[x5.Crescendo]

Behind the Username is an interview series where I ask some questions of regular players I meet in and around SC2SEA and our tournaments.

Today I have a chat with Matt '[TtSYF] Insano', manager of SYF Gaming's SC2 branch and top-notch observer for SEA events.

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How long have you been playing Starcraft 2, and have you always played Zerg?

I started playing SC2 around March 2012. I had a friend in the community, taydOt, who got me to watch the GSL Final from Season 1. It was DRG vs Genius and since that night I got hooked on watching competitive SC2 and a massive Zerg and DRG fan


How did you decide upon your username?

I honestly can't remember the year I thought of it but it was pre 2005 and I needed an ID to play Halo: CE on PC and I just finished watching The Waterboy. I felt I would open a can of whoop-ass on my opponents so the name came to mind from there.


Describe your playstyle in ten words or less.

I like to play a passive-reactive style.


With that in mind, do you prefer certain builds and/or look to certain progamers for inspiration? Any builds by DRG in your current repertoire?

I don't really have buildorders, I love being able to open hatch first and get away with it , but from there its what I see orchestrates what I'll do from there. I do get a bit of help from watching progamers to see how they react to certain compositions


A lot of us, whether in tournaments or on ladder, have games which stick in our memory as being more fun or entertaining than others. Do you have a war story or favourite match you'd like to brag about?

Back in the times of Akilon wastes, I remember a ZvT where I had been 2 rax'd and only just survived. After stabilising the terran followed up with mech but was being very turtle-y. So I just got super greedy and triple expanded. I got to around 80ish drones and 2-2 missile attack was finishing the problem was then the terran was moving out and I had just finished investing in my economy so I had no units.

Luckily my infestation pit just finished and held down the A Key all my swarmhosts spawned in the nick of time to start holding. I eventually forced him home and slowly moved my swarmhosts across the map while getting an ultra cavern. I got about 5 ultras to back up my swarmhosts as the terran was very heavy in hellion/hellbat. I laid a trap my swarmhosts had 360 degree access. About 50 supply in hellions swooped in on my swarmhosts and the scan went down. Thats when I unburrowed my ultras that were amongst the swarmhosts. Got em. Moved to the front and just busted my way in and came out victorious


Ultralisk/Swarmhost Imba With all the games you've played, on ladder and in tournaments, who would you consider your greatest rival at the present time?

I have only played in 2 tournaments and they were the previous 2 BSG's, unfortunately bowing out 0-2 twice to 2 different players. So I dont think I really have a rivalry of sorts.
It might change soon though as I do plan to keep playing in them


Moving from questions about playing the game, and on to the subject of Observing SC2.

It's fair to say, I think, that observers don't get quite enough attention and credit for what they bring to streamed and publicised SC2 events. It's something I've always wanted to know a bit more about, so I'm going to spend a bit of time on this particular subject if you don't mind

When did you first start observing for events, and how did you start up?

When I was fairly new to casting, I remember cleighmoores was going to cast the Vengeance Cup. He had a co-caster but none of them had good internet so cleighmoores approached me to stream/observe for him and Lemminks. I had a lot of fun with it.

I can't remember how I exactly got started with ACL I think I just offered to help out with the stream of an online round in 2013 and just continued on from there offering to help out with their streams
Also a big thanks to Bigpond and their cable internet which helped a lot :P


Was ACL the big start which then led into WCS?

Yep!


How did that come about?

Well, Baldie from ACL is the guy who coordinates with PJ to organise WCS OCE/SEA qualifiers, he must have liked what I've done so far for ACL and approached me to run the stream/observe for the WCS qualifiers. ACL also didn't have their studio setup that they have now.


From a technical aspect, what is your set up? What kind of equipment do you prefer to have when observing?

The setup I've been using for pretty much the majority of streaming/observing from home is relatively simple. I just have a Dual Monitor setup with game on one. OBS or Xsplit preview, twitch chat etc on the other. A PC strong enough to stream at a decent quality and maintain at least high graphics in game. Then just skype for hosting the casters and their webcams. Then just my preferred mouse, keyboard and good mousepad.

I do have an audio mixer that I used for 1 WCS Qualifier but it was a real pain with cheapie audio cables. I actually had to tape cables a certain way so sound would come through and I haven't really had the money to buy the proper equipment for the mixer, so I haven't used it since


I'm aware there's a few different extensions/overlays for observers to use when observing - what can you tell us about them from an observer's perspective? Do you have a favourite one to work with?

Well I guess from an observers perspective is to be able show as much information as possible easily. I was not a fan of the WCS 2.0 interface when it came out with the observer tabs (Production, Units, structures etc) were quite small and the overlay just didn't really look nice. however 2.2 came out recently and the overall look is a lot better but the Tabs are still small in the bottom, which makes it hard to see if a viewer cant watch in a high quality.

My favourite one to work with is the Gameheart 1.9. If you watch the streams I have done, I use this one. It has all the immediate information you need plus more and it doesn't feel cluttered.


Could you tell us a bit more about how you observe, and what being an observer entails? I've always figured it would require just as much focus and precision as playing the game does, and I'd really like your insights on the topic.

When I observe, I think as if I'm a viewer at home or in the crowd, what would I want to see? e.g. If a player is scouting, I want to see what the player sees at that time (Especially if it is a crucial scout for said player)

As for being a good observer? Infeza said it perfectly in his Observer guide (this is great for learning about observing - see http://www.sc2sea.com/showthread.php?t=4687 ). It does take some practice. Memorising your hotkeys, working on smooth camera control and decent game knowledge. Listening to your Casters is important as well, sometimes they are explaining something in game and you are their hands. e.g. in the early game they may talk about a Map exploit. (cliffs, airspace near bases etc) showing what they are talking about keeps their explanation fluent.


It sounds like something which requires a lot of game knowledge, map knowledge, and plenty of preparation. Any other advice or tips for people who might want to try their hand at observing?

Check out Infeza's guide of course is a good start, have a little bit of a practice on some replays and if your internet is good enough put your hand up to stream some CW's for a caster and watch the VOD's to critique yourself.


The next round of WCS qualifiers are coming up very soon, and I know you've been preparing for it. Could you share a bit about what kind of preparation you do in the leadup to a major event like the WCS Qualifiers?

I usually try to watch all the SEA tournaments to keep tabs on players styles and their 'flavour of the month' builds and keeping up with the current meta, so I can easily point out and feed the right information. Also just doing refreshers in replays and maybe learn a new camera trick here and there.


If you had to pick 1-3 favourite games from your career as an observer, which games would you pick and why? (Bonus geek cred if you can provide VODs for me to link to)

1. Kingkong vs Iaguz Overgrowth ACL Sydney Grand Final

KingkOng pulling out all the stops to break the wall of Iaguz's turtle mech was a sight to see!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFrtBPfq23w

2. Snute vs CJ herO series IEM Toronto

Maynarde came to me saying carmac had asked us to stream a couple of games as they were a little behind schedule. this series was one of them and boy was it a good series.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=92s-jdfo1Os

3. Frustration vs Pezz series ACL Sydney

Was such a close back and forth series
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oae8...hswNX6&index=1 (First 3 videos in the playlist)


Geek cred earned A slight shift in subject matter now, to your management of SYF Gaming's SC2 branch. Could you share with us a bit more info about SYF gaming and its current involvement with SC2?

We have been a little bit quiet lately which is a bit sad, we stopped the underdog challenge recently as our main team members are on indefinite breaks and just not having a big enough active roster to challenge some other teams to a Team showmatch etc. But we do have plans to change that.

We're hoping to hear some good news out of ACL soon for the first big SC2 offline event this year in Australia and we're hoping to have 3-4 players (maybe more) there and myself to represent SYF.


I'd like to throw in some questions about the Oceania Starcraft 2 Championship series. Firstly, taking a look at the current rankings, what are your thoughts on them? Any favourites or early predictions for the grand finale this year?

I think its looking pretty solid so far for the SEA representatives taking up 13 of the 16 spots. So it looks like the finals may have a lot of familiar faces and seeing them take on the odd talents from each region will be awesome to see. I don't have any predictions or favourites just yet, just too early in the year to tell especially with another 7 or so months of competition


Of the various partnered OCS tournaments, which do you enjoy the most?

WCS Qualifiers for sure


Looking to the future, with Legacy of the Void on the horizon, what are your thoughts on what you have seen of LoTV thus far?

I can't really say from a players point of view but from a spectators point of view, I'm really looking forward to it. The economy change is huge and can't wait to see how much that changes openings. Some units probably need some tweaking but it is in the early stages of the beta.

Archon mode I can't wait for though it will be a fun to introduce friends to the game and just a good way to muck around. Although we could see this mode reach the pro scene in a big way. (Proleague archon games? yes please)


I know from the hype trains on twitter (mine included) that there's a lot of interest out there for Archon Mode tournaments. As an observer, what are your thoughts on that format, and what challenges might it present you in observing?

Using my peripheral vision a lot more and focusing on the minimap a LOT more seeing as the multitasking will go to the next level


On a more personal level, with your history of involvement in the SEA Scene, is there a moment in your career which you consider particularly important or formative for who you are as a player and person now?

Sorry I really don't know if I can answer that one


No worries! For a bit of fun: if there were any two players you could observe in a Best of Seven series, involving any players past and present, who would you have play in the matches and why?

An in-form DRG and in-form Innovation. If anyone remembers that Bo3 from 2013 GSL it was a time where Zerg were struggling against Terran's parade pushes and DRG figured it out against the best Terran in the world at the time. If they could redo that series in a Bo7 I would be in heaven.


That would be incredible to watch! Apart from observing, you are also a caster. In circumstances where you have a choice, which of the two roles do you prefer?

I love doing both but after doing 6-8 hour casts, My throat definitely prefers observing if its going to be a marathon day


You gave me some details regarding your typical setup when streaming/observing, but I'd like to ask What microphone do you use and/or recommend?

Any USB Condenser microphone seems to do a great job, price range is usually around $130-200
I use a Samson C01U


Who is your ideal casting partner, and what is your Casting Archon name? To promote jealousy, you only get to pick one

Day[9], I like the fun he brings to a cast and has the knowledge to back it up and I would love to cast with a colourful person like him. As for an archon name? DaySano


That would be epic. Here's hoping a chance comes in LoTV! This next question will feel a bit like deja vu, but I'm going to keep this confined to SEA players only, and present day: If you could cast a Best of Seven Showmatch (with OSC points on the line) which two players would you have go toe-to-toe, and why?

I'm gonna lean away from the PiG, Iaguz, KingkOng and EnDerr and pick NXZ and PSiArc. I think this matchup is very even and who doesn't love some ZvT?


I would definitely watch that! Finally, feel free to self-promote and drop some links here if you want folks to follow you on the various social media/streaming sites

Shoutout to SYF Gaming for supporting me for almost a year now
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SYFGaming

You can follow me on twitter here:
https://twitter.com/SYFinsano


Thank you for taking the time with me today, Insano, and I look forward to the WCS qualifiers!

Thanks for having me Crescendo and I'll do my best with WCS! Keep up the awesome stuff with the interviews!

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It was great to get some insights from Matthew regarding the art of observing SC2 games. It's fantastic we have Insano continuing to keep a keen eye on our major events, especially now that InFeZa has retired.

Hopefully we'll see some more people step up and take on the challenging role of observing in case Insano ever needs a holiday!

Don't forget to get excited for the next round of WCS Qualifiers!

GLHF All!

[Philosopher]

Awesome commentator, and awesome contributor to our community. Great interview of Insano!

[SLCN.NXZ]

Insano is so awesome! Love the work he does for sc2.

That DRG vs Innovation series was so good! I remember being so hyped for DRG and setting the stream up on my TV and he WON! So exciting, hope DRG can make a return to form soon.

[freeedom]

yeah casting/observing is hard work... I don't know how they do this for hours. I tried it for one of the csts with feardragon/filthyrake for the Global All Stars I was beat after just 4 hours, and we still had 4 more to go!

The hardwork is very much appreciated!

[Eddie]

Awesome caster, observer, admin, manager, and all round cool dude

[Maynarde]

He's a bloody good observer who was never a game traitor for league of legends not even once

See you soon insano xoxo