There were nearly 2,000 people on the Team Spooky broadcast on Monday as the man himself, Spooky, did the right thing and cleared the air on certain subjects that took place during Final Round XIV the weekend before. Not one game was broadcast and yet, there were 2,000 people watching. I was one of those people, because I was wondering what Spooky was going to say.
Among the topics he addressed was the groundswell that is he and the rest of Team Spooky possibly broadcasting the Evolution 2011 World Finals. Nothing has been locked, but the tea leaves suggest something is in the works at this moment. As the powers that be work on whatever they have planned in terms of the broadcast, social networks have caught on in trying to get Team Spooky the nod. There's even a petition, signed by a couple hundred people (I have not signed it).
Would it be cool if Team Spooky got the call? Absolutely. That group has broadcast some of the biggest moments in competitive gaming over the past year. But you know what else would be cool? If Level|Up got the call. They also have broadcast some big moments over the past year. There's something else that would be as cool, and that's if Michael "Slash5150" Yu gets the call. Or, perhaps the guys at iPLAYWINNER should get the call, that would be cool. What about Dewitt "Striderzer0" Ward? He's the undisputed king of Marvel vs. Capcom series footage and he also broadcasts.
After watching the Team Spooky Address on Monday, I realized that who streams Evolution shouldn't matter to me or you the fighting game fan. One of the first things I did after turning off the Team Spooky stream was look at a calendar.
It's March.
Evolution isn't until July 29.
And the time in between is the reason why it shouldn't matter to you who streams Evolution. Because between now and July 29, you should be worried about getting to Evolution. I could understand if today was July 15 and all of what happened, happened. Then we the fans of Evolution might be on pins and needles wondering who will be broadcasting it. July 15 probably isn't enough time to plan a trip to Las Vegas and watch the event live.
But come on, everyone. We're still four months away from the tournament. That is plenty of time to save some paychecks, beg for money or even walk to Las Vegas. It's said repeatedly, and I'll say it here; Evolution is a tournament you must attend live. It is not the same on a 17-inch monitor on your computer. The four times I've been to Evolution have been unforgettable experiences. When I couldn't go last year, it hurt. Watching Championship Sunday on a 13-inch macbook in a library-like coffee shop while being told you're going to get evicted isn't fun times.
The tournament organizers put it perfectly:
Most of us have plenty of time. Save up. Be at Evolution.
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Among the topics he addressed was the groundswell that is he and the rest of Team Spooky possibly broadcasting the Evolution 2011 World Finals. Nothing has been locked, but the tea leaves suggest something is in the works at this moment. As the powers that be work on whatever they have planned in terms of the broadcast, social networks have caught on in trying to get Team Spooky the nod. There's even a petition, signed by a couple hundred people (I have not signed it).
Would it be cool if Team Spooky got the call? Absolutely. That group has broadcast some of the biggest moments in competitive gaming over the past year. But you know what else would be cool? If Level|Up got the call. They also have broadcast some big moments over the past year. There's something else that would be as cool, and that's if Michael "Slash5150" Yu gets the call. Or, perhaps the guys at iPLAYWINNER should get the call, that would be cool. What about Dewitt "Striderzer0" Ward? He's the undisputed king of Marvel vs. Capcom series footage and he also broadcasts.
After watching the Team Spooky Address on Monday, I realized that who streams Evolution shouldn't matter to me or you the fighting game fan. One of the first things I did after turning off the Team Spooky stream was look at a calendar.
It's March.
Evolution isn't until July 29.
And the time in between is the reason why it shouldn't matter to you who streams Evolution. Because between now and July 29, you should be worried about getting to Evolution. I could understand if today was July 15 and all of what happened, happened. Then we the fans of Evolution might be on pins and needles wondering who will be broadcasting it. July 15 probably isn't enough time to plan a trip to Las Vegas and watch the event live.
But come on, everyone. We're still four months away from the tournament. That is plenty of time to save some paychecks, beg for money or even walk to Las Vegas. It's said repeatedly, and I'll say it here; Evolution is a tournament you must attend live. It is not the same on a 17-inch monitor on your computer. The four times I've been to Evolution have been unforgettable experiences. When I couldn't go last year, it hurt. Watching Championship Sunday on a 13-inch macbook in a library-like coffee shop while being told you're going to get evicted isn't fun times.
The tournament organizers put it perfectly:
As the world’s largest open fighting game tournament, the Evolution Championship Series has grown into a global event attracting thousands of competitors of the highest caliber from all over the world seeking victories, cash prizes, and community respect. For more than a decade, the tournament is where new talent emerges as champions, and where reigning champions grow into legends.It's perfectly fine to get hype for who will be helping out with the broadcast. When it comes down to it, it shouldn't matter to me or any fighting game fan, because it would be even more hype to walk the Rio on July 29 and see the thousands of competitors taking part in the six tournaments and various side tournaments. Wouldn't it be cool to be among thousands of other people who like what you like?
However, in recent years, Evo has evolved (no pun intended) into something more. It’s where community members and players ranging anywhere from the casual gamer and spectator to the hardcore tournament junkie can gather en masse and connect to meet in person, learn about the newest fighting game titles and hardware, witness the history in the making, and most importantly, throw down against opponents from all over the world. No matter who you ask, they’ll all tell you the same thing: If there’s only one event you can attend, Evolution is the tournament you will not want to miss.
Most of us have plenty of time. Save up. Be at Evolution.
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Justin Wong beat Floe once again in the finals of a Wednesday Night Fights tournament. The latest outcome came Wednesday in the initial tournament of Season 2.
The difference this time was that Justin posted a triple-double against Floe; he had 23 combos, 13 assists and 11 hyper combos against Floe. He hadn't done that in any of the two previous encounters. However, to be fair, last night's final was a 5-game series and all others were 3-game series.
Stats of the title match are available in the Fighting Game Stats database.
A triple-double wasn't locked in until Justin's Tron connected on the final two hyper combos to finish off Floe in the contest.
Justin's assist efficiency was .485, and his hyper efficiency was .958. By comparison, Floe's assist efficiency was zero -- he didn't get an assist -- and hyper efficiency .928.
Video of the finals, provided by Offcast, follows the jump ...
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The difference this time was that Justin posted a triple-double against Floe; he had 23 combos, 13 assists and 11 hyper combos against Floe. He hadn't done that in any of the two previous encounters. However, to be fair, last night's final was a 5-game series and all others were 3-game series.
Stats of the title match are available in the Fighting Game Stats database.
A triple-double wasn't locked in until Justin's Tron connected on the final two hyper combos to finish off Floe in the contest.
Justin's assist efficiency was .485, and his hyper efficiency was .958. By comparison, Floe's assist efficiency was zero -- he didn't get an assist -- and hyper efficiency .928.
Video of the finals, provided by Offcast, follows the jump ...
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An EA Sports representative sent out a message on Twitter earlier today saying that details of Madden 12 will be made public next week.
Daily Madden Update... The teaser video should be released early next week. Several new features shown.We already know that surprise onside kicks will be in the game, and that free agents won't be in limbo should the lockout continue through the summer and possibly autumn. Hopefully we get some details on look, feel and whether the "simpler, quicker, deeper" gameplay will be improved on. no comments
Everything in life is a work in progress. The biggest example for me, personally, when it comes to competitive gaming, is the Fighting Game Stats database, which I'm trying to build up as tournaments continue on. More specifally, my focus is on the Evolution 2011 Tournament Season, which is going to have a collection of major events that take place throughout the world.
Now, on the Fighting Game Stats database, there is a page dedicated toward the Evolution 2011 tournament season. As competitions happen in the series, I'll be updating this page with various stats.
I'll also be providing some additional stats exclusive to the tournament series. For example, in the top four matches combined in the three live events, first-hit win percentage is barely at .504; players are 60 for 119 when getting the first hit. That is nearly 75 points below what is considered the tournament average (.580).
Usually, when a tournament has a low first-hit win percentage, it means the comeback percentage is very high. That is not the case in this example. The comeback percentage in the same realm is .204, which is only 14 points higher than the tournament average (.190). Obviously, when it comes down to crunch time, players tend to play less aggressive as they would if it was earlier in the event.
There are plenty more stats to check out specific to the Evolution 2011 Tournament Season, so head to the Fighting Game Stats database and check them out. Finally, you get to see the snazzy cool layout that I'll be applying to the rest of the site. no comments
Now, on the Fighting Game Stats database, there is a page dedicated toward the Evolution 2011 tournament season. As competitions happen in the series, I'll be updating this page with various stats.
I'll also be providing some additional stats exclusive to the tournament series. For example, in the top four matches combined in the three live events, first-hit win percentage is barely at .504; players are 60 for 119 when getting the first hit. That is nearly 75 points below what is considered the tournament average (.580).
Usually, when a tournament has a low first-hit win percentage, it means the comeback percentage is very high. That is not the case in this example. The comeback percentage in the same realm is .204, which is only 14 points higher than the tournament average (.190). Obviously, when it comes down to crunch time, players tend to play less aggressive as they would if it was earlier in the event.
There are plenty more stats to check out specific to the Evolution 2011 Tournament Season, so head to the Fighting Game Stats database and check them out. Finally, you get to see the snazzy cool layout that I'll be applying to the rest of the site. no comments
Peter "Combofiend" Rosas pulled off an insane comeback against Martin "Marn" Phan to complete a three-game sweep at Final Round XIV this past weekend. The finale was insane.
Hit the jump to see the video ...
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Hit the jump to see the video ...
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This is perhaps one of the more amazing stats I've seen in the Evolution 2011 tournament series. In the top four at Final Round XIV's Super Street Fighter IV tournament, eventual champion Eduardo "Puerto Rico Balrog" Perez had an EX connection percentage of .842.
PR Balrog was 48 for 57 whenever he used an EX meter. That is batshit crazy, especially since two of the three guys he faced have very good EX defense. If there is a "another side of the spectrum" debate, PR Balrog only used 57 of 123 possible EX meters available, a paltry .463 percentage.
There is always a reason why someone wins a tournament. That EX connection percentage is sticking out like eyeballs.
He also had six comebacks in matches played in the top four. The other three players had a combined three total.
Stats of the top four at Final Round XIV will be available later tonight on the Fighting Game Stats database. no comments
PR Balrog was 48 for 57 whenever he used an EX meter. That is batshit crazy, especially since two of the three guys he faced have very good EX defense. If there is a "another side of the spectrum" debate, PR Balrog only used 57 of 123 possible EX meters available, a paltry .463 percentage.
There is always a reason why someone wins a tournament. That EX connection percentage is sticking out like eyeballs.
He also had six comebacks in matches played in the top four. The other three players had a combined three total.
Stats of the top four at Final Round XIV will be available later tonight on the Fighting Game Stats database. no comments
The Madden Challenge could be coming back as soon as this year, according to one EA Sports representative. Chris Erb, vice president of marketing, said on Twitter the company is working on restoring the famed tournament series, which had been around for nearly a decade.
He posted these two notes on Twitter:
For most of its time, the Madden Challenge was a series of at least 15 single-elimination tournaments that took place throughout the nation, almost on a weekly basis. In its early day, the amount of tournaments for a year was 32. It soon dwindled down to about 15 in the late 2000s.
In 2009, Major League Gaming reached a deal with EA Sports to run the 2009 tournament series, running only three preliminaries plus the finals. However, those three preliminaries were all double elimination tournaments. There were plans for a 2010 season, but about a month before it was to take place the league said it wouldn't be running it, and no explanation was given.
Eric "Problem" Wright is the last Madden Challenge finals champion; he's the only two-time winner and the only person to win a combined six tournaments in the series.
This would clearly be a welcome word to the community. Hopefully it becomes a reality. no comments
He posted these two notes on Twitter:
We are bringing Madden Challenge back in a big way. Can't talk about it yet though...In the middle of answering questions about a possible Madden Challenge, he reassured Madden players there will be a Madden 12 even if there is no NFL season; the players are currently under a lockout and it's unknown when the players and owners will come to a deal on a new collective barganing agreement, which would allow for a new season to start.
Can't say a word...in the middle of doing deals. But you guys will be happy!
For most of its time, the Madden Challenge was a series of at least 15 single-elimination tournaments that took place throughout the nation, almost on a weekly basis. In its early day, the amount of tournaments for a year was 32. It soon dwindled down to about 15 in the late 2000s.
In 2009, Major League Gaming reached a deal with EA Sports to run the 2009 tournament series, running only three preliminaries plus the finals. However, those three preliminaries were all double elimination tournaments. There were plans for a 2010 season, but about a month before it was to take place the league said it wouldn't be running it, and no explanation was given.
Eric "Problem" Wright is the last Madden Challenge finals champion; he's the only two-time winner and the only person to win a combined six tournaments in the series.
This would clearly be a welcome word to the community. Hopefully it becomes a reality. no comments
For a couple months, I've said on various social outlets that Aaron Rodgers will be the cover athlete for Madden 12. If not him, then it should be most valuable player Tom Brady. They're the most memorable people going into the 2011-12 season.
However, a graphic by SgtAndyNorris on Twitter has a better take on who might be more memorable and probably be on the cover if the lockout drags on for months. Hit the jump ...
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However, a graphic by SgtAndyNorris on Twitter has a better take on who might be more memorable and probably be on the cover if the lockout drags on for months. Hit the jump ...
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Eduardo "Puerto Rico Balrog" Perez won the Super Street Fighter IV tournament at Final Round XIV on Sunday afternoon, beating Japanese player Tokido in the finals.
With the win, PR Balrog will receive one of the coveted top seeds in the Evolution 2011 World Finals.
PR Balrog, the losers bracket representative, forced a second championship match before eliminating Tokido. PR Balrog was actually out-comboed by Tokido, 23-18 in the second finals, but once he was on game point, he outcomboed Tokido, 5-4. In both finals matches combined, Tokido out-comboed PR Balrog 43-39, having just a one combo advantage in the first finals.
In both finals matches combined, the players had a .500 first-hit win percentage. PR Balrog was 7 for 14 in rounds where he got the first hit, including 5 for 8 in the first finals. no comments
With the win, PR Balrog will receive one of the coveted top seeds in the Evolution 2011 World Finals.
PR Balrog, the losers bracket representative, forced a second championship match before eliminating Tokido. PR Balrog was actually out-comboed by Tokido, 23-18 in the second finals, but once he was on game point, he outcomboed Tokido, 5-4. In both finals matches combined, Tokido out-comboed PR Balrog 43-39, having just a one combo advantage in the first finals.
In both finals matches combined, the players had a .500 first-hit win percentage. PR Balrog was 7 for 14 in rounds where he got the first hit, including 5 for 8 in the first finals. no comments
As many as 16 other players will be joining the ranks of those that will have secured seeding points in Evolution's 2011 tournament series. The points leader at the moment is Joshua "Wolfkrone" Philpot, who has won two of the four tournaments played in the series (and he could only play in three of them because he couldn't repeat as online champ).
Wolfkrone said he will be competing at Final Round XIV (you can watch the broadcast of the tournament here). I pulled the statistics from my personal database as well as the Fighting Game Stats database to look at his play. If he gets to the final four for a third time, here's something to note regarding what he's done so far.
No lead is safe, on either end.
When he's been in the final four at the two tournaments he's played, there have been 14 comebacks combined by either him or his opponents. With 51 rounds played, the closeout percentage is barely .725. Wolfkrone has accounted for 10 of those 14 comebacks. It's almost as if you need to buy some insurance before playing Wolfkrone because someone is losing a precious victory.
Some other notes on Wolfkrone's final four appearances in the tournament series:
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Wolfkrone said he will be competing at Final Round XIV (you can watch the broadcast of the tournament here). I pulled the statistics from my personal database as well as the Fighting Game Stats database to look at his play. If he gets to the final four for a third time, here's something to note regarding what he's done so far.
No lead is safe, on either end.
When he's been in the final four at the two tournaments he's played, there have been 14 comebacks combined by either him or his opponents. With 51 rounds played, the closeout percentage is barely .725. Wolfkrone has accounted for 10 of those 14 comebacks. It's almost as if you need to buy some insurance before playing Wolfkrone because someone is losing a precious victory.
Some other notes on Wolfkrone's final four appearances in the tournament series:
- His combo rate is 1.921 per round, which is right near the tournament average. Opponents are at 1.705.
- His first-hit win percentage is .763, which is off the charts, especially considering that it is the top four and the average slips to near .550. Opponents are at .321 by comparison.
- He's used way more EX meter than his opponents, 121-76. Either his opponents have chosen not to utilize meter or Wolfkrone prevents them from doing it. Wolfkrone's EX connection percentage is a very sub-par .429. However, his opponents are just as bad, posting a .434 average.
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