Gregan

Gregan · @Gregan

6th Mar 2023 from TwitLonger

DarkZero pulling out of Rocket League esports, whats next for me and the team


Unfortunately, after a tough entry into Rocket League, DarkZero have decided to pull the project for Rocket League esports.

I completely understand their decision and think it's the correct thing to do for them as their entry in RLCS didn't go as planned. Despite their long term goals of slowly building to be a major contending team, the time and cost with so much risk and resistance from the format and competition in NA, it makes sense why they would stop sooner rather than later.

What's next?
I was in talks to coach with some teams when I committed to DarkZero, hoping they are still interested despite the decision to go with DarkZero due to their great offer which allowed me to monetarily sustain my podcast expenses for the year.

Whilst I search for what's next I'm gonna be casting some RL events, Pokemon Trading Card Game and maybe a Valorant event or 2? Will keep streaming, making YT videos and hopefully build the podcast into a massive brand and find ways to fund it more sustainably.

I just want something long term as the last 6 months has been jumping from project to project.

For the team:

Turbo
I hope you find what you want to do next. Whatever you choose to do, make sure to let your personality shine and be seen. You are the funniest pro I've ever seen and I was lucky enough to experience that every day. You have so much more energy for RL and hope you find success.

Zombie (ZPS)
Incredibly underrated player. The development and hard work I've seen from you with Knights and DZ has been phenomenal. I believe any top team looking to make a change would be crazy not to consider you as you have the ability and work ethic to be on top. Whatever happens next, may you continue grinding like you do, being malleable and coachable so any team can fit you in the role they need and find a place that you can develop long term.

Creamz
You have something that is rare in the esports scene, you have initiative. I love you reaching out for extra sessions, advice on certain aspects of your game. You have that ranked warrior mechy star power ability, just need some experience and you'll be golden. I would have loved to work with you for a year and see how much we could develop you as there's a lot of potential for you. Please, please, please move from high ping and unstable internet if you find an org; I think it will be the best risk you ever take!

Schon (manager)
Very rarely is the manager a big reason for a coach or player to want to join a team, but instantly you made me want to stay at DZ. Your organisation was perfect, the accessibility to you whenever needed and your inclusion on the banter each day. Your spreadsheets are genuinely incredible and will be somethingI try to replicate from now on.
You will find an amazing opportunity for success in esports and hope you keep making sexy spreadsheets.

What went wrong?
I'm sure a lot of people want to know what went wrong. To put it simply, we didn't perform on the two weekends we were given. Lots didn't go our way, we didn't have much time to develop the roster and the competition is incredibly tough. In qualifier 1 I was learning for the first time how the boys played under pressure and we narrowly missed out with a 2-3 Closed qual with some close losses. In Qualifier 2, it felt off, the team felt the fatigue of open quals, felt the helplessness of the format and got hit hard by the losses. The team improved a lot in practice, but was hard to perform in a tournament, especially coming through the opens where it's incredibly tiring.

I was in the process of setting the ground work. Doing performance psych, building up an in-game and training structure for long term development. I had to try to work with the team we were able to get and be willing to iterate and create the best structure in RL for success. Understandably, DZ felt it was not worth the risk, cost and investment of time it would take.

Good luck to DZ, Turbo, Zombie, Creamz and Schon with your next ventures and will see you all bounce back soon.

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