When I think about esports, the first thing that comes to my mind is fierce competition and, believe it or not, drama. Yes, drama. Now, I'm not bashing any organization or team, but I remember when some brands took some hard hits because of heated, unnecessary drama. Back when Halo 2 was on the radar for professional gaming, competition was rare and real. Heading the start of a revolution, image was everything and so was respect, as Final Boss came to show. However, when esports started pushing into newer games and started branching out, it seemed things started taking a nose dive.
I still remember the dawn of Faze and Optic. Both names slammed with drama started by their own members just for popularity and recognition. It took a while, but both brands eventually woke up and realized it couldn't go on. Granted even today people under each name have tried to pull some shady things, but that shouldn't taint either of the groups as a whole. Other teams, such as Fear and Triggers Down, became less known for competition and more known for drama after a time before they were both phased from word of mouth. It's easy to see how one person's drama can destroy an empire, but it's up to the owners to decide whether they rebuild or give up.
There are plenty of organizations and teams out there today with the management to prevent or professionally deal with drama and repeat offenders. Though it may seem taxing to some, choosing a more polite and professional route can, believe it or not, create a positive reputation for your brand. Having a 'hit us and we hit back harder' kind of reputation seems sound if you're a child. I hate to break it to the big kids out there, but acting your age matters in esports. It's becoming respected and widely accepted globally, but no one is going to support it for long if everyone acts like the mean girls and frat boys of the century. We stopped keeping up with the Kardashians and we won't hesitate to drop you too. Despite all the media hype and unnecessarily focused drama in the esports community, there are certain groups who have begun to stand out with their positive and growing reputations.
SetToDestroyX esports is more than just the Canadian/North American organization making waves internationally. When it comes to the heart of things, there is more or less a no bullshit protocol. Charlie is selective in who he allows to join the family and continues to monitor things as any owner would. I've seen some come and go, but one thing I have come to greatly respect is the way drama is handled and nipped in the bud, but an observant staff who carries out discipline is only half of it.
For most organizations, the attention and spotlight falls to their pro players. These people are held to a standard most probably aren't aware exists. First off, every player has their personal reputation coming into a team. The way you play and interact publicly is noticed and becomes the first impression others see. When you step into a team or a brand with a positive reputation you are expected to maintain a certain amount of class and respect for your brand, teammates, managers and most importantly, yourself. When you spell it out on paper it seems like pros have the weight of the world on their shoulders, but a lot of it stems down to common sense.
For most organizations, the attention and spotlight falls to their pro players. These people are held to a standard most probably aren't aware exists. First off, every player has their personal reputation coming into a team. The way you play and interact publicly is noticed and becomes the first impression others see. When you step into a team or a brand with a positive reputation you are expected to maintain a certain amount of class and respect for your brand, teammates, managers and most importantly, yourself. When you spell it out on paper it seems like pros have the weight of the world on their shoulders, but a lot of it stems down to common sense.
I've lost count of how many times in scrims, events or championships teams or players will turn to social media and gripe, bitch, complain. Whatever you want to call it, it's very unsportsmanlike. Granted, I expect fans to be a little disorganized and grumbling, but I expect a little class and respect from the players on all sides. Yelling, calling out cheating, distracted or false scores isn't just humiliating to yourself or your brand, it's childish. No one wants to deal with a child. You can kick and scream trying to get your way, but people will get sick of it and eventually you'll die out.
I can't honestly recall any SetToDestroyX pros throwing a fit since I've joined, almost six months ago. If they have, they aren't doing it in public view. Every pro I've talked to or seen brought in seems to hold a deep understanding and respect for the brand. Every time a loss comes around, someone on the team is always saying 'Let's work harder.' knowing that there's always a next time. If players get traded or leave, they tend to do so with great respect for the organization. It's amazing to me how well the managers and owner go out of their way to ensure that drama doesn't reach the front page of their reputation. Their approach tends to exist in private conversations and calls to better understand the issues and how to fix them. While not everyone in every organization or team may respond well to this method, it wouldn't hurt to take a page of the StDx manners manual. Seriously, they are one hundred percent dedicated to the loyalty of their org, coaches, fans and themselves. If there was an award for competition and class, it's safe to say SetToDestroyX would more than likely win every year. I only hope that the players, streamers and staff keep practicing these methods as it's proving to make them an outstanding and noticeable giant in esports.
[Support SetToDestroyX e-Sports]
Twitter: @SetToDestroyX
Twitch: SetToDestroyX
Facebook: SetToDestroyX
Website: http://settodestroyx.com
I can't honestly recall any SetToDestroyX pros throwing a fit since I've joined, almost six months ago. If they have, they aren't doing it in public view. Every pro I've talked to or seen brought in seems to hold a deep understanding and respect for the brand. Every time a loss comes around, someone on the team is always saying 'Let's work harder.' knowing that there's always a next time. If players get traded or leave, they tend to do so with great respect for the organization. It's amazing to me how well the managers and owner go out of their way to ensure that drama doesn't reach the front page of their reputation. Their approach tends to exist in private conversations and calls to better understand the issues and how to fix them. While not everyone in every organization or team may respond well to this method, it wouldn't hurt to take a page of the StDx manners manual. Seriously, they are one hundred percent dedicated to the loyalty of their org, coaches, fans and themselves. If there was an award for competition and class, it's safe to say SetToDestroyX would more than likely win every year. I only hope that the players, streamers and staff keep practicing these methods as it's proving to make them an outstanding and noticeable giant in esports.
[Support SetToDestroyX e-Sports]
Twitter: @SetToDestroyX
Twitch: SetToDestroyX
Facebook: SetToDestroyX
Website: http://settodestroyx.com
