Introducing The Grumpy Old Gamer and Trash Talk

Right then people, where to begin?

I'm a mature gamer and my recent posting on forums and tweeting got me thinking about putting my gaming thoughts down in a blog to see what people think about what I've got to say.

My name is Neil, I'm a 36 year old family man and I've been gaming seriously on Xbox for around 6 years. In that time I've progressed from a complete noob to gaming competitively with clans within an online league, and even watching Pro gaming and starting to appreciate what the Esports circuit involves.

I'm going to try to pick a relavant issue/point of discussion within gaming for each blog and give my opinion on this.



 First topic up is Trash Talk.......

I think we've all encountered the discussions either on forums or on Twitter this week revolving around trash talking, particularly at LAN and within Pro gamers. The questions were raised about how trash talking may affect the view of esports in the mainstream and how this may have an impact on things like sponsorship and future events.
My personal opinion is that there surely has to be a limit and a responsability on the participants to show a level of respect and behaviour befitting of their position within an organisation. Even as a grumpy old gamer, I understand the feelings involved whilst being under pressure at the high end of performance, but some of the videos that have been shown recently seem to show that even after a game has finished, some people seem to not know when/how to switch off.
The teams/organisations especially in Pro gaming now must realise the positions that they find themselves in, with a growing fan base, they must show some aspect of control over their players, or what image do they want to portray to those people on the outside of Esports?
Their are people involved in the organisation of gaming events that are obviously putting a lot of effort into trying to attract a more widescale audience to either viewing or sponsoring these events, and my perosnal opinion is that if this behaviour continues, then how long before someone oversteps the mark? This simply undermines the hard work put in by others in trying to improve the image/standing of Esports in the mainstream media/public eye.

So, whats the solution? In my humble opinion, this can only be answered by the players and the teams themselves. Surely the future of Esports rests with attracting bigger audiences and bigger sponsors to drive it into new directions, however if this is harmed by childish behaviour at events then how can the scene grow?

So please please play the game with your heart and soul, and yes show that you care, and show that you know you are better than your opponent, but also show respect and show humility in both defeat and victory, because lets face it, none of us, however good you are, are going to be top dog forever.....what goes around comes around guys! 
Lets help the scene grow, and let give those trying to help achieve this, the best opportunity to promote competitive gaming to its fullist.

Let me know your thoughts people, and feel free to get in touch -
Twitter - https://twitter.com/Old_GrumpyGamer
XBL - NastyNeil WR

Peas out chaps! 
Neil