 EggYsc2 August 04 2012 12:05. Posts 612 | Profile Blog # |
Hey everyone,
It is my pleasure to bring you an interview with one of e-sports professional disabled gamers, Jacob 'LgNSpectral' Wacker. Jacob has been participating seriously in competitive Starcraft 2, traveling to Korea and playing in a large variety of venues all around the country and world. Recently Jacob participated in the LgN AbleCraft Showmatch which was hosted by EGMachine and EGLzgamer. It has been my pleasure to have a brief chat with Jacob so that the community can get greater insight into what it's like to be a disabled gamer! Enjoy!
Interview with Jacob “Spectral” Wacker
1) Hello, welcome and thank you for doing this interview with me. Can you introduce yourself for the community?
I am Jacob "spectral" Wacker, I’m a 22 year old disabled gamer! I play Terran and Protoss. I am a platinum player when I’m feeling well and gold/silver when I am having race ADD. Ha-ha. But mostly top gold. I play competitively in these leagues and dedicate myself to this game as much as possible.
2) With being a disabled gamer, have you been able to find many other gamers that are similar to you? How do you think the community treats you?
Yes, and no. Most people who are disabled like they're privacy, so it’s hard to get them into the spotlight most of the time. I feel that it is an accessibility issue. In general the community has been really supportive toward me.
3) You recently played in an online koth match with other disable players. How did you find that experience?
Amazing, though I had a fever and was not at my peak, I could not have been more thrilled. It was everything I had been wanting for over a year now.
I was so proud, and now I have something to prove next time!
4) With being recruited onto Team Legion, what thoughts were going through your mind?
I tried to put it into a phrase, but proud. It felt like I was bringing something to the table and confident that they were serious and they wanted to help me without really demanding anything outside the realm of reason. I am always one to want to do anything for someone who has my back and I just felt LgN had my back. It was just the perfect fit
5) How have your relations been with other players and staff? Have they helped you improve as a player?
I find the staff is very hands on. That is because of the fact that they are making the community transparent. I know what they need, they know what I need, and it’s a "team". I haven’t experienced this before joining. It feels a lot like a football team. In the old day when I played, there was a defense coach, an offensive coach, and a head coach. You know if you need something you have multiple qualified people to help.
The players are not afraid to play around, but when it is time to be serious the transition from the class clown to a student is flawless.
6) I heard that in the past you had to make your own mouse. That’s very creative. What gaming gear is around for disable players or what would you like them to make?
I have had to make my own mouse, out of a wireless mouse and bark chips the first time. I layered tape and bark chips till the left clicker was high enough for me to push with my palm. I want it to be easier for any other disabled players to pick up gaming.
It’s hard... I honestly think ... well, this is a complex question. There is not a lot of adaptive equipment out there because people are afraid it will only work for 1 type of disability. I want to change that. I am currently going to school for my electronic engineering degree because I want to have my designs taken seriously.
For instance, when I was at a children’s hospital in Cali the computers were all tracker ball operated. People with all sorts of functions can use it, but how do you game with it?! That's what I want to figure out. Solutions that work for any gamer.
7) With the past koth match, are you looking or have you been contacted for any other show matches?
Most definitely, Machine and LzGamer want to keep hosting it, and we are only thinking for better ways to incorporate sponsors, like with custom overlays and giveaway prizes. :D I see a circuit starting, and more disabled gamers stepping up wanting action too.
8) Are any MLG's in the future for you?
Yes, I have a pass waiting, just depends if the wind blows me there or not
9) Team Legion recently partnered up with Razer, how are you finding your Razer gear?
My Razer gear has been great! Can't wish for anything better!
10) With the addition of the new Razer gear, what does your computer consist of?
Intel i7 3.4-70 GHz unlocked, 8 GB ram, 125g Solid state hard drive. I use a custom table for my wheelchair, The Black widow keyboard <33, and the Goliathus Speed Edition mouse pad.
11) With your Disability, mind if I ask you how you travel around?
I just recently past my 5 year mark from when I broke my neck and in that time I have flown 47 flights and traveled over 56 thousand miles. So im doing pretty well hahaha. And I just sit in the normal seats on my cushion. You can see it all on my youtube at http://www.youtube.com/wackobx
12) And last shout out or any other last comments?
Thank you to Wyatt for first contacting me. Thank you Team Legion, our sponsors Razer, Imgur, MaxFrag, and all the other supporters of the team ^_^.
You can follow Team Legion at: www.teamlgn.com
Last edit: 2012-08-04 12:33:47 |
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| Seldentar United States. August 04 2012 12:09. Posts 887 | Profile # |
| :D Good stuff thx for the interview, I remember watching Spectral stream last year and really enjoyed it. |
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| ROOTKane Canada. August 04 2012 12:13. Posts 1604 | Profile Blog # | |
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| FXOTheoRy United States. August 04 2012 12:42. Posts 413 | Profile Blog # | |
| | oyoyoyoyoyoyoyoyoyoyoyoyoyoyoyoyoy |  |
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| Hababaloo August 04 2012 12:42. Posts 22 | Profile # | |
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| DreadKnight United Kingdom. August 04 2012 12:49. Posts 114 | Profile # |
Wow. Inspiring man...
Best of luck to you fellow gamer! |
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| Darigaz(L) United States. August 04 2012 23:32. Posts 93 | Profile Blog # |
| < 3 Spectral great stuff! |
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| IRL_Sinister Ireland. August 04 2012 23:34. Posts 598 | Profile Blog # |
| Impressive stuff, best of luck. |
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| TheSwamp United States. August 04 2012 23:46. Posts 1399 | Profile # |
| That picture is awesome. I'll definitely be rooting for him at any MLGs he attends. |
| | MLG: How is your Protoss? Idra: I make Blink Stalkers, so really, really good. |  |
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| WerderBremen Germany. August 04 2012 23:49. Posts 898 | Profile # |
Such a boss, great picture. Keep it up  |
| | "Thats the moment you send the kids outta the room - when you get contained by MarineKing." Tasteless |
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| killy666 France. August 05 2012 02:44. Posts 157 | Profile # |
| An impressive lesson in dedication and motivation. Congratulations! |
| | My life is sicker than your band | |
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| BabyToss! Czech Republic. August 05 2012 04:27. Posts 519 | Profile Blog # |
| You are an inspiration to many people out there. Keep going. |
| | www.youtube.com/BabyTossSC2 - My Videologs | @BabyTossSC2 - My Twitter | Playing for Awesome Gaming Team |  |
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| Evangelist August 05 2012 04:32. Posts 1167 | Profile Blog # |
Parastarcraft 2 sounds awesome, to be honest. What an amazingly fun way to allow people with disabilities that are inflicted on them by life to enjoy the hell out of themselves.
Also cheers to EG for running a tournament solely for disabled gamers. |
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| LgNAnatares Canada. August 05 2012 10:02. Posts 8 | Profile # | |
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| Handicap August 06 2012 13:49. Posts 24 | Profile # |
| glad to see i get a shoutout u jerk. it was a great showmatch, cant wait to play and defend my title next time |
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| SupLilSon Malaysia. August 06 2012 14:05. Posts 3164 | Profile # |
| Hey man! I remember checking out your stream when you were vVvSpectral. It's truly inspiring to know that you're still dedicated to SC2 and your determination is enviable. Good luck and keep on grinding! |
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| GGzerG United States. August 06 2012 14:08. Posts 3515 | Profile Blog # |
Nice spectral, I love you're motivation man, you are truley an inspiration to all gamers out there man. keep on truckin! Congrats on joining LgN too , that is a sick team. I'd also really love to see you participate in MLG's man, spectral fighting~!
God bless~ |
| | http://cafe.daum.net/everguild @ Fish... ~Fish SPECIAL LEAGUE CHAMPIONS! :) *RIP Violet, RIP n.Die_aSam* |  |
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| Ace1123 Philippines. August 06 2012 14:15. Posts 1118 | Profile # | |
| | ForGG, Mvp, MMA, MarineKing, BoxeR, | |
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| Spectralx United States. August 07 2012 07:01. Posts 170 | Profile # |
| ! i didnt even know this was here <333 ty all, you make me smile! |
| | Spectral - Paralyzed Quadriplegic Gamer |
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| FXOkaRmy Canada. August 07 2012 08:53. Posts 573 | Profile Blog # |
| Spectral is a great guy to have around, Always up-beat and happy. |
| | Team Captain for FXO.NA Follow me on twitter @FXOkarmy | |
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