Quake Pro League

It's 5am that I'm writing this, and I wanted to share my thoughts after taking a minute to think about the end of qpl, the timing of it, and for the players. Please enjoy my thoughts. You're welcome to agree or disagree, and I look forward to reading other posts on this myself:

To be frank, I think it was a very low effort way to end the league (I'll expand on this a bit later). I can't say I'm entirely surprised with that, knowing what I know from being in the league and the potential for content that could have been made to maybe give it a fighting chance. You know, promoting the fun side of the game and players (what we talked about at the start of the league), and not just strictly a duel league (see content from third party events).

Quake esports has existed for a very long time, through various titles and event organizers. The players that existed in this league and before it, have traversed the entire genre and gaming in general. Quake has spawned so many successful careers inside, and especially outside, of itself. So many successful people in esports have touched quake in some fashion. Amazing if you think about it.

I want to say thank you to each of the players I've had the pleasure of meeting and making lasting friendships with. You are unlike any others I've met in my life. Full of passion and kindness throughout many years of knowing you. I genuinely wish you all contined success, even though our commonality is no more, I hope we keep in touch about future successes. The world is a big place. I know it will be tough, if not impossible, for everyone to get together in one space again. Thank you.

Now to the ending of the league, the low effort, and timing of it.

The timing. Something so important in Quake.

You choose to disclose the news on a random Tuesday. One quote that has always stuck with me through many years is, "The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that
never crossed your worried mind; the kind that blindside you at 4pm on some idle Tuesday." By Baz Luhrmann in the non-song "Sunscreen" (look it up if you want some reflective simple advice.) And that's when the players were provided the news. 4pm on some idle Tuesday. Not after QuakeCon so players and community alike could celebrate the existence and ending together. Not before Endpoint LAN, where certain players who aren't attending KeenCon may not be able to give their last goodbye to some of their longest standing friends and competitors, and even right before KeenCon, where we now have this looming "last LAN of Quake ever" feeling that would have been great to know and possibly schedule "another day" to enjoy a last hoorah for all of us who could make it, and the heartbreaking feeling for those who thought "I'll see them at the next one". Very sad timing.

The low effort. Something success in Quake is impossible without.

After so many years of the league, I expected some form of goodbye bigger than this. Well, I can't say that honestly considering the above. Is a bigger goodbye really expected? A video tribute of players, events, maybe some history, a solitude feeling of togetherness of what we have held so dear for so long. All of us. Not just players, but community. What is Quake without community? QuakeCon started as community. But no, a short post on Twitter to announce it will not be renewed, and a short reply of simple thanks. I feel like the understanding of how much effort required in Quake to become great has been lost. Is there a proper way this can actually end gracefully, though? IS there a video, a post, something that can tie it all together in a nice bow and give it the sendoff we may feel we deserve? I, no, WE, all want the best for this genre defining game of some of the richest history and the most dedicated players and fans. The post still felt too simple for the gravity of what it means. The end of Quake, or at least the Professional scene.

The Quake Pro League (c). The tribute the players deserved.

Now, with all of that said, even if bad timing and low effort, the existence of The Quake Pro League (c) (need to acknowledge copyright so I don't get fined) is the tribute the players and fans did deserve. We have seen the storylines of these incredible people, not just players, but people. The League provided some a path in life. There are infinite paths, but we have all been a close part of those who choose and dedicated their time and existence to The Quake Pro League (c). Rapha the goat. Cypher Cypher Cypher. You must choose when to be aggressive. Railsen. He's only 19! 2nd place 7x (I mean this in true incredible form, we all want to see a raisy win). High ping advantage. That one applies to so many who have gone on to prove their worth. There is so much one could say about what the QPL has done for all of us. I feel the existence of this league has been the tribute we deserved. Reflecting back I think we will all see that. The sting is fresh, and it's easy to criticize, but it gave a second light to the scene that was already dying, and to the players who have always wanted more. This was it. Be grateful if you can, I know I am.

And the end. As all matches, tournaments, and things eventually come to.

Quake has provided lasting friendships, incredible bonds, and even created families.  I just proposed to the girl I met because of Quake.

For that, I am forever grateful to you. A masterpiece of gaming existence. Thank you.