Interview with Zapman on his China experience and cross-region meta

Team Dignitas's Smite team recently attended the Tencent Games Carnival in China. Steven 'Zapman' Zapas, Team Dignitas's Hunter, gives us the rundown of his impression of the Tencent Carnival, his experience in China, and the growing Smite community in China.

Were you excited about going across the world to China to play Smite? Did China meet your expectations?

Zapman: I was extremely excited to visit China. I have never been to Asia and you hear all these stories about the food and culture there that you just want to experience for yourself. China definitely did not dissappoint. The food was was nothing like I've ever seen before but it was all pretty good to me and many of the people I've met were all so friendly. However, the driving in China is the scariest thing I've ever seen.

 

Outside of the games, what was the most epic moment in China for you?

Zapman: It has to be going out and experiencing the night life with my friends there. We met a guy at a club the first night who really liked us and got us free tables and drinks all weekend. It was the most fun I've had going out in any place.

 

What do you think of the all the artwork changes for a lot of the Chinese gods? Are you enjoying the recently released Chinese gods?

Zapman: I love all the artwork changes. The new artworks are all beautiful and very well done. I'm enjoying the recently released Chinese gods, I just wish they would come out with a Hunter Chinese god!

 

How did you feel representing Smite NA and Team Dignitas on a global level?

Zapman: It was a bit overwhelming when you realize that your team represents an entire continent. You feel a sense of pride and extra pressure because you don't want to let your region down.

 

Do you think that the show matches gave the Chinese community an idea about the potential of Smite?

Zapman: Yea I think the show matches were amazingly done. The production down to the actual matches themselves gave the Chinese community a great show of the potential of Smite and how great of a game it is.

 

What was your shining moment in the conquest show match?

Zapman: I had a 1v1 in my lane that I won which made me feel really good during the match. Too bad they missed it because other kills were happening on a different side of the map! :(

 

How was playing a team assault and arena with the rest of Team Dignitas? Did you guys have the same synergy even though it was different game types?

Zapman: Those matches were definitely very tough for us! We usually never play arena or assault even on our own time because we are so busy playing ranked and scrimming. We managed to pull through in the end with some luck and some Toliy Chang'e play.

 

How was practicing against Cog EU? What do you think of the different metas of EU? Any rivalries that sprung up between the two teams?

Zapman: I think EU values different picks then NA but the overall meta is relatively the same. We were shocked at how good they were in the practice matches. They stomped us twice! I don't think any rivalry will spring up because that team didn't stick together but definitely some good friendships were made.

What was your typical schedule like?

Zapman: We woke up around 9 and had breakfast. Then everyone met at the hotel lobby around 12 and we would all go to lunch. Then we would go to the Tencent Games Carnival and get ready for our matches. When we were done with our matches we would help out at the Smite booth. Then we would all leave and go to dinner. The rest of the night was ours to do anything we wanted.

Did you get to play any of the other games at the Carnival?

Zapman: I had the opportunity to play other games but I didn't. When I had free time at the Carnival i chose to stay at the Smite booth and try to help out there as much as possible.

 

What was the Tencent Game Carnival like behind the scenes? Did you always have something to do or was there a lot of free time?

Zapman: The carnival was great. The big stage was the main attraction and always had something going on. I usually had things to do but there was a bit of free time here and there.

 

What is your opinion on Tencent working with Hirez on Smite? What do you think is in store for the players in the future, where do you see Smite going after the official launch?

Zapman: I am so excited that Tencent is working with Hirez. They are both great companies who took great care of us every step of the way. Tencent seems to love Smite and I'm sure will do all in their power to help make the game successful. I think bigger tournaments on an international scale and possibly leagues will be in store for the future. After the official launch, I see Smite gaining a big boom in players and viewers.

 

How did the locals treat you and how was the food, anything unique you tried and liked? Did you like the food in general?

Zapman: Everyone was so friendly, even strangers that had no idea who we were. The food looked like nothing I've ever seen before but I tried mostly everything that was given to me and most of it was pretty good.

 

Did you get to see some of Chinese community play Smite? How did they do?

Zapman: Yea, there were many Chinese players playing at the Smite booth. They played pretty well for never playing before and I saw a lot of hit skill shots. I'm afraid.

 

How long do you think it will take for the Chinese to form teams and develop their own metas?

Zapman: I don't think it will take too long. The Chinese are known for their gaming and I'm sure will be in prime shape in no time.

 

Any shoutouts?

Zapman: Would like to shout out Tencent and Hi-Rez for having us in China and at the Tencent Games Carnival. I had the best time thank you so much! I would also like to shout out to the future Chinese Smite teams, can't wait to play you guys. Last but not least I'd like to shout out Team Dignitas and Meph who was there with us making awesome videos and taking great pictures.

Thanks to Zapman for sharing his impression of China and the Tencent Game Carnival with us! His teammate, Anatoliy 'AnatoLiy' Alekseyenok also wrote about his China experience.