Princess Rescuer
Smash Apprentice
- Joined
- Nov 3, 2018
- Messages
- 119
Glad to see this game is still relevant after the first year. I waited until D7 was over before delivering this charged-up donkey punch of reality.
It's becoming increasingly common for people to become Smash players solely to be a pro player and compete in tournaments. The fact that Smash tournaments are on a league of their own compared to other fighting games and the fact that Smash is so popular is making it very appealing. If you imagine you'll be basking in the glory of tournament spotlights and going on cruises with Smash developers and fans though, curb your enthusiasm. Here is what pro Smash careers are like for most players. Including the 1% best players.
1. Zero to... slightly better than Zero
When Smash 4 was new in 2014 and 2015, ZeRo (is that how you type it?) was riding a bus all across North and South America to KO any fool who crossed his path. And he... still lived paycheck to paycheck and had to be in a small apartment with multiple people. He is more secure now, but that's only because of being a popular streamer and sponsorships. Winning the tournaments isn't enough for a decent living. You need to be popular too. And that's very difficult due to how fleeting internet fame is and how quickly video games become less popular. There's a little more stability if you're a Melee player, but it will dissipate from under you the minute a consistent Hit Anywhere glitch is discovered. And that's if you're a top player and a face of competitive Smash. If you're an okay player, don't quit your day job, or you basically won't make enough money to exist. Plus, "Being a Smash player" doesn't look good to most employers no matter how adept you are. An average player with a stable job outside of Smash is still a better position to be than a great player with nothing besides Smash.
2. Before, play Smash. Now, Work at Smash.
Competitive Smash play is much more fun to watch than it is to actually do. The thing that makes Smash more fun than other fighting games is the amount of features, options, and content it has. But when you become top-level competitive, well, I shouldn't have to tell you the phrase. It doesn't matter that Smash Ultimate is more balanced than ever- elite players may face many different characters, but will only get to practice with one if they want to be a top player. And while there's a little more legal stage variety, it's still very restrictive compared to the amount of content players can normally access.
3. You will still lose to scrubs in casual matches, even if you weren't playing the fool or letting your guard down
It happens. And it's worse when you're a top player.
4. Want to play a game Smash introduced you too? You can't.
Either let it cut into your practice or give up having a life outside of video games. Doug Bowser will point this out after you beat him, and you will feel bad and question your career choices.
5. It's up to you!
Becoming a pro Smash player is not just for anyone who likes Smash. It's for players who are willing to accept the bad parts and even cut out the good parts. This is your career. Choose wisely.
It's becoming increasingly common for people to become Smash players solely to be a pro player and compete in tournaments. The fact that Smash tournaments are on a league of their own compared to other fighting games and the fact that Smash is so popular is making it very appealing. If you imagine you'll be basking in the glory of tournament spotlights and going on cruises with Smash developers and fans though, curb your enthusiasm. Here is what pro Smash careers are like for most players. Including the 1% best players.
1. Zero to... slightly better than Zero
When Smash 4 was new in 2014 and 2015, ZeRo (is that how you type it?) was riding a bus all across North and South America to KO any fool who crossed his path. And he... still lived paycheck to paycheck and had to be in a small apartment with multiple people. He is more secure now, but that's only because of being a popular streamer and sponsorships. Winning the tournaments isn't enough for a decent living. You need to be popular too. And that's very difficult due to how fleeting internet fame is and how quickly video games become less popular. There's a little more stability if you're a Melee player, but it will dissipate from under you the minute a consistent Hit Anywhere glitch is discovered. And that's if you're a top player and a face of competitive Smash. If you're an okay player, don't quit your day job, or you basically won't make enough money to exist. Plus, "Being a Smash player" doesn't look good to most employers no matter how adept you are. An average player with a stable job outside of Smash is still a better position to be than a great player with nothing besides Smash.
2. Before, play Smash. Now, Work at Smash.
Competitive Smash play is much more fun to watch than it is to actually do. The thing that makes Smash more fun than other fighting games is the amount of features, options, and content it has. But when you become top-level competitive, well, I shouldn't have to tell you the phrase. It doesn't matter that Smash Ultimate is more balanced than ever- elite players may face many different characters, but will only get to practice with one if they want to be a top player. And while there's a little more legal stage variety, it's still very restrictive compared to the amount of content players can normally access.
3. You will still lose to scrubs in casual matches, even if you weren't playing the fool or letting your guard down
It happens. And it's worse when you're a top player.
4. Want to play a game Smash introduced you too? You can't.
Either let it cut into your practice or give up having a life outside of video games. Doug Bowser will point this out after you beat him, and you will feel bad and question your career choices.
5. It's up to you!
Becoming a pro Smash player is not just for anyone who likes Smash. It's for players who are willing to accept the bad parts and even cut out the good parts. This is your career. Choose wisely.
