A_Spec
So when you started, did you have a commentator role model? An example that you used to get yourself better?
djWheat
I didn't have a role model for a commentator, but I did have a role model who helped me excel at radio and presentation. That is
Chad
“Blankz” Budd. But I don't think there was necessarily anyone out there who was the "King of Shoutcasting", so I made myself better by practising almost daily and reviewing my own casts religiously. Just like playing professionally... to cast professionally you have to practice
A_Spec
You're comparing commentating to pro gaming, but how would you place it in the gaming scene? What kind of role do you think it has?
djWheat
I think it's absolutely an essential piece to the support and evolution of pro gaming. We're the translators... the ones who interpret the beautiful moves, aim, shots, tactics, strategies, etc, into something that is recognizable to folks. And I think it will continue to be a major role in gaming because it's an essential piece to getting the mainstream audience to accept pro gaming for what it is.
A_Spec
Lets talk about some of your casting history, and one particular infamous moment at the time when you were still part of the Team Sportscast Network (TsN) and got plastered while being on air. How the Hell did that happen?
djWheat
Simple. I had done nearly 10 straight days of casting for Resurrection 2 a Quake 3 tournament. On the 10th night, which happened to be a Friday, I just said, "hey I'm gonna have some fun".
And that's exactly what I did... ultimately it lead to the Alf Theme Song, written and sung by Marcus 'djWHEAT' Graham.
A_Spec
Times have changed since then, you moved away from TsN and started your own station called
Inside The Game (iTG), what drove you to that decision?
djWheat
When I think back on those events, the biggest reason for making the move that I did was wanting to work with the right people around me. TsN was sort of split into two camps at that point, the TsN camp, and for lack of a better term, the iTG camp. Unfortunately the iTG camp didn't get much support, so it seemed like the logical solution was to start something new that would allow us more freedom to do what we wanted, and to work with who we wanted to.
A_Spec
These days you are one of the most respected all round commentators, but is there any particular caster that you admire?
djWheat
Hmmm... honestly, I admire anyone who sticks with it. I come from the camp of people who did this for 5 years without pay and without reward. I think people come into this field and think there is opportunity for big bucks... I can save them some time... there isn't. Yet we still have a core group of broadcasters who are committed to the players, the games, the "sport", and the fans. And those are the individuals that people should be admiring, because it's their passion for gaming that helps fuel the larger fire.
A_Spec
Commentating games is a hard job that includes a lot of travel, and I happen to know that you have a young family. How do you combine the two?
djWheat
You can't combine the two, that's the hard part. I personally don't have the funds to take my wife and child to every event we go and cover. The reason I am able to do it is because my wife believes in what I do and wants me to continue to chase my dream. If I didn't have her willingness to adjust to my schedules then I'd be a single man really fucking quick.
But it's a very difficult thing to balance, so kudos to anyone who does this juggling act!
A_Spec
So tell me something about your show,
Epileptic Gaming
djWheat
Many people don't realize, that I am a VIDEO GAME JUNKIE. Sure I spent alot of time focusing my time and effort on competitive games, but from the age of two I was holding controllers in my hand ready to play.
Epileptic Gaming scratches that video game itch for me. It lets me talk about video games the way I would talk to my buddies. Apparently, it caught on, has been growing in popularity, and now we're on DAILY!
Epileptic Gaming started in 2003, and I never would have thought that we'd be where we are today... doing live video shows everyday. I love it.
A_Spec
Yes, about that. There have been some rumours in the community that you're going to cast less and try to push EG to TV, what do you have to say about this?
djWheat
Rumours are nasty. The funny thing is, all they gotta do is ask me! That's false, although I may not be doing as much online casting as I've done in the past, I am still doing alot of casting. As for EG going to TV, that's just nonsense. If anything, we want to keep EG on the Internet because it gives us all sorts of freedom to do whatever we want. However, that doesn't mean I don't care about the success of both EG and of course my career as a game broadcaster. You can officially debunk that rumour, straight from the World's Loudest Human.
A_Spec
Changing the subject completely, did you expect ReDeYe's move in starting his own station,
quadV?
djWheat
Yes.
A_Spec
So are you losing any sleep with this new competition on the horizon?
djWheat
Nope, while competition is healthy, our biggest competition is always ourselves. How can we do better as a group and as a station. That's what we are always asking ourselves.
A_Spec
One last question; Why do you think that people should take up game commentating.
djWheat
I don't think just anyone should take up shoutcasting. I think it requires someone who is passionate about games, well spoken, in-depth, and willing to put the time into it regardless of what the reward at the end might be.
We are not in an era of gaming where there are full time positions to be filled for commentators. Anyone who tells you differently is wrong. However, that doesn't mean that we won't get there eventually, and while I was one of the lucky ones... there are others who are not so lucky.
So I would urge people to be apprehensive about jumping into it, and really consider whether it's an activity for you. It often requires semi-professional setups for audio and video gear, and the knowledge to use them. There is so much that goes into game commentating, you just have to give a shot and see how it works out...
A_Spec
alright mate, thanks for the interview and good luck with your further career
djWheat
ty sir
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