An interview with dignitas/Device: "Do not underestimate playtime, because the more hours you have ingame, the more you will improve."

A recent target of many DDoS attacks and a very strong player Nicolai 'Device' Reedtz shed some light on the departure of the youngster Aizy and expressed his concern on the topic of DDoSing and cheating.

What kind of predictions do you have for dreamhack winter? Do you believe that Team Dignitas can finally power through to victory?

Device: There has been a lot of fuss about the VAC-bans and such lately. KQLY and SF was banned, and their teams removed from the competition. This means, that Titan goes out of our group, and that we take the first seed. Therefore we have an even better chance of coming out of the group as seed one, meaning that our quarter final match-up will be in our favour. But yeah, I predict us going into this event prepared enough for a top-two placement.

We have been playing a lot and focused on improving our old problems with Cajun, so that we can get even better than back then! If we are to get to the final, I know everyone in the team would be satisfied and play without pressure. Who knows, maybe we will take that last game then?

Is there a certain match up you are keen on playing during Dreamhack Winter 2014?

Device: Well, I always look forward to playing against NiP, and now that they have their new lineup it would be a pleasure to test them, and perhaps beat them! As a little extra, me and GeT_RiGhT have a bet going on, if we were to meet, so I would like that.

The team has gone offline for a few weeks now, is it in preparation for Dreamhack Winter 2014'?

Device: We have not played any officials, due to there being a lack of interesting tournaments nor did we play in any official matches, because there wasn't simply anyone we would've like to play. We had a lot of DDoS issues before this "Online Bootcamp", so we have worked on fixed that as well. Nevertheless, we have adjusted things for DHW in this period, and it is the tournament where every team wants to peak.

Team Dignitas had a humongous upset when the DDoSers got the better end during the match up against LDLC in the Hitbox arena Championship Grand-Finals. First you got DDoSed so heavily you had to bring a substitute in and even then the DDoS did not stop and the substitute was DDoSed as well. What do you think of this situation? Were the admins in the right to keep the game going or should have there been a different solution?

Device: The match versus LDLC was awhile back, but I would probably recommend that Hitbox would let the teams play the games offline, and broadcast an already played match, as they do in a lot of LoL tournaments. This way, they don't lose a lot of marketing value for their sponsors, and get more exciting games. I do not judge them for taking the decision they did, and I have respect for them.

It has been evident that since the CS:GO community was exposed to betting sites DDoS has become more frequent, is there a connection? Do you think there is anything that can be done against DDoSers? 

Device: Well well well.. Linking DDoS with betting is quite easy, because why would anyone try to impact the game, without getting something out of it? So yeah, definitely. There has been a lot of guides and people trying to help, but they simplify it too much. Let me state it this way: If the DDoS-organizer is professional enough, he will find a way to DDoS you somehow.

Regarding the recent article by lurppis on HLTV.org concerning cheating players and online qualifications for big tournaments, do you think valve should intervene more into these tournaments or is it the job of the hosts to ensure FairPlay policy, because the honor system, in online qualifiers, does not exist for some players, sadly.

Device: Going into the VAC/Cheating debate, you must bear in mind that you are innocent until proven guilty. I don't think it helps the community that everyone is accusing each other of cheating. The solution for this problem, would just be to move the online qualifier to the LAN environment. VALVe has already done a good job banning the two professional cheaters SF & KQLY, and I am sure that they will keep up this work, to keep their games rolemodels clean. I would prefer that VALVe would come out with more information regarding their bans, since it must be rough, if you feel you were treated unfairly, that you are not able to prove yourself.

What do you think about the new maps? Specifically the reintroduction of the newly design 'Season'. Would you like to see season along with one more map (do tell which one!) added to the official map pool?

Device: I am maybe old fashion, but I don't like it. I don't like the additions of new maps in general, but I understand why VALVe enforces it. I would much rather watch a game with 2 good teams on maps they both play perfect, than watching them playing on new maps, were it relies more on luck, in my opinion. If I were to chose one map, that should be launched, I would ask for a train instead of cobble/overpass. And I wouldn't like if Season was added to the map pool.

If you could change one thing about CS:GO, what would that be?

Device: Take the CZ-75 out of the game, or making SSG jumpshots not possible.

Would you like to shed some light on the departure of the youngling Aizy?

Device: The departure of Aizy came due to a lot of bad events in a row from the team. Sometimes you can't work it out. We were four really young players on the team, which didn't work out well in the end. He is a really talented player, and if he keeps on playing, I am without a doubt sure, that he will play on a professional level again.

Would you be for bootcamps in csgo tournaments, same as in DOTA 2, or against?

Device: As most of you probably know, we are a team that attend school and work full-time. This means, that we are not able to take out many weekdays from our schedule to bootcamp but we still strive to play a lot online. We all have around 75 hours per two weeks in game time, which means that we do two full-time working jobs. VALVe introduced this feature, where teams can attend a one week bootcamp up until their event, I am for that, but unfortunately we can't use this yet, but in 2015 we will.

CS:GO has picked up a lot of attention during this year and many new players have joined and are training and fighting to reach the hights of eSports. Do you have any advice for the striving players?

Device: I have played sports on a high level as well as CS for a long time, and the best advice is simply to keep on playing. Do not underestimate playtime, because the more hours you have ingame, the more you will improve. Always strive to be better, and to figure out your own mistakes. BUT don't forget to have fun while doing this Or it will never last!

Are there any shoutouts you would like to make?

Device: Shoutout to Team Dignitas and their sponsors, my family and the people close to me (Maria). Also a huge thanks to everyone out there that is following us, it motivates us to do better every time. I hope you all will cheer for us at DreamHack Winter 2014.

The whole team and all the fans wish the best of luck to you personally and the CS:GO team for the upcoming DHW14' and hope that you can fulfill your goal of climbing up to the finals and hopefully winning the whole tournamnet! We will follow the tournament with excitment and anticipation as well as cheer for you guys along the way! Once again best of luck to the team!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/followDev1ce
Twitch: http://www.twitch.tv/device 

GL&HF!