Congratulations on your new pickup. Tell us how you feel about recruiting MMA and Cella.
I am so glad that Cella and MMA joined Acer. I went to Korea because of Iron Squid reasons and I was able to visit the SlayerS team house and that's where I got to meet them for the first time. Ever since then, I've always wanted the chance to work with them. SlayerS was my favorite Korean team. Of course, we didn't do any negotiating or business transactions while they were still affiliated with SlayerS. But then I realized I finally got that opportunity that I had been hoping for after SlayerS announced their disbandment. If MMA ever gets to step on a Code S finals stage again, I want to go to Korea and cheer him on.
Why did you choose MMA and Cella?
MMA is one of the most famous Korean players out there. Recently, Acer needed to solidify our roster so we were in need of a brand new player. Currently, Acer is home to really famous players like Scarlett and Nerchio so we couldn't really find anymore overseas players we liked. That's when we decided we wanted MMA. I truly believe that if MMA can just get back in to his old shape, he will become the best player again. I was convinced of this when I saw MMA win the Iron Squid Chapter 1.
As for Cella, we needed someone who could help out our influence in Korea. Cella has a lot of connections and he's very loyal to the teams he's a part of so I saw that recruiting him with MMA would be nothing but positive for us. Cella is also very famous overseas. I truly believe that Cella's fame will be able to greatly help us out in the Korean, Asian, and even the North American scene.
So Cella will be your representative for the Asian scene. Does that mean you are looking to recruit more Asian players?
I guess you could say that. Cella will be a manager for our team and also a coach. He's definitely going to be a great asset for when we want to recruit more Korean players and he'll accompany us whenever we go to overseas tournaments so he'll help us there too. I also believe that Cella will be able to teach our European players things about the game that Korean players understand very well. And definitely also for our team leagues. Also, if we get a chance to put our hand in the Korean market waters, I really want to go for it.
You announced a hint that you're recruiting a non European player and that you're recruiting a Zerg.
That's correct. Our hint was supposed to play a trick on the people. I did it this way to ensure that no one leaked this information before we released it and we also wanted to surprise everyone by announcing both Cella and MMA. Therefore, the non-European player was MMA, and the Zerg was Cella.
What will be their future plans? Will they be living overseas?
For now, they will be remaining in Korea. For MMA, the GSL is the most important tournament. MMA will be attending overseas tournaments but for now, his priority is IPL, Iron Squid, and the GSL. However, if he has a chance to attend an overseas qualifiers, then he's gonna go for it.
Anything else you would like to say?
I am very honored to have MMA on our team and grateful for the opportunity. I feel really good about MMA and Cella joining our team. I also want to thank This Is Game. I've always stayed on top of news announcements by TIG and now that I've actually had the opportunity to get an interview with TIG, I am glad. Lastly, I want to thank team Acer for everything and request that people follow my two new friends on twitter.
Fred Gau @AcerKaoru Moon Sung Won @AcerMMA Hong Seung Pyo @AcerCella
Congratulations on finding a new team. Tell us how you feel about getting in to Acer?
I am very glad that I was able to join a team like Acer. I received a lot of offers from many teams but back in May during the Iron Squid Chapter 1, I got to meet the manager of team Acer, Fred "Kaoru" Gau, and he approached me with such vigor that the process got handled pretty quickly.
So Fred Gau approached you first?
That's correct. When the news about me talking to Axiom and EG got released, he contacted me straight away. He kept asking for a chance and very strongly voiced his desire for me to be on team Acer.
After SlayerS disbanded, you must have received a ton of offers. Tell us why you chose Acer.
It's true that I received a lot of offers. But most of their contracts did not really fit what I wanted. Personally, I really wanted to feel liberated after joining a team and Acer turned out to fit every single one of my needs.
So what's going to happen from here? Are you going to move overseas?
Nope. I will leave Korea when I need to attend overseas tournaments but I will continue to live in Korea.
Your new teammates are players like Scarlett and Nerchio. Practice must be difficult with players like them.
I don't know yet but I'm pretty sure that's what's going to happen. I think for the time being, I'm going to have to practice alone in Korea.
What are your future plans?
For now, all my focus is on Code A and IPL 5. And right now, I am participating heavily in NASL and Iron Squid Chapter 2 online matches.
Are you liking the terms of your new contract?
Absolutely. I feel like I've been given the best offer out of every single Korean player so far.
Tell us about your future goals.
I am so glad I was able to join a great team like Acer. I'm going to make sure I repay them for giving me such a good deal by delivering phenomenal performances. I hope my fans will lie in eager anticipation for me.
Absolutely. I feel like I've been given the best offer out of every single Korean player so far.
Sounds like a lot of money.
to be fair, esf players get zero to little salary. don't think his salary compares to what the top kespa players earn though.
It is likely he is referring to koreans that got contracts from foreign tams and not kespa contracts. In terms of name value and accomplishments, only MC's signing is comparable.
As for the difficult practice, I think it is a compliment to Scarlett and Nerchio who are both considered top foreigners (and overall players) by Koreans.
Absolutely. I feel like I've been given the best offer out of every single Korean player so far.
Sounds like a lot of money.
to be fair, esf players get zero to little salary. don't think his salary compares to what the top kespa players earn though.
It is likely he is referring to koreans that got contracts from foreign tams and not kespa contracts. In terms of name value and accomplishments, only MC's signing is comparable.
As for the difficult practice, I think it is a compliment to Scarlett and Nerchio who are both considered top foreigners (and overall players) by Koreans.
MC was signed when he was still pretty good though, no? I would have expected him to have a larger salary, especially since SK is more wellknown than Acer for esports
MMA in a green polo looks so... wrong! Nonetheless, awesome pickup by Team Acer. MMA seems very happy with his contract and hopefully this new peace of mind will contribute to his comeback.
Absolutely. I feel like I've been given the best offer out of every single Korean player so far.
Sounds like a lot of money.
to be fair, esf players get zero to little salary. don't think his salary compares to what the top kespa players earn though.
It is likely he is referring to koreans that got contracts from foreign tams and not kespa contracts. In terms of name value and accomplishments, only MC's signing is comparable.
As for the difficult practice, I think it is a compliment to Scarlett and Nerchio who are both considered top foreigners (and overall players) by Koreans.
MC was signed when he was still pretty good though, no? I would have expected him to have a larger salary, especially since SK is more wellknown than Acer for esports
I vaguely remember an MC interview where he said SK wasn't the team that offered him the most money, but he joined because he was close with Reis and other SK(CS, LoL) players.
Well conducted interview. Impressed by the professionalism of the Acer manager in both his approach of MMA and Cella and the way he answered in the interview.
Am I the only one who thinks Acer needs to do something about those polos? AFAIK, Acer does't have a huge affiliation to only green.
Guys we are talking about "Acer" here, they got loads of money... MMA must got a sweet deal and I'm happy for him. I'm happy I own three acer monitors now lol.
Thanks Seeker! The Acer manager saying they might be looking for more Koreans sounds very promising, there are still some talents without a team left, maybe they can make a fit?
On November 21 2012 17:08 Xeris wrote: i love how the acer shirt is badly photoshopped onto MMA =P
also... the lime/booger green of their shirts is very saddening, would love to see something better
is it photoshopped on? how can you tell? haha
they tried to form the a and e around the curve of the t-shirt ... but the 'team' is just a straight line of text , and the explore beyond limits is just a straight line of text when it should be part of the shirt.
also just pasted the logo on the upper breast.
just pointing it out, nothing really bad or wrong with it.
On November 21 2012 17:08 Xeris wrote: i love how the acer shirt is badly photoshopped onto MMA =P
also... the lime/booger green of their shirts is very saddening, would love to see something better
is it photoshopped on? how can you tell? haha
they tried to form the a and e around the curve of the t-shirt ... but the 'team' is just a straight line of text , and the explore beyond limits is just a straight line of text when it should be part of the shirt.
also just pasted the logo on the upper breast.
just pointing it out, nothing really bad or wrong with it.
not convinced tbh, the "explore beyond the limits" looks like it belongs, it's far from just a straight line. If photoshopped, then pretty well done.
On November 21 2012 14:42 AgentW wrote: Well conducted interview. Impressed by the professionalism of the Acer manager in both his approach of MMA and Cella and the way he answered in the interview.
Am I the only one who thinks Acer needs to do something about those polos? AFAIK, Acer does't have a huge affiliation to only green.
new ones are on their way Mr. AgentW :D there is a right time for every single thing out there in this gaming world!
On November 22 2012 06:17 naux wrote: Yeah i don't really care EG didn't sign MMA, I would rather want Flash or Jaedong
well jaedong wanted to leave his team after he got ONLY like 100k a year ? flash gets more i think ... damn nada in prime time got 200k+ boxer even more
no team can really fight with the big kespa teams at the moment
I think the Acer polos are pretty sick. Funny how in only 1 year Acer has developed from being a mid-tier EU team to being one of the strongest teams in the world.
On November 22 2012 06:17 naux wrote: Yeah i don't really care EG didn't sign MMA, I would rather want Flash or Jaedong
well jaedong wanted to leave his team after he got ONLY like 100k a year ? flash gets more i think ... damn nada in prime time got 200k+ boxer even more
no team can really fight with the big kespa teams at the moment
I think i read some where Flash gets around 300k a year but you never know what happens if EG drops all there players and signs Jae dong? Lol
Your new teammates are players like Scarlett and Nerchio. Practice must be difficult with players like them.
oo was this an insult against those two o.O can someone who speaks korean clarify the intent?
i assume it means that scarlett and nerchio are really good? so MMA would struggle against them in practice
Which is silly cuz he will not practice against them, he will ladder and any customs he will practice with old Slayers friends and other korean friends.
Your new teammates are players like Scarlett and Nerchio. Practice must be difficult with players like them.
oo was this an insult against those two o.O can someone who speaks korean clarify the intent?
i assume it means that scarlett and nerchio are really good? so MMA would struggle against them in practice
Which is silly cuz he will not practice against them, he will ladder and any customs he will practice with old Slayers friends and other korean friends.
No offense to scarlett/nerchio but they are not on the level of play that MMA needs in order to stay competitive for GSL titles.
Still decent practice partners, but it's like playing on the europe or NA server and then trying to fight pro-level korean zergs, you just can't get away with some little things here and there and it adds up into a loss after a bit.
Your new teammates are players like Scarlett and Nerchio. Practice must be difficult with players like them.
oo was this an insult against those two o.O can someone who speaks korean clarify the intent?
i assume it means that scarlett and nerchio are really good? so MMA would struggle against them in practice
Which is silly cuz he will not practice against them, he will ladder and any customs he will practice with old Slayers friends and other korean friends.
No offense to scarlett/nerchio but they are not on the level of play that MMA needs in order to stay competitive for GSL titles.
Still decent practice partners, but it's like playing on the europe or NA server and then trying to fight pro-level korean zergs, you just can't get away with some little things here and there and it adds up into a loss after a bit.
a while away until he can thinking about being competitive for GSL titles again, and those two (if they were lag-free) would be a good first step for MMA haha. his tvz is <30% postpatch
Your new teammates are players like Scarlett and Nerchio. Practice must be difficult with players like them.
oo was this an insult against those two o.O can someone who speaks korean clarify the intent?
i assume it means that scarlett and nerchio are really good? so MMA would struggle against them in practice
Which is silly cuz he will not practice against them, he will ladder and any customs he will practice with old Slayers friends and other korean friends.
No offense to scarlett/nerchio but they are not on the level of play that MMA needs in order to stay competitive for GSL titles.
Still decent practice partners, but it's like playing on the europe or NA server and then trying to fight pro-level korean zergs, you just can't get away with some little things here and there and it adds up into a loss after a bit.
a while away until he can thinking about being competitive for GSL titles again, and those two (if they were lag-free) would be a good first step for MMA haha. his tvz is <30% postpatch
Your new teammates are players like Scarlett and Nerchio. Practice must be difficult with players like them.
oo was this an insult against those two o.O can someone who speaks korean clarify the intent?
i assume it means that scarlett and nerchio are really good? so MMA would struggle against them in practice
Which is silly cuz he will not practice against them, he will ladder and any customs he will practice with old Slayers friends and other korean friends.
No offense to scarlett/nerchio but they are not on the level of play that MMA needs in order to stay competitive for GSL titles.
Still decent practice partners, but it's like playing on the europe or NA server and then trying to fight pro-level korean zergs, you just can't get away with some little things here and there and it adds up into a loss after a bit.
a while away until he can thinking about being competitive for GSL titles again, and those two (if they were lag-free) would be a good first step for MMA haha. his tvz is <30% postpatch
Don't you confuse our blind fanboyism with facts!!! MMA best playa eva!!
Interesting read though. I wonder If Scarlett or Nerchio would (like to) move to Korea.
Great for MMA, though I don't know if Acer is the best team out there for him. They don't seem to have a lot of high level players but ofcourse i could be wrong. I do hope that MMA gets back to form since he was a great terran in his good days. One of the best actually.
Your new teammates are players like Scarlett and Nerchio. Practice must be difficult with players like them.
oo was this an insult against those two o.O can someone who speaks korean clarify the intent?
i assume it means that scarlett and nerchio are really good? so MMA would struggle against them in practice
Which is silly cuz he will not practice against them, he will ladder and any customs he will practice with old Slayers friends and other korean friends.
No offense to scarlett/nerchio but they are not on the level of play that MMA needs in order to stay competitive for GSL titles.
Still decent practice partners, but it's like playing on the europe or NA server and then trying to fight pro-level korean zergs, you just can't get away with some little things here and there and it adds up into a loss after a bit.
a while away until he can thinking about being competitive for GSL titles again, and those two (if they were lag-free) would be a good first step for MMA haha. his tvz is <30% postpatch
Don't you confuse our blind fanboyism with facts!!! MMA best playa eva!!
Interesting read though. I wonder If Scarlett or Nerchio would (like to) move to Korea.
Scarlett wanted to go there for Eclypsia already, I think. Nerchio, absolutely not.
Your new teammates are players like Scarlett and Nerchio. Practice must be difficult with players like them.
oo was this an insult against those two o.O can someone who speaks korean clarify the intent?
i assume it means that scarlett and nerchio are really good? so MMA would struggle against them in practice
Which is silly cuz he will not practice against them, he will ladder and any customs he will practice with old Slayers friends and other korean friends.
No offense to scarlett/nerchio but they are not on the level of play that MMA needs in order to stay competitive for GSL titles.
Still decent practice partners, but it's like playing on the europe or NA server and then trying to fight pro-level korean zergs, you just can't get away with some little things here and there and it adds up into a loss after a bit.
a while away until he can thinking about being competitive for GSL titles again, and those two (if they were lag-free) would be a good first step for MMA haha. his tvz is <30% postpatch
Don't you confuse our blind fanboyism with facts!!! MMA best playa eva!!
Interesting read though. I wonder If Scarlett or Nerchio would (like to) move to Korea.
Scarlett wanted to go there for Eclypsia already, I think. Nerchio, absolutely not.
Well then let's hope for another foreign Zerg in GSL