Post #3: Clanning

The purpose of clans
I know people join clans for various reasons: they enjoy gaming with others, they want to become more prominent in gaming society, they’re lonely (please don’t let this be your reason). However there are only two purposes for clans. I suggest you make these two purposes your reason for wanting to join a clan, because if you don’t: A. you will be sorely disappointed or B. gaming will turn into a full-time job (and we all know jobs aren’t fun).

Purpose 1: To compete. The only way to play competitively with others is either through a clan or team. You’re not Rambo, so don’t try to be.

Purpose 2: For the benefits. Clans generally give the security of tech support, a website, Team Speak servers, good people to play with, and a Call of Duty education. There’s no better way to learn the game, fix your motherboard, chat in game or post MW2 tips than through the utilization of your clan’s resources.

The reality of clans
Clans aren’t what you think they are. There generally are rules. They’re not flippant. If you’re looking for a group of people to game with once a month or a Team Speak server to utilize for you and your friends, then a clan probably isn’t for you. Clans do require some dedication, and sometimes a little money. Think of it as the payback for using their resources.

Are you clan material?
So before you say, “Yes, I want to join,” think about: Do I have time to play regularly? Do I have any money to help pay for things such as servers or a website? Do I want to compete? How are my skills compared to my (maybe) future clan mates?

Next blog I will dive into which clans I recommend, what to look for in a clan and what to avoid.

Post #2: It's a Cultural Experience

Somewhere along the way, I learned how to say cave, airplane and bomb in six different languages. I learned that German’s speak better English than most Americans and that I liked Polish accents the best.

And… I learned that not everyone speaks my language.

Below, I’ve listed four steps to improve interactions with the “foreign” gamer. (We’re all foreign at some point aren’t we?)

1. Stop being hostile just because you can.

Rivalry between teams, clans and individuals is a healthy component to any competition. However, attacking your competitor with verbal sewage based on their ethnicity is not. I don’t know how many times I’ve joined a server and heard “Speak English you idiot” or “Learn English or leave.” I can tell you right now, that when I join a server filled with French or Germans or Russians, they don’t expect me to speak their language; they actually attempt to speak mine.

2. Attempt to understand.

Most people who game know English. However, how well they know English varies (a lot). So next time, when your “foreign” teammate is trying to give you details about where the enemy is, actually pay attention. I know it sounds like gibberish, but you’ll be surprised to discover what you do understand.

3. Learn to say hello.

I’ve never met a gamer that doesn’t know the meaning of or how to say “hello.” So say hello, even if they’re not American or British. I would even take it one step further. Learn to say “hello” in German, French, Russian, Spanish, Croatian and Polish (most common gaming nations I’ve seen). They will appreciate it. They will laugh at how terribly you butchered the word. And they will ask to become your friend on Steam. Guaranteed.

4. Invite foreigners into your clan.

This does several things: A. Broadens your range of clans to spar with. Suddenly, you not only have clans from the US to game with, but all of your new German member’s European clans too. B. You’ll find the cultural experience enlightening. (I know this sounds dumb, but I promise you will.) C. You’ll be helping your new foreign member gain valuable skills in English — something they will appreciate more than you realize.

I know this all sounds so basic… and it is. So be a smart, multi-cultural gamer and remember these four steps.

Post #1: Introduction

Personal Introduction: Gaming History

My name is Erica and I love Modern Warfare 2.

I began gaming when I was 16. My brother actually paid me to play Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy with him because he had no one to play with. (I was very apposed to the “boy” computer game… thing.) That first day, garbed as a light saber swinging Yoda, was the beginning of a long-term relationship between my computer and I. I came to love other games: EVE Online, Call of Duty 4, Battle for Middle Earth, SWAT 4… and finally, Modern Warfare 2 (which is the basis of this blog).

Blog Introduction: Beyond the Game

However, throughout my gaming years, something beyond the game has captured my attention. Gaming has become a dynamic, online experience in which people all around the world chat, spar, laugh and, well, shoot one another (sounds so much more brutal than it really is). There is more to MW2 (and gaming in general) than sniping positions and knowing how long to cook your grenade. It’s more than finding the most effective glitches and where to slap your C4.

Thankfully, I can help you discover the “more.”

Blog Breakdown: What You’ll Learn

I plan on discussing the following in my blogs:

·      How to properly interact in-game with people who may not speak your language. (This may seem so simple… but for some reason, so many people have a hard time with this one.)

·      What to look for in a clan. (Listing some of the best clans available, personal recommendations, and things to avoid.)

·      Becoming clan material. (How to market yourself to clans that may or may not be looking for members.)

·      Earning revenue. (Make money gaming: possible. Make a living gaming: impossible.)

·      Managing a clan. (Tips on how to properly maintain a MW2 clan.)

·      Tactics for clans. (Tips on in-game clan tactics, procedures and plots.)

·      How to attract new clan members. (Becoming a marketable clan for searching gamers.)

And more.