In this months Q&A we are honored to have Goosechecka from GrifBallHub.com answer some questions for us about GrifBall and the community. Before the questions read a little about Goose.
Goosechecka, more commonly referred to as Goose, started playing Grifball in Summer of 2008. She joined the GrifballHub staff in the Spring of 2009 and quickly became one of the community’s most prolific writers. She is best known for conducting live interviews with a wide variety of players–from League Admins to rookie teams–and running the site’s numerous contests. Goose is also the administrator of GrifballHub’s recreational Grifball League, the Good Game League (GGL).
jggh: Ultimatley GrifBall is a huge Community project. Are you surprised that it has gotten so much momentum behind it as of late?
Goose: There was definitely hope that Reach would revitalize GrifBall, but I don’t think we ever imagined that the sport would become such a huge hit with the community at large, much less have its own dedicated matchmaking playlist. We hoped for this kind of Response, but never really expected it.
jggh: Obviously with GrifBall being in the Matchmaking hopper now lots of people are playing it. Would you recommend the GGL and AGLA for everyone, or do you think that players should meet a certain criteria for joining the league?
Goose: I think everyone should try out both the leagues just to see what they’re like. GrifBall.com seems to be where some of the more serious GrifBallers hang out while the GGL is more recreational. They each offer something different and appeal to different audiences.
jggh: It seems that when most people think of Pro Gaming most think of MLG or similar. Do you see GrifBall ever being put in that same spotlight as far as Pro Gaming?
Goose: Although people en masse love GrifBall and would have a decent fan base, I don’t think there are enough hard-core GrifBallers to sustain something like MLG. Currently there are only 12 GrifBall “Pro” teams, but of course if there were sponsorships and things like that, I’m sure more teams would be inclined to try for “Pro” status.
jggh: What has given GrifBall the biggest momentum, being placed in Matchmaking, attention on Waypoint or just a thrust of community support? Or maybe all of the above?
Goose: Having a dedicated playlist is a huge boost to the sport. However GrifBall had to fight for that honor against some stiff competition. Having the support of Halo: Waypoint is certainly beneficial and being supported by an entity as popular as Rooster Teeth doesn’t hurt either.
jggh: What would you tell someone who was getting ready to play their first game of GrifBall?
Goose: I’d ask them if they know which button swings the Hammer. Once you’ve got that down you’re 50% of the way there! Seriously though, one of the biggest mistakes that rookie teams and players make is ignoring their radar. Being aware of where your teammates are in relation to the enemy is crucial and maintaining spacing so that you can support your teammate without betraying them is definitely a sign of a sophisticated player.
jggh: With melee mechanics and Hammers being different on Reach. Reach also having Evolved and Dash in Custom. Do you feel like GrifBall is as perfect as it can be, or do you feel that it was better in Halo 3?
Goose: If GrifBall in Halo 3 and Halo: Reach could have a love child, I think that would be GrifBall perfection. I would love to be able to pull off the crazy cross-court launches like we could in Halo 3 and pair that with the Evade armor ability and the lack of Refusal to Die Syndrome (RTDS, lag induced sword failure). I would also take the Halo 3 sword and hammer over Reach’s in a heartbeat.
jggh: I have to say in my experience with the GrifBallHub and GrifBall community, I’ve ran into some of the most helpful and generally nice players that I have spoke to. Why do you think that the GrifBall Community are so willing to help each other? Considering that on the court it’s most of the time, as competitive as you can get.
Goose: GrifBall really is a small community and GriffBallers realize that the longevity and health of the sport depends on people wanting to play it. In Halo 3, Grifball existed entirely due to the willingness a few hundred people to commit to a league. It’s even more critical now to be open and accommodating to new players because of the Grifball playlist. Before, if people wanted GrifBall more than once a month, they had to play in the league. Now, leagues aren’t necessary for continuous play, so being nice and helpful is literally vital to our existence, not only as a sport, but as a organized entity.
jggh: Can we expect for GrifBall to start having more of a presence at the gaming Con’s such as PAX?
Goose: I hope so! The GrifBall panel at PAX East was a huge success and we’d definitely like to continue to promote GrifBall at industry events. Ultimately, it’s up to the Halo community and rather or not they remain engaged and enthralled with GrifBall. We definitely are working to keep Grifball fresh and entertaining.
jggh: With the recent success of your Community Playdate, and talking to a large amount of the community does the overall opinion of GrifBall seem to be good?
Goose: People love GrifBall and the degree to which they do constantly astounds me. From the millions of hits the Hub gets on a monthly basis, to the line of people at PAX East waiting for the GrifBall panel, to the GrifBall playlist having more players in it than Team Slayer, Halo fans have shown some serious love for this gametype.
jggh: What does the future have in store for GrifBall?
Goose: GrifBaller can expect an update to the GrifBall playlist this Spring that will hopefully be introducing some new gamtypes that may or may not involve jetpacks and/or golf balls. Signups for the next season of the GGL will be in late May and GrifBall fans can look forward to Highlight Frenzy posted monthly on Halo: Waypoint. Although, nothing is certain, things are in the works for GrifBall to have some sort of presence at PAX Prime.
Big thanks to Goose and GrifBallHub for taking the time to answer our questions. I myself along with some of the staff here at jggh Games play in both the AGLA and GGL on the Apocalyptic Flamingos. I highly recommend giving the leagues a shot and you may end up pleasantly surprised.
