The Spine
Well-Known Member
I've been a part of the FGC for a little over four years. I've played various games competitively. I've been to tournaments and have witnessed high-level play. Over these four years, I've met a lot of people and quite a few of these people have a bit of a skewed mindset when it comes to fighting games: The mindset of wanting to be the best.
Now, having this mindset isn't necessarily a bad thing to have. In theory, everyone wants to be the best in whatever they invest his or her free time in. However, this mindset is, unfortunately, naïve and immature. This is because competitive gaming is essentially based on probability. With most of the FGC, in tournaments, the odds are not in their favor. Of course, it's not impossible for an average player to "level up" to become a top tier player in their region, country, or the world. However, very specific things must happen in order for this to occur. Things such as time, tournament play, offline play against top players, a lot of lab time, and of course determination are the main components for making a top player, but not everything. A vast majority of the FGC doesn't have access to these things. This essentially makes getting to the top nearly impossible. This is because fighting games are based on probability. Average players simply aren't giving themselves the highest chances for success against these top level players. However, notice how I say nearly because it's not entirely impossible. Some people are simply gifted and it's their destiny to be one of the best. Anything can happen, but to further illustrate the odds in fighting games, here's a scenario:
We have Player A and Player B. Let's assume that each player spends an equal amount of time in the lab and understands the game at the same level, while also being able to attend tournaments regularly. Let's also assume that both players have spent roughly the same amount of time playing the game itself. Now, Player A constantly plays the game with people at his skill level, above his skill level, or high-level players at an arcade or weekly gathering. He or she really only plays with this group should they ever play online. However, Player B mostly plays against online randoms, with occasionally contacting extremely good players. Possibly even top tier players. However, there is hardly any long term interaction. Anything that has to do with a top player, Player B doesn't really get any advice other than from the one set or possibly one match if he or she is to be that unlucky. Now, if these two players were to face in a tournament, it's more likely for Player A to win, hands down. Why? Because Player A set the odds in his or her favor by simply by having the tools necessary and utilizing them in order to be better at the game. Of course, anything can happen, and it's not guaranteed, but do you see what I mean? It's probability. This is not to say players like Player B are not good, they could perhaps be great at the game. Though, the fact is, they're missing key ingredients in the recipe.
Now, I'm not trying to discourage you, and you're more than welcome to prove me wrong and become the best without Player A's factors. However, the mindset is flawed. You shouldn't try to be the best. You shouldn't compare yourself to others. Because ultimately, the journey with that mindset isn't fun, and many top players don't necessarily have the main goal to be the best in the world. They simply want to be the best that they can personally be. You shouldn't strive for being the best in comparison. You should strive for being the best that you can personally be. This journey shouldn't be about being the best, it should be about improving.
DUE NOTE THAT THIS IS MERELY JUST MY OPINION THROUGH EXPERIENCES AND OBSERVATION.
Now, having this mindset isn't necessarily a bad thing to have. In theory, everyone wants to be the best in whatever they invest his or her free time in. However, this mindset is, unfortunately, naïve and immature. This is because competitive gaming is essentially based on probability. With most of the FGC, in tournaments, the odds are not in their favor. Of course, it's not impossible for an average player to "level up" to become a top tier player in their region, country, or the world. However, very specific things must happen in order for this to occur. Things such as time, tournament play, offline play against top players, a lot of lab time, and of course determination are the main components for making a top player, but not everything. A vast majority of the FGC doesn't have access to these things. This essentially makes getting to the top nearly impossible. This is because fighting games are based on probability. Average players simply aren't giving themselves the highest chances for success against these top level players. However, notice how I say nearly because it's not entirely impossible. Some people are simply gifted and it's their destiny to be one of the best. Anything can happen, but to further illustrate the odds in fighting games, here's a scenario:
We have Player A and Player B. Let's assume that each player spends an equal amount of time in the lab and understands the game at the same level, while also being able to attend tournaments regularly. Let's also assume that both players have spent roughly the same amount of time playing the game itself. Now, Player A constantly plays the game with people at his skill level, above his skill level, or high-level players at an arcade or weekly gathering. He or she really only plays with this group should they ever play online. However, Player B mostly plays against online randoms, with occasionally contacting extremely good players. Possibly even top tier players. However, there is hardly any long term interaction. Anything that has to do with a top player, Player B doesn't really get any advice other than from the one set or possibly one match if he or she is to be that unlucky. Now, if these two players were to face in a tournament, it's more likely for Player A to win, hands down. Why? Because Player A set the odds in his or her favor by simply by having the tools necessary and utilizing them in order to be better at the game. Of course, anything can happen, and it's not guaranteed, but do you see what I mean? It's probability. This is not to say players like Player B are not good, they could perhaps be great at the game. Though, the fact is, they're missing key ingredients in the recipe.
Now, I'm not trying to discourage you, and you're more than welcome to prove me wrong and become the best without Player A's factors. However, the mindset is flawed. You shouldn't try to be the best. You shouldn't compare yourself to others. Because ultimately, the journey with that mindset isn't fun, and many top players don't necessarily have the main goal to be the best in the world. They simply want to be the best that they can personally be. You shouldn't strive for being the best in comparison. You should strive for being the best that you can personally be. This journey shouldn't be about being the best, it should be about improving.
DUE NOTE THAT THIS IS MERELY JUST MY OPINION THROUGH EXPERIENCES AND OBSERVATION.