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I know some of you won’t read this all so I will say this overarching comment before I jump into it!

I do invite you all to read this however as it will give you a better insight into my plans in 2014 and how together we can bridge the gap between the expectations and desires of the community and what ACL provides.

2014 is a very important year for StarCraft II globally and in South East Asia. Yes, the same sentence is said every year I know, however I say this because in 2014 we once again have direct access to WCS and Blizzard are now working more closely with ACL to bring a better experience (more details on that in weeks to come).

When people look at the relationship between ACL and StarCraft II it's fair to say there are some people who feel StarCraft II has been under-valued and under-appreciated while others are thankful for the opportunity to be part of a large circuit, all the way up to people who feel ACL has provided above and beyond what could be deemed required.

Obviously my views could be considered somewhat skewed by the fact I am accountable for StarCraft II within ACL. However the reason I bring this up is because being on the inside of an organisation and ultimately being accountable for everything that happens with StarCraft II for over a year means you get to see a lot of things most people don’t. I think it’s fair to say 2013 was a step back from 2012 when it came to the presence of StarCraft II at ACL. In 2012 we had the explosive event of WCS which fed excitement into the entire year and in 2013 we shifted from main-stage after ACL Brisbane when League of Legends hit the Oceanic region.

Since then it may be hard to shake a feeling of deflation. Despite ACL Melbourne having the largest showing of players at an ACL event, StarCraft II may feel like it gets decreased attention with each event. I get it. I really do. I’m not here to take sides or explain anything other than to recognise there’s a gap between people’s expectations and what ACL has delivered in the past. That is what I am making my mission in 2014 – to bridge the gap.

So what can be done about it? Well while over in America I spent some time with the core ACL team in discussing 2013 and evaluating what we will be doing in 2014. One of the biggest things I wanted to impact was content. Let’s be honest there was almost no content pre or post event for ACL last year – little hype and no storyline. I will take responsibility for that not happening. I could make a million valid excuses and reasons however the only fact is it didn’t happen. So I want to change that in 2014.

I am busier this year than last year with more projects I am involved in yet I write this as if signing a contract in that you can hold me to my promise of delivering significantly more content in 2014. To ensure I can achieve this I have spent many days on a yearly content calendar for StarCraft II for both ACL and WCS events.

Now there is only so much I can do and this is where you, the community, come in. It was refreshing to see so many people get involved in content for WCS Season 1. Unfortunately due to the rushed nature of it I couldn’t really spend the time I wanted, to prepare content before and after the event. However in Season 2 and 3 you can expect more from me but I still can’t do this just myself. Consider this a call to arms for everybody within the community to get involved in hype and storyline creation for ACL and WCS events in 2014. This is our community, our players and our tournaments. If you want our players to get the attention they deserve, for the rising stars to be noticed and for our events to be known around the world, then YOU need to push content as well - and I will back you every step of the way.

I also need to know from the community as to what type of content you like to see. Do you prefer text or video interviews? Do you like overarching preview threads or do you prefer to learn more about the dark horses and rising stars? I want to create content you want to see otherwise what is the point? So let me know!

For those of you who are still reading this my hat goes off to you. I appreciate your time and I know if we pool our resources we can bridge the gap between the expectations and desires of the community and what ACL provides. 2014 has the potential to be the biggest yet and I am not just saying that. Blizzard is working closer with ACL than ever before, we have direct WCS qualifiers now and we are heading into our largest ACL circuit event in the history of our productions.

I do all of this for free out of love for the game and the community. I know there are a million and one other things you also could be doing instead of creating content or telling people about the events - but from a gamer to a fellow gamer - I need your support to have this work.

I’ll be here to celebrate with you all when it goes well and to be accountable and responsible when it doesn't. All I ask from you is you come along for the ride.