What's your callsign?
Viperious
Let's get to know you – can you describe yourself in five words?
Mentor, Honorable, Dedicated, Friendly, Understanding
Tell us about your history in TAW.
"I first discovered TAW on a League of Legends forum post. I was excited to find a gaming community that had stood the test of time and treated their players with respect. I joined the LL Division in October 2011. I quickly started making friends and becoming a better LoL player. 6 months later I was offered to lead a team for practices as an FL. Later in May, I heard about a Diablo 3 spin up group (SUG). I showed up to the spin up meeting and was surprised to be offered the SO position. This was the first time I realized just how my actions could affect TAW. By late June I stepped into the XO position. Unfortunately the game had several majors faults at launch and we just couldn't get the staff or members so we choose to end it. I rejoined LL early July. I accepted the Training Specialist position in Sept. I was basically leading all the TIs and TSs in the LL Division to develop a better way to train players' in game skills. Finally, after eight months I decided I needed a long break from League, not just the Division, but the game itself. Helping run the largest Battalion in TAW while developing how to train players was quite stressful. April of 2013 I left the LL Division and joined the Minecraft Division. I was excited at first just to build stuff with other people, but quickly discovered the joy of MC PvP and map-making. I was offered to start running and planning the weekly events and became the Field Specialist in late May. I started developing my first MC game, Destroy All Leafs shortly after. The game is getting closer and closer to a full release and I was able to run it from time to time at practice. In June I was offered to step into the SO position. This meant fulfilling my FS duties, with help, as well as my SO duties. Early August the XO stepped down and I was offered to step into the position. Throughout my time in TAW I've enjoyed helping other members be it training in-game skills as a TS or training future staff members as an officer. My biggest joy at the end of the day is helping people to have a good time while they are a part of my e-home."
What was your initial impression of TAW?
When I first joined TAW I was really impressed with the family environment that had been set up. I really enjoyed the strict Code of Ethics and the TAW Policies as well as the chain of command structure. I could tell right away that TAW had been around for many years and would remain for many more to come.
Tell us about your division, and what you do there.
Minecraft is very different compared to most TAW Divisions. The majority of the games in TAW are focused around PvP or PvE/PvM. MC can offer those experiences, but it offers so many more. You can design and program your own games using command blocks and redstone logic. You can participate in races, building competitions, free for all PvP games, attack/defense strategy team games. Minecraft itself isn't really a game as much as a tool set. With that we have been able to cater the experience to our players. I do many things within Minecraft including making maps, running practices, designing events, training members, and building projects. I tend to be on 4-7 days a week probably clocking at least 30-50 hours a week.
What would you like someone considering joining TAW to know?
This isn't a place to be disrespectful or act the fool. We all enjoy being silly, but to be an organized community sometimes we have to be serious. The officers here work hard to make your experience the best we can. All we ask in return is; attend events, be respectful, and above all else have fun. So please, stop the jokes long enough for announcements.
Do you have any special hobbies or activities outside of TAW?
I'm a geek at heart. If I'm not working on something for TAW I'm either playing some sort of game, working on my own Minecraft projects, or hanging out with my family. I also consider myself a connoisseur of anime, movies, music, and games.
If you could change one thing about TAW, what would it be?
The one thing I would like to see change in TAW is the acquisition of the hardware necessary to host our own servers efficiently rather than relying on 3rd party server hosting with different Divisions using different companies.
Tell us about some of the people you've met during your time in TAW.
Decree is the nicest person I've met in TAW. Even stressed out by school and running a Battalion by himself he still kept his cool and kept his happy peaceful demeanor. I don't believe I've ever seen or heard of him losing his temper once. Dajaroo, Wardy, and KingCheese are some of the best leaders I've ever had the pleasure to work with inside and outside TAW. Their dedication and innovative thinking is a great asset to the TAW community.
What's your favourite thing about TAW?
My favorite thing about TAW is the fact I'm not worried about if we will still exist in six months or not. I've been a part of many gaming communities, some more serious than others. I was even a part of one of the top guilds on the Laughing Skull server in WoW NA. Each and every one of those groups eventually fell to places due to drama or lack of leadership. With TAW I don't have to worry about that. We have the officers and policies in place to make sure we will run strong for many years to come.
How does TAW affect your offline life?
It's given me confidence knowing that I'm actually able to leave a legacy behind.
What might our readers be surprised to know about you?
My mother passed away over three years ago. TAW was what really started to bring me out of my depression and get me back on my feet again. Also, I rock an ever-growing full beard. https://sphotos-b-dfw.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/1173707_10153170531405106_330389874_n.jpg Picture of my beard in case someone wants proof.
What's your favourite retro videogame? Why?
There's just so many. Mortal Kombat for the brutal fighting. Sonic for the fast-paced platforming. Final Fantasy/Super Mario RPG for the storyline and turn based game play. Is Diablo 2 considered retro yet? I played that for 13 years, still waiting to be able to use D2 as an answer to this question.
Who do you believe is going to be the most influential figure in gaming in the next three years?
I would choose Notch as an invidual or Riot as a company. Notch because of his innovative thinking and ability to provide a good game with a great tool set. Riot through League of Legends really pushing the point that Professional Gamer is an actual career choice.
For their time, effort and dedication, this member will be awarded our In-The-Scope member tab for completing the interview.