UnLtd’s Big Game: Presenting Team Nine

Calling all game-nerds (and non-game nerds – we don’t discriminate here)! In case you haven’t heard, the legends over at UnLtd are launching a virtual gaming tournament – the Big Game. And, it’s all starting today.

What’s it entail? Basically, 22 teams across the industry will be competing over 5 weeks in a game of Rocket League, all live-streamed over Twitch. We’re not even going to attempt to understand what any of that means but we’re behind you, adland!

Each week, B&T will be bringing you some rather entertaining team profiles, from how the teams plan on warming up for the game (finger stretching?) to what their nutrition plan is.

You can watch the games here https://www.twitch.tv/unltdaus.

Without further ado, here Team Nine AKA Shoot at First Sight.

Team members:
Harry Blake – Senior Sales Executive – Publishing

Victor Delebarre – Sales Coordinator – Broadcast

Favourite game of all times:

Harry: GTA 5

Victor: I traditionally much prefer single player, story driven games. The first game I ever fell in love with was The Elder Scrolls: Morrowind. (I think 12-year-old me sunk about 1000 hours in that game). For Multiplayer Games, I’d have to go with Overwatch. For Single Player Games, it would be:

• Fallout series (1-4) Fallout 76 was terrible!
• The Elder Scrolls (Morrowind, Oblivion & Skyrim)
• Last of Us
• Super Mario Land 1 & 2 (absolute classics!)

What’s your team’s game plan for Big Game:

Harry: Get the ball to Victor

Victor:  We don’t want to give too much away coming into the first round.

However, I think we are trying to avoid overcommitting when attacking, as this opens you up to a quick counter. Channelling the great Muhammad Ali, we aim to float like a butterfly, sting like a bee. Play the field and wait for an opening to strike.

How has the team been preparing in the lead up to the Big Game:
Harry: I hadn’t played since my days at IGN Australia 3 years ago so was a bit of shock to the system jumping straight into qualifiers. Since last Tuesday and our 3-0 unbeaten record we’ve been keeping ourselves occupied. Staying relaxed is key when going into these big tournaments so I’ve been doing a lot of dog walking down at Rose Bay beach.

Victor: In terms of Physical preparation I have adapted a variation of ‘One Punch Man’ training – 100 Push Ups, 100 Sit Ups, 100 Squats – everyday!

I am quite a competitive person so I am always ready mentally! However, working as part of team in a real tournament setting is new to me so I’m working on staying focused and relaxed! ?

 In terms in diet, well we are in isolation so the diet plan is non-existent. I’m a very snacky person…

What are your predictions for Big Game:

Harry: The gloves are off and this is personal. We were nervous before the qualifier against Seven…turns out there was nothing to be nervous about! We’ve heard rumours that OMD have a gun player so we will be targeting him if we get the chance to play them. No doubt it will be a well-supported event by the industry.

Victor: We edged out Nova in the placement matches so I’m hoping we can beat the other radio team (ARN) in the first broadcast match. ?

I think Nine has a legitimate chance at being top 3, we were unbeaten in the placement matches and if we can ride that momentum we should be able to place top 3 and potentially win the Big Game!

What’s the one thing you wish people knew about gaming?

Harry: For many people, gaming has made being in lockdown fun and given something for millions of people to do! I think the world will be a lot more invested in gaming when we come out of the other side of COVID-19. Everyone who worked at Fairfax with me knows that I’ve been on my soapbox for years about gaming and its significance commercially. It isn’t just teenage boys playing anymore, it’s for everyone to play. I’ve got my girlfriend hooked on The Witness (a puzzler) we are now fighting for gaming time…and she was the biggest anti-gamer going into lockdown!

Victor: I wish people knew that gaming isn’t just for “nerds” or “geeks”.

With the technological advancements in gaming hardware video games have become a form of storytelling that is on par if not better that film. (Dangerous words I know…)

The Last of Us is a perfect example, this story driven game is an absolute masterpiece, I recommend it to anyone who wants fun gameplay and amazing graphics combined with a fantastic story!