*By Zane Bhansali*
Epic Games' release of the Boombox item the day of the 100,000 tournament WSOE 3 fits into a well-established pattern. For pro players like Ghost Gaming's Justin "Kayuun" Ha, that pattern is highly concerning.
"I just don't think Epic is serious about creating a competitive environment for their tournaments," says Kayuun. In his opinion, the chaos that Epic's item releases create is carefully planned to advertise the newest changes to their game to their casual player base.
"As a competitive player, it's very, very frustrating," says Kayuun. "Every tournament it feels like they're trying to take control away from their players to perform the best they can."
Despite his struggles with Epic's patching strategy, Kayuun maintains that he enjoys playing the game. Epic's woes come matched against incredible highs ー the gaming giant recently reported a $3 billion profit in 2018.
There's a new mixed-martial arts league on the block. The Professional Fighters League ー or PFL ー is wrapping up its inaugural season with a championship match on New Year's Eve. According to Peter Murrary, the CEO of the league, the match's purse, $1 million, is a major draw for athletes ー money talks, and can mark achievement.
These are the headlines you Need 2 Know for Friday, Dec. 28, 2018.
These are the headlines you Need 2 Know for Thursday, Dec. 27, 2018.
These are the headlines you Need 2 Know for Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2018.
DraftKings CEO Jason Robins said West Virginia is the company's next, best opportunity for replicating the monster success it's seen in New Jersey as it rolls out a mobile sportsbook in the Mountain State. "West Virginia is an early mover and I think they're being smart and thoughtful about how they actually legislated and regulated," Robins told Cheddar Friday.
After the gymnastics world was rocked by a major sex abuse scandal, the sport's most decorated Olympic athlete says education for child athletes can protect them from similar abuse in the future. The Magnificent Seven's Shannon Miller told Cheddar that fear of abuse should never prevent young athletes from pursuing their sport.
These are the headlines you Need 2 Know for Thursday, Dec. 20, 2018.
Riot's COO is suspended, Fortnite vaults the Infinity Blade, and Overwatch League announces its plans for Season 2. Featuring beastcoast CEO Grant Zinn, University of Califonia and Irvine Director of Esports Mark Deppe. Plus - EndGameTV COO Aiden McCaig previews Smash Ultimate's first major, Don't Park on the Grass 2018.
China is considering banning battle royale games, the legendary Virtus.Pro roster disbands, and the Winter Royale is ruined by the Infinity Blade.Featuring interviews with Ghost Gaming's Kayuun, DC Overwatch Assistant GM Kate Mitchell, StackUp Director of Veteran Services Dave Crouse, and a Capcom Cup preview with Amanda Stevens.
These are the headlines you Need 2 Know for Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2018.
