It's these type of interactions that make it that much more entertaining to watch the matches unfold.
It lays the ground for upsets.
Look what Quacknixx has to say about the Australian team, Nomia:
"“Tried Googling Nomia twice, didn't even find the roster...”
Comments like this will make it all the more thrilling of Nomia manages to win or even take a game off of a team like Fnatic.
The same can be said about Bakery of Team Dignitas and his comments towards Tempo Storm:
"We had no trouble with Tempo Storm at BlizzCon or GCWC, I don't think this time will be any different.”
Now who doesn't want to watch Dignitas face Tempo Storm now? Just think of the upset!
By the way, Quacknixx-- you can find the roster here
It provides context for viewers.
Reading through the quotes, it's easy to see the overall tone of the tournament. The captains respect Team 8's ascension, are afraid of Misfits dominance, don't know what to expect from Fnatic and have ignored Nomia and Infamous. Did you know that most teams consider Dignitas to be in their weakest state ever?
These type of revelations change the viewing experience. It's no longer just a bracket with some recognizable names, but instead a story that will unfold.
The great Heroes of the Storm shade ever thrown
If this series wasn't entertaining enough, I will end this appreciation post with Quacknixx's comments on Tempo Storm:
"(they) have shown that they have the mentality and dedication to succeed in becoming the best team in an irrelevant region".
That's it, wrap it up. There isn't going to be a better Heroes related diss for a long time.
Link to full Captains' Scouting Report article.
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