Infi's move to StarCraft 2: 'My adaption is so so'

One of China's brighest shining WarCraft 3 stars, Xuwen "Infi" Wang is trying to make a move over to StarCraft 2. In an interview, originally posted on Tatazu.com, he talks how most WarCraft 3 players in China has actually moved over to DOTA rather than StarCraft 2.
- "My adaption to the game is so so. Sometimes I get angry about losing games," says Infi.

Hello, how are you, what have you been up to recently?

- Hi there. Recently there are not many matches, therefore I spend my vacation in USA. By the way, I still practice SC2 on America Server.

What is your current gaming setup?

Mouse: SteelSeries Sensei
Keyboard: Steel Series 6G V2
Mouse Pad: Steel Series Soft Pad
Headphone: TT E-Sports Shock 1

Why did you choose these as your desired gaming setup?

- First of all, I like the products of Steelseries and TT E-Sports. Compared to other kinds of E-sports gear, these products really provide excellent performance. Secondly, they sponsored several E-Sports Teams, and Tyloo is one of these teams.

What is the most important feature to you when choosing new gear (headset, mouse, mousepad, keyboard, etc.)?

1) Good-looking!
2) Feeling! I mean, if the product fits my hands or not.
3) Performance, including accuracy, stability - I hate the stuff which lose frames!
4) Reliability. Good stuff always last long, since you cannot imagine how fast we consume these gears.

Tyloo has a team house, are you currently staying there? Where is it located?

- When I finish my vacation I will go back there. Yes, I do live there. It is located in Shanghai.

What is your daily routine like?

- What I can tell you is that I spend most of time in front of monitor.

2011 was arguably the last year for Warcraft III, will you now move to Starcraft 2 or do something else?

- Yes, I will try to move SC2.

How often do you travel because of eSports in a given month?

- That really depends on how many matches.

What has been your favorite place to visit, and why?

- Hangzhou City. Just like it, no specific reason.

When did you first decide to become a progamer? What was the defining moment?

- When I was around 11-12 years old, I dreamed about being a pro-gamer. In 2005, I committed myself into such a career. And so far so good (laughs).

What does your family think of your career? What was their reaction when you first told them this is what you wanted to do for a living?

- Strongly disagreed with me, of course. I guess it really was the regular reaction of parents.

Do you think after you stop playing you would like to continue on working in the eSports/gaming industry?

- I have not considered it yet. I probably will.

What was your favorite event throughout your career, why?

- WCG 2009, I won the grand champ of WarCraft 3.

What made you decide to play Warcraft 3 as your desired game?

- Because this game had been the most popular for a long time. And not only that, I really like it.

What did you originally want to be when you grew up?

- Besides a pro-gamer, I used to dream about to be a pop star - a singer. But to be realistic, I wont take any effort on this dream, since I don't have that kind of talent.

What is the most enjoyable aspect of eSports - why do you keep your career going in eSports, what keeps you in the industry?

- Game. That is great fun to combine game and your job together. The joy of victory, and being sharp on the stage.


What do you spend your spare time doing when you aren't practicing?

- Hang out with friends or travel just as what I am doing these days.

2011 was arguably the last year for Warcraft III as a main game in China, how do you feel about the past year of Warcraft III?

- The Chinese WC3 was still monopolized by the old four groups of the past and the games are quite boring to me.

Starcraft 2 would be the most logical choice for Warcraft III pro-gamers to transition to, but it is not popular in China, how do you feel about this?

- It's quite reasonable for WC3 players to switch to other games out there. Talking about SC2, I'm still looking forward to HOTS and the future operations of NetEase.

Do you think Starcraft 2 will increase in popularity now that Warcraft III is on the decline?

- I don't think there is this kind of connection between WC3 fading and SC2 growing. Most WC3 players in China have already switched to DOTA, rather than SC2.

Do you feel you will be able to rise to the top of the Starcraft 2 scene like you did with Warcraft III?

- Not theoretically, no. But I'll definitely endeavor my effort in it.

What are your goals for your career in Starcraft 2?

- My goal is basically set in China and I hope I can win some titles.

How do the mechanics of the game change from Warcraft III to Starcraft 2 - are there any changes you like?

- The only advantage is gameplay. Starcraft II allows players to group all units, which is my favorite part. As for the battle system, I think it is not as good as the one in Warcraft III, that is just my personal thought.

How is it transitioning to the new game, do you feel comfortable playing it? I know you have been playing it on and off since the beta.

- My adaption to the game is so so. Sometimes I get angry about losing games. The reason is that I think Starcraft II is still a tower rush game, but I prefer to play late games. I have this style since Warcraft III.

What sort of style do you have in Starcraft 2? You were very famous for your use of Towers in Warcraft III.

- I am still weak at open battles. The operation and multitasking are better.

How often do you practice Starcraft 2? I know you are practicing on the North American ladder on your vacation, how are you doing so far?

- My practice has been on and off. I can play 10 hours per day for a week when I have time. I can hardly play one match for two months when I'm busy. The North American ladder is quite strong and competitive, but comparing to Korean ladder, gaps still remain.

What ladder do you practice on when you are back in China? What is your league/rank?

- I usually use proxy to play Korean ladder, but my rank and results are pretty bad, haha.

Have you been following the Starcraft 2 scene at all? Do you pay attention to international events such as IEM, IPL, GSL?

- I haven't been following the international scene lately. All of the games' videos are the same to me and the only thing that I have interest is the funny commentaries from the shoutcasters. I watched the early videos of GSL and I got bored later. I don't really follow other events to be honest. If I have to learn and consult other people's styles, I'll watch the game from the first angle.

Do you ever get recognized by fans when you go out?

- Yes. Once a month averagely.

Do you have any final comments or shoutouts?

- Thanks to all eSports fans. Hope you guys support WarCraft 3 - none of us want to see Chinese E-Sports die so quickly. Thanks a lot to Steelseries&& TT E-Sports for the great support to Chinese E-Sports.