13 replies to this topic

[Rededevil]

I am no expert on game commentary, but I just wanted to say that I very much enjoyed BanditB17 and mdmzero0 in the commentary role during the MWO World Championship 2016 Qualifying Rounds.

I felt that the conversation they were having during the game was almost always relevant and often instructive as the games unfolded - and the post game commentary and discussions were on point and always fair to both the winning and losing teams.

Nice job you two - I feel it was a very good choice when you two were selected for this very important role in the twitch presentation of the games.

Edited by Rededevil, 04 June 2016 - 11:16 PM.

[Jarl Dane]

I am extremely glad that PGI recognized how important Bandit and Mdm are to the community and rightfully put them at the forefront of this tournament. One of the universally acclaimed decisions they've made about the World Championship.

I think it would have been very detrimental had they instead placed some NGNG freelancers or PGI employees in that position. Even if they were very familiar with MWO, it doesn't mean they understand comp.

Good work PGI, and great work Bandit and Mdm.

[Aresye]

Yeah they've been doing a stellar job. Even back when they first started (which I believe was the MercStar Invitational), they had a great format going. Since then they've improved not only their format, but their abilities as casters as well.

I feel they're kind of reaching a sticking point however. The spectator tool still needs some massive work, and doesn't really convey enough information to make it visually appealing for viewers. Bandit and mdm have both worked hard creating custom overlays, map drawings, caster screens, etc. to help make things look more professional, but PGI really needs to step up their game and improve the spectator functions if they seriously want to turn this game into an esport.

Here's an example of a GOOD spectator overlay (starts at 6:11):

You can see real-time stats for each player, see what nades/consumables they bought, a health bar (in addition to percentage), kills and assists only at the start of each round, graphs you can pull up to see each player's and/or team's performance, etc.

At the very least, MWO's spectator tool should show you what consumables players bring, and have a health bar overlayed on each player's name (because reading that small text is freaking hard). To make things flashier, they could add small icons that show an outline of what mech each player brings. It would take up a little extra space, but IMO there's already too much open space.

If PGI really wanted to go all out, they could overlay a circle on the map showing an artillery strike radius (or a directional arrow for air strike) when they're dropped, circles for UAV radius, etc.

Most importantly however, they REALLY NEED to fix the server/client delay when it comes to watching somebody firing at another mech. There is absolutely no way this game will ever make it to an esport as long as players watching have no f****** clue where a player is actually aiming!

Edited by Aresye, 05 June 2016 - 12:08 AM.

[Davers]

I've always found the commentators from the MWO leagues to be both knowledgeable and enjoyable. Its unfortunate that the spectator tool, the distance needed to see the action, and some of the weapon effects don't lend to a truly enjoyable experience.

[Appogee]

+1 I think the commentators have been doing a fantastic job.

[Shelle]

+1 Bandit and MD forever

For more comp casts from these two check the MRBC shoutcast archive: https://mrbcleague.com/casts

[LordNothing]

ive been finding the match webcasts rather entertaining. i dont watch them live but i do like the commentary and especially the post game analysis. i was wondering if you could include some of the teamspeak chatter for both teams as part of the analysis. its kind of poses some difficulty with the live nature of broadcast, probibly requiring additional people off camera recording and editing the sound bytes for use later in the show. but i think it would add a lot to the viewing experience.

[mdmzero0]

LordNothing, on 07 June 2016 - 04:52 PM, said:

ive been finding the match webcasts rather entertaining. i dont watch them live but i do like the commentary and especially the post game analysis. i was wondering if you could include some of the teamspeak chatter for both teams as part of the analysis. its kind of poses some difficulty with the live nature of broadcast, probibly requiring additional people off camera recording and editing the sound bytes for use later in the show. but i think it would add a lot to the viewing experience.

Definitely something we've talked about, but unfortunately one limitation of OBS (the streaming software we use) is that you can't pick and choose audio that you play over the stream. So we would have to have someone completely separate recording it, or you'd hear it during the stream. It's a problem we're working on.

Edited by mdmzero0, 07 June 2016 - 05:00 PM.

[TheArcher]

I like the commentary as well, especially the critiques of what actions were good and what actions should be avoided in the future. That's what I would want to hear when I make a mistake. "Next time, try this..." instead of "Noob! Stupid team."

[RjBass3]

I was chatting with MDM yesterday and offered the suggestion of them interviewing team captains in between matches, kind of like how pro sports casters interview team coaches and players. He informed me it was something that him and Bandit had already talked about and might try at some point in the MWOWC.

[50 50]

I'd like to suggest that for the live streams you also get some of the lesser known teams on the live feed.
The top teams can be entertaining but they often sit on the knife edge and could flip heavily either way.
It can be just as enjoyable watching two 'minnow' teams battle it out.

Bit of feedback for Bandit:
Need to keep it a bit more impartial during the battle, call the plays and the hits and if it's a risky play etc.
Save the 'advice' till the post battle review where you can give the analysis and discuss the options and strategy.

Edited by 50 50, 16 June 2016 - 09:05 PM.

[Tronword Furey]

I was apprehensive about two meta freebirth competitive type announcers, but they have grown on me. I really enjoy the feedback and what 'they' would have done post fight (Even if it does not run concurrent with the Smoke Jaguar doctrine of combat).

Volunteering to share a different but superlative view point is honorable and recognized by the Solahma Crusaders.

I would enjoy more banter and random jokes, it will be an honor to meet them in Vancouver (Where I plan on getting BOOFY BLITZED WUBALUBBADUBDUB!).

-Oathmaster Tronword Furey of the Smoke Jaguars, Solahma Crusaders -SC-
Tournament Team: Narc the Sun

Edited by Tronword Furey, 17 June 2016 - 07:21 AM.

[HumanCondition]

We enjoyed being casted yesterday despite the outcomes. Now we can actually go back and get a better view of what went wrong and take some advice as well. I think Bandit and MD are doing a fantastic job... Y'all are so engaging that for a few minutes you had the attention of my wife... Who pretty much hates my PC. She said it was like watching real sports casts

[El Switchblade]

50 50, on 16 June 2016 - 08:52 PM, said:

Bit of feedback for Bandit:
Need to keep it a bit more impartial during the battle, call the plays and the hits and if it's a risky play etc.
Save the 'advice' till the post battle review where you can give the analysis and discuss the options and strategy.

/agree