5/21/2015
This Joe Rogan podcast features professional Counter Strike: Global Offensive gamer Jordan Gilbert, better known as “c9n0thing” online. The conversation delves into the world of competitive gaming, exploring the intricacies of the game, the rise of Twitch streaming, and the cultural impact of esports. The podcast also touches on the unique challenges faced by professional gamers, including the pressures of competition, the dangers of online harassment, and the pursuit of a sustainable career in a volatile industry.
Major Topics
- The Evolution of Counter Strike:
- From Half-Life roots to Counter Strike 1.6 and Global Offensive.
- The impact of engine upgrades and the balance between realism and gameplay.
- The role of Internet lag and ping in competitive play.
- The importance of personal skill and the “meta” game.
- The Rise of Esports and Twitch Streaming:
- The evolution of esports as a professional sport.
- The impact of Twitch and its role in popularizing esports.
- The different ways gamers make money on Twitch (subscriptions, donations, and sponsorships).
- The growth of Twitch as a platform for entertainment and community.
- The Business of Esports:
- The lucrative prize pools and salaries in esports.
- The role of sponsors and advertisers in the esports ecosystem.
- The challenges of transitioning from professional gaming to other careers.
- The importance of finding a balance between gaming and other aspects of life.
- The Ethics and Challenges of Esports:
- The prevalence of cheating in esports, from aimbots to wall hacks.
- The dangers of online harassment, including swatting and DDoS attacks.
- The cultural stigma associated with gaming in America compared to other countries like Europe and Korea.
- The potential for esports to become even more competitive and immersive in the future.
- The Future of Gaming and Virtual Reality:
- The potential of VR technology to revolutionize gaming.
- The challenges of VR technology, including motion sickness and physical limitations.
- The possibility of esports becoming even more physically demanding with VR.
- The long-term impact of virtual reality on society and culture.
- The Mindset of Professional Gamers:
- The importance of dedication, discipline, and focus in competitive gaming.
- The unique mental challenges faced by professional gamers, including obsession and burnout.
- The potential for professional gamers to develop skills that can be applied to other areas of life.
- The importance of balance and finding fulfillment outside of gaming.
- The Cultural Impact of Gaming:
- The increasing popularity of esports and its impact on traditional sports.
- The cultural significance of gaming as a form of entertainment and expression.
- The role of gaming in shaping the future of technology and society.
- The evolution of gaming from a niche hobby to a mainstream phenomenon.
- The Role of Women in Gaming:
- The underrepresentation of women in professional gaming.
- The challenges faced by women in gaming, including sexism and harassment.
- The growing number of female gamers and streamers on platforms like Twitch.
- The importance of creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment for women in gaming.
- The Intersection of Gaming and Other Interests:
- The growing popularity of poker and music streaming on Twitch.
- The potential for professional gamers to transition into other careers, such as coaching or content creation.
- The blurring lines between different forms of entertainment and the rise of hybrid platforms like Twitch.
- The future of entertainment and its convergence with technology.
Memorable Quotes
- “Dude, you live in a dream. That’s sort of every teenage boy who’s sitting in front of his parents’ television. He’s you fucking loser. Get some shit done with your life.” – Joe Rogan’s initial reaction to Jordan Gilbert’s profession highlights the common perception of gaming as a frivolous pursuit.
- “I think part of it, obviously, is people know what the fuck they’re looking at. Right? And outside of perspective. So, like, certain games, I can understand. Starcraft or legal legends or watercraft, if you’re looking at all these spells flying around. Yeah. That’s ridiculous.” – Jordan Gilbert explains why first-person shooters are more intuitively accessible for spectators than strategy games like Starcraft.
- “It’s like saying you play pro sports to be, you know. Right. Right. Right. After a while. So I try to make that distinction to do justice to my my profession or whatever.” – Jordan Gilbert emphasizes the importance of recognizing esports as a legitimate profession.
- “I think the the genius of this is the whole donation thing. The genius of this is getting people to donate and the the fact that these guys can how else can they make money? They can make money by subscription service. Right? Subscription. And that’s the like, that’s, like, you could run on your salary.” – Joe Rogan recognizes the innovative revenue models employed by Twitch streamers, highlighting the potential for a sustainable career in streaming.
- “Greatness and insanity are next door neighbors and they bar each other sugar.” – Jordan Gilbert reflects on the unique mindset required to achieve greatness in any field, acknowledging the inherent link between obsession and success.