Interview with IPL caster Kibblez: "While its true a lot of people have moved to new and exciting games, Starcraft 2 is still a great game!"

I was able to interview one of the biggest up-and-coming casters in the Starcraft 2 scene. Kibblez is a new recruit for IPL who spent many years grinding casts for Playhem with there dailys. He is smart and witty, so watch out for him in the biggest competitions next year!

What is your casting history?

Kibbelz: It was actually a funny road. I realized I enjoyed sharing Starcraft 2 with people in college. I was in a fraternity, and so very often random people would drop into my room. They would often watch me play over my shoulder, so eventually; I started putting it on my TV as well. Suddenly, lots of people would come over and watch me play while they hung out. They'd root and cheer when I won, and empathize when I lost.

After college, I really missed the interactive experience I had come to assosciate with starcraft; so I began streaming my games on Twitch.tv. One day, I saw a listing on teamliquid that Playhem.tv was starting a twitch channel and wanted casters. I submitted an application, joined their team, and became and extremely regular caster for them.

 

How has casting affected your life?

Kibbelz: It was kind of surreal, coming to the decision that I wanted to be a caster. I remember getting a lot of criticism at first from friends & family. It took a lot of dedication (and a lot of frugality) to commit for a long enough time. Now though, casting has brought me so much happiness... knowing that people enjoy my commentary enough that I've been hired to do this for a living. It's quite literally a dream come true, and nothing has ever felt better.

 

What do you think of the Drama that has surrounded SC2?

Kibbelz: Ohhhh this is exciting. If we go back a year, the attitude surrounding Starcraft 2 was an immeasurable optimism. Got caught saying something bad about Starcraft? You should probably wear a Kevlar vest for a week or two. If we step to right now, there is a bandwagon of people grabbing their bullhorns and saying how Starcraft 2 is 'dead'. While its true a lot of people have moved to new and exciting games, Starcraft 2 is still a great game!

It just seems that people are finally willing to admit that there are other great games out there. Everyone wanted Starcraft to be the king of eSports. Now that it can't everyone is bandwagoning to abandon it. That of course will end at some point, and Starcraft should come to rest at some point in between its former godliness and its current morbidity.

 

What makes a great caster from an OK caster?

 Kibbelz: Well, this is of course going to be my oppinion, but I believe a great caster is one who can arouse powerful emotions within their viewers. It's a really tedious thing too, because if its obvious that arousing emotion is your goal, people tend to feel like you're "trying too hard" or "faking it".

A lot of people think you need to be a really good player, or have some insane understanding of the game. While these things help, they only build a foundation. A lot of people will be good at these things. It's much more important to express things in an effective way, have a good emotional vibe when you cast, and to enjoy the game which you are casting.

 

So, you just got hired for IPL, How do you like it?

 Kibbelz: I absolutely love it! There is so much nerdy gaming culture surrounding me I feel like I'm drowning. The people who work here are fantastic, the headquarters is quite a sight to behold, and I'm doing exactly what I've dreamed of doing for the last two years. I don't think I could be happier right now. That said though, I am making sure to not be content.

I had not casted any Starcraft for three months before coming to IPL due to financial obligations. I am quickly working to get my commentary to the level at which it was before, and then hopefully to continue improving to help provide the best entertainment I can for IPL's fans.

 

How has IPL helped you become a better caster?

Kibbelz: Feedback helps so much when it comes to improving your craft. Being exposed to such a large audience really helps me identify the areas in which I can improve.

 

How long do you think you will cast?

Kibbelz: I was deeply invested in acting and broadcasting ever since middle school; providing entertainment for others has always given me a huge sense of fulfillment. That said, very few things would make me happier than merging my love of video games with my love of being an entertainer. I would like to continue with my commentary for as long as other people find enjoyment in it.

 

How do you think HOTS will change the casting scene?

 Kibbelz: HOTS will open new doors for casters. As it comes out, there will be a lot of people willing to invest time into, what will hopefully be, another beautifully-crafted RTS from blizzard. More players means more viewers, and more viewers, means more casting opportunities.

 

Any Shout outs you want to make?

Kibbelz: I'd like to give a big thank you to everyone at Playhem; especially Godulous, Frodan, Robin, Tumba, and JorosAURRR ;) You guys are awesome, and I'll miss those days forever! Also, a massive shoutout to Nick Taber (Pokebunny) and Luka Sovulj (Unfortunate).

Thanks to my parents for putting up with my shoutcasting while I was at home (often until 2-3 AM). And a HUGE thanks to IGN Pro League for converting two years of effort into a dream-come-true. I couldn't feel more honored by this opportunity.