As all or most of you will probably know, the Grifball community is definitely one that does not have a shortness of drama every week. Because of this, I’ve decided to write this weekly article, where I bring up multiple views of each topic of “drama”, followed up by my personal opinion.
To Stream, or not to Stream…
A couple weeks ago, we had a little controversy over if a team should be allowed to stream a game without the opposing teams consent. This lead to (whether directly or indirectly relating to the streaming) multiple pages of drama in the pro league thread. So because of this, I have taken 2 opposing view points on the subject of streaming, and how they personally feel when it comes to rolling the film.
Requiring permission – Doc Status
“Streaming games has turned out to be an awesome way for the community to see a grifball game live between two great teams. I’m all for seeing two good teams go at it live, instead of just watching party details or downloading the film after the game. However, I believe that both teams should have a choice to have their game streamed. If one team doesn’t want their game to be streamed, then it shouldn’t be streamed. Out of sheer sportsmanship, this is how it should be.
When a game is streamed, there can be many consequences. Obviously, the teams will be shown live on stream and everyone will get to see how they play. While I don’t usually mind people seeing my games, there are valid reasons that some may not want to be seen (either because they think they will give a poor showing or if they don’t want to give away play styles). Another thing streaming could affect is overall lag. Although not always the case, streaming a game can cause more lag problems, which is already a prominent factor in grifball games. A possibility of increased lag is never something I personally would want.
The bottom line is, even if it sounds silly to you, you should be courteous and not stream a game unless both teams agree to it. Everyone has their reasons for the decisions they make, and a simple request like that should always be listened to.”
And the opposing view point – Scet Shin
“I think Streaming games is great for the league and that it should only increase in more games doing it. I have streamed many many games and have never interfered in the gameplay, or caused any lag whatsoever. So, what does it hurt to have a invisible guy behind some walls? Exactly… it doesn’t.
Should both teams have to agree to the stream? I think there are different circumstances for different things… For instance, NOT Neutral host and streamed from a players FP view as they play, such as me, should not be required to be approved by the other team. Fact of the matter is, it changes absolutely nothing about the game pending the right conditions for the person streaming. Multiple connections/proper setups. However, just tonight I was going to possibly stream the GS-GoF game. GoF wanted me to, but GS did not. Therefore, without a fuss at all, I said good luck to both teams, and skedaddled. I personally had no right in that game to make any call of, “Hey! I’m streaming!”
Fact of the matter is neutral/streaming put in place one different element to the game, the starting of every round. This should have to be agreed by EVERY player in the game, therefore, if they want an outsider to stream on a NON-Neutral host, then it should be required for both teams to agree. However, a person already playing the game, streaming from their own personal view, should not have to have permission simply because they are not changing the elements of the game in any way. People spawn, jump and swing their hammers. No portals, nothing fancy. Just some good ole fashion Live Action Grifball for the community which loves to watch it, gets to enjoy an evening starting with LIVE Grifball game with LIVE Chat.”
Now it’s my turn.
I am of the personal belief that in order to stream a game, it should be approved by both parties involved, regardless of the situation. There have been instances where a streamer got involved with a game, and from there, the quality of connections seemed to have gone down. Whether or not it was directly related to the streamer being in the game, or streaming the game itself, it has happened. Also, it may just be an issue of privacy. I understand that a decent number of people in the community enjoy to watch a streamed game now and again, but it should ultimately come down to the decision of both parties involved, regardless if it’s a neutral host game or not. It is just the sportsman like thing to do.
Well readers, how do you feel about streaming games? Stream regardless? Only on Neutral Host? Only with permission? Post in the comments below, and tell us how you feel.
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I think that it should require the permission of both teams. Even if you have two, or more, connections(I have three) to the net using bandwith on anyone besides your xbox can effect the strength of the other signals, unless you have some very expensive equipment.
Besides, if you get permission and beat the hell out of the other team they have nothing to complain about. They said yes, and they lost.
One question though, as I am new to the Grifball league this year, where would a person be able to view these games if they are able to be streamed?
My connection setup has nothing to do with the other xbox. It is literally impossible with my setup for my stream, or ANYTHING I do on my laptop to affect my xbox in anyway.
I stream many games on my Channel. I generally make a post in the Pro League thread stating when I am streaming a game.
Just wanted to reply to you Fenix, and showing that the connection completely unaffected in my situation.
Well written though Bobbdy. Always enjoy a good read! I think you no my stand on it. ;)
If you’re against streaming for connection/gameplay related issues then I am fine with that. If you’re against streaming for fear of others watching you play then I believe that is a huge loss for the grifball community.
I believe that everything we do within the grifball community and as a grifball community we should do to better the game of grifball. Neutral Host is one way in which Grifball is being significantly improved over the largest complaint about the gametype – host.
Having games viewable by others can only be a good thing for the community. Being able to watch a game (live or otherwise) is not only enjoyable, but an educational experience for anyone involved in the sport. By allowing people to watch games and exposing them to great teams making great plays you are improving the quality and skill of the average grifball player, and you are making them more interested in the sport and more interested in the league.
The two arguments against viewable games are at best poor, and at worst selfish. The Grifball League is the pinnacle of the small Grifball universe. To play a game behind closed doors for fear of failure or having your playing style read is a selfish way to play and hugely detractive to what the league could be.
This is, of course, only my opinion. However, given the opportunity to make the league more exciting, to improve the playing level of the players and to showcase your talents in front of a live audience – I know exactly the choice I would expect anyone to make.
And as a final note on a related matter I think that permission to put a game or clip online in any format should be required from only the owner/recorder of that clip – not from everyone involved. While streaming is a different case because it involves a difference in gaming experience from a regular game, I think that if you’re going to play a league game then if someone wants to put it online for the rest of the league to see then you can have no complaints.
It’d be nice to get two opposing views of people who have NOT had a stake in it. Doc was affected by it right? And Scet. So get two who don’t have a stake would be more insightful.
@Leo: Agreed, I would have liked to see a couple more statements from others. Regardless, I did quite like what both Doc and Scet had to say. Both statements were very well made.
@Leo
That’s why I did it. It gave a good place to put both of their view points on the subject in a neutral zone. I picked those 2 specifically for this article. It will be more varied after this one, but I felt it was appropriate for this.
I love watching the streamed games.
Though both teams should agree to it first. Though if there is not viable reason why one team does not want it done. Then I say go ahead. Perhaps a few games should be streamed in secret and then measure any effects. This meaning those that do stream games do it from a personal view without letting anyone know when of if it is going to be streamed. Compare results from streamed and non-streamed games. DXP would best serves this testing ground.
I think it would be interesting if they could be streamed here. Pick a day of the week, and set a time and then stream a game, even if it is a scrim or a what if game…make it a weekly feature. It wouldnt have to involve Scet as a player as long as he, or someone else that can stream is present.
Cheez Nipz and Streamin’ Confettie!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! lol, yeah it should be agreed on by both captains.