Sada napokon svi iz sveta mogu da iskoriste svoje MMO veštine i testiraju ili pokažu svoje znanje na World Series of Video Games. WSVG je najavio svoje igrice za 2007 godinu u kojoj se uključuje World of Warcraft.

This is the news you've been waiting for. Four primary games, six stops, $750,000 in prizes. World of Warcraft. Is there a bigger game? It was on South Park! Quake 4 is back with the fast paced competition you've grown to love since you downloaded that demo of Thresh back in '98. For the metalheads, Guitar Hero 2 rips onto your console, groupies included. Just don't belt out Freebird at your next party. Last but not least, the bruises and scars look oh so real in EA Sports' Fight Night Round 3. The game is phenomenal; it takes ultra-realism to a whole new level.

Q: A big fat hello from WorldofWar.Net! How are things in the world of competitive gaming today?

A: And a big one to you to! Things are well.

Q: Today we're talking (via IM) with Matt Ringel, president of Games Media Properties and the World Series of Video Games. Matt, can you tell us a little about what you do?

A: I do a little bit of everything, but tend to focus on sales, media, programming and marketing of the World Series of Video Games.

Q: Matt, assume our readers don't know what, exactly, the WSVG is all about. Can you give us a synopsis of what the WSVG is and does?

A: The World Series of Video Games is an international circuit for competitive video games, organized sort of like NASCAR . We feature a massive LAN party, gaming tournaments on 4-5 titles, and a big festival area with all sorts of gaming goodness.

Q: Now, you are talking with us at WorldofWar.net for a reason. As you may already be aware (ahem) we only cover World of Warcraft news. In the past, WoW isn't a game the WSVG has paid a lot of attention to.

A: Actually we have done quite a bit with WoW for quite some time. If you were not aware Blizzard had a presence at a few of our 2006 stops. Stratholme speed run anyone? This is the first time anyone is able to feature a PvP Arena competition, because of what is newly enabled by Burning Crusade, and by Blizzard's active support of the competition.

Q: What motivated your decision to include WoW in the events you sponsor?

A: 8.5 million WoW players had a little to do with it! Since we shoutcast all these matches with color commentary and play by play, we also think that the fast gameplay, the richness of characters and the importance of strategy will make for very good online and television programming.

Q: Specifically, what kinds of WoW events will you be including?

A: All the WoW events are set to be 3v3 Arena style for now. It is possible that new formats will be introduced in the future.

Q: Can you give us some more specific information about the nature of the WoW – based competitions? What will the matchups look like? How will winners be determined?

A: Characters will be pre-made level 70 with specific gear sets to choose for battle. Players will be given a chance to fill in their talent trees to whichever specifications they like. Once players are all ready they will enter the arena and battle until 1 team is completely eliminated. This will continue until 1 team wins a best of 5 rounds.

Q: Did you know that Adam Sessler is actually taller than Morgan Webb? And did you know that, in college, he actually defeated her in a wet T-shirt contest? What are your thoughts on this?

A: He may have defeated her in a wet t-shirt contest but she would definitely kick his ass in wrestling.

Q: Ok, quit trying to distract me with your off-topic goofiness. Compared to some of the other games for which you sponsor events – the majority of which are shooters, I'm sure you'll agree – WoW has a rather steep learning curve. Macros are common, as are UI modifications. Will that be allowed during WSVG WoW-based competitions?

A: We are working with Blizzard to eliminate as much of the UI modifications as possible. We will soon be testing the Tournament interface and be able to answer those questions.

Q: Some WoW classes are far more difficult to play, while others are extremely gear-oriented. Others are far easier to play and less gear-dependent. How will these kinds of disparities be addressed to keep the competitions fair and balanced?

A: Well that will be up to the teams and their personal strategies. Players are free to choose their character class, which gear set they want, and how to utilize their talent trees. Now just 1 little twist to picking character classes. Teams may not use multiple of the same character class in a round. This should help keep things fun and exciting for the viewers.

Q: Quick pick: Rose McGowan or Milli Vanilli?

Is that actually a question? Have you seen What Would Tyler Durden Do recently? ( http://www.wwtdd.com/post.phtml?pk=2105 )

Editor's Note: If you like women, you need to check out that link. And right now too!

Q: WoW, it can be argued, is the most popular competitive video game in the world. In approaching this fact, do you see WoW having a more substantial role in your competitions than some other, somewhat less popular games?

A: We love all our tournaments equally and differently. And they are all popular in their own ways. But yes, WoW is special. These events are going to be very full of WoW.

Q: Do you see yourself including other MMORPG-style games in your competitions in the future?

A: We don't shy away from any type of game. If it has engaging gameplay and an audience like WoW does, there is always a possibility.

Q: Can you get us (the WorldofWar.Net staff) some schwag, goodies, or other freebies? Pretty please?

A: Come to the events. Booth babes will be tossing out World Series of Video Games tabards.

Q: As we wrap up, what would you want WoW fans to know about WoW's inclusion in your WSVG competitions?

A: We love the game as much as you do, some staff members a little too much. There is nothing like the thrill of live competition, and we encourage players to form their teams and come out to the events!

And that's that, friends! We want to throw a big thanks out to Matt, for talking to us!

In conclusion, this interview (and the research behind it) was my first real introduction to the World Series of Video Games. I found the WSVG to be an interesting approach to gaming in general, and they are certainly a forerunner in the field of competitive game play. The very fact that they've chosen to include online MMOs in the games they feature demonstrates not just their gaming savvy, but their desire to include games beyond simple shooters. (Most gaming competitions feature just a handful of virtually identical games). Futher, the innovating manner in which WoW has been implemented in the tournaments – the timed dungeon runs, for example – shows how fun and creative the WSVG can be.

This is an interesting look at the world of competitive gaming. If you've never been to a gaming competition, it's definitely worth checking out. You can check out their schedule, and find out other details about the World Series of Video Games at their site at www.TheWSVG.com!

Interview by The Pig