Interview with Michael “Trainee” Harper
First off I would like to thank you for letting me conduct this interview.
For those who don’t know you please introduce yourself.
Hi, my name is Michael 'trainee' Harper. I'm 19 and currently playing for the team-dignitas Call of Duty 2 squad.
Most interviews are about the game the player plays and not much about the actual player. So for something more personnal, could you tell us what your average day consists of?
Well, I wake up, try and remember what I dreamt of that night, write it down if I remember. I'm doing a BTEC in digital media at the moment, so most of my week I spend at college. I have a part-time job working as a shop assistant in store called Buck and Ryan. I manage to keep to our training schedule 90% of the time, 6pm-11pm 5 days a week.
Where did you get your nickname from?
I played the Medal of Honor: Allied Assault demo when it came out. I was hooked. I sucked REAL bad to begin with, which I didn't like. I decided to change my name, get away from everyone I knew, learn the game inside out and get good. Which I did eventually, I started to get recognised by the better players and teams in the UK, I was given a change to play in the first UK squad for the Clanbase Nations Cup, I took the chance and played in every Nations Cup 'till the day I quit. I thought, people know me as 'trainee', I was only suppose to be practicing under this name... oh well, I'll just keep it.
Which other games did you play? Which one of those is your favourite and why?
The first game I played was Medal of Honor: Allied Assault, before MoH:AA I didn't have a clue about how big gaming actually was. After 3 years of MoH:AA, I dropped it for Call of Duty. 'WOW, HOW DIFFERENT IS THIS?' that's what went through my head when I played it for the first time, I knew nothing but MoH:AA... this was totally weird. I never really got into it, stable teams were setup and were leading the community, there was no space for me. I was nowhere near the level of competing at the top. The release of Counter-Strike: Source caught my eye, so I tried that out... enjoyed it for the majority, it was a buggy game unfortunately... I gave in for the release of Call of Duty 2.
What are your achievements?
If were talking online and offline, competing in every MoH:AA Nations Cup season, going on to win 2 (I think). I have won every Multiplay iseries event I have attended (about 7 overall) over 3 games apart from 2. World Cyber Games online qualifier winners with insertCOIN, we came 2nd at the LAN finals. I have attended 5 events with the dignitas CoD2 team, we have won 3, came second once and came 3rd once.
What would you say have been your highlights?
My highlights so far would have to be proving the MoH:AA scene that I don't cheat online by turning up to LAN and winning. Meeting players I have played with for years. Lucky to be in talented teams where I can learn.
Which match is the most exciting one you ever played and why?
I would have to say the Crossfire Prizefight LAN final vs Team SPEED-LINK. We beat them comfortably on our map then got beaten comfortably on theirs. It came down to the deciding map, where I felt I was making a difference. Every kill you made had more meaning, every movement you made, decision you made... could swing the game either way. The match came down to the last 20 seconds and a bomb plant where we were victorious.
How did you end up at Dignitas?
During my time playing CS:Source Jonathan 'raz' Baker, a team-mate of mine came over to Source for a brief time and played with us. Back in CoD2, I managed to get a trial with 'discipline'. 'Episode' was the clan leader at the time, I got in sniping for them. Eventually the team fell apart, 'Episode' went back to Source and 'raz' joined dignitas. I was left alone! I joined Trademark Gamers for a while, it was fun but I couldn't say no to the dignitas offer. I began to shine during TmG, and I got to know Mick from UK wars.
In which way do u enjoy playing for a big organisation like Dignitas?
Dignitas is different. The management I mean. ODEE along with NewmaN put so much effort into the team, It's like nothing else. They care, and it shows in the way they like to present their teams. Anyone would be lucky to play for dignitas.
Some say that aim is the most important factor in any fps game. What do you think are the most important elements for fps games in general and for Call of Duty? And what is most important for you like aim, intelligence, aggression, movement or something else?
Aim is a massive factor, if your aim isn't there in the first place then your not going anywhere. You need all factors of playing a game to a degree, whichever one you take to a extreme is what will define your style of play. I think individual skill can be over-rated. Team play and team motivation is your 6th player.
How would you describe your playing style?
I would say it varies between aggressive and random. The overall style of dignitas is quite a fast play so I try to keep up. Being the sniper I need to try and be less predictable, I also need to read the game and keep moving since I also play a backing role.
What do you think your biggest strength is?
Hmm that's quite hard since its hard to judge yourself. If I had to choose something specific I would say my aim is better than other aspects.
What is your biggest weakness?
I would say my positioning, I need to work on new positions!
What is your most important contribution to the teamplay in game?
When defending I fill in roles, close gaps in the defense, backup anyone and try to spot the opponents play.
Can you tell us about your co-players and their strengths?
Mick has got to be one of the smartest players in the game, his calls are good. Execution of tactics spot-on and generally a great leader.
Raz is our shotgunner and does it so well, his aim together with his unique positioning make him one of our strongest players.
I would say Ben is the strongest at holding sites on his own, he can take down rushes and slow down opponents play by positioning.
Palmz is our newest edition, I know from playing against him he has a very unique style and is very aware of his surroundings, he can win rounds based on his movement alone.
Are there any rituals you like to go through before a match? Both personally and team wise?
When were at LAN we always stick together. We all get along like mates, you feel like a team. Before matches I say the same prayer, I also have an order in which I setup my peripherals.
What are your main goals for upcoming year?
I would like to stay with the dignitas organisation and the dignitas CoD2 team. Im hoping we will be attending LAN's throughout 2007, I'd like to see CoD2 get bigger.
Do you have any plans for your future gaming career?
Im thinking CoD2 and 2007 will see the end for me. If I pass this year at college I'll be going to university, I wont have time to play.
What do you think about the competition among the top clans?
The competition is so close, there are also amazing lineups coming through now. Loads more teams to challenge each other at the top.
Who is the person you are most glad of meeting through online-gaming and why?
That's a hard one. I cant really say, I mean... I'm glad I have met ODEE and NewmaN. Also, old school players from MoH:AA like paranoia, pickers, pikkon, C.K. and all the rest of them.
What do you think about the Call of Duty community?
I don't get too involved with the community, I like to concentrate on playing. I know they all pick at each other, mess about and take the pi** out of everyone. A lot of fun at the end of the day.
How does it feel knowing that people from all over the world watched Made in Britain and enjoyed it?
It's great, for dignitas, corby the maker and CoD2. It's well made and tells a story.
Now for some quick fire questions:
What is your Favorite:
Food
Italian
Drink
Milk
Music
Rock
Book
Nightmares and Dreamscapes by Steven King
Movie
The Boondock Saints
Map
Dawnville
Sniper
British!
Side
Axis
Thank you very much for the interview. Any final shoutouts?
Thanks a lot, quick shoutouts to dignitas and its sponsors, Abit, Creative and Qpad.
First off I would like to thank you for letting me conduct this interview.
For those who don’t know you please introduce yourself.
Hi, my name is Michael 'trainee' Harper. I'm 19 and currently playing for the team-dignitas Call of Duty 2 squad.
Most interviews are about the game the player plays and not much about the actual player. So for something more personnal, could you tell us what your average day consists of?
Well, I wake up, try and remember what I dreamt of that night, write it down if I remember. I'm doing a BTEC in digital media at the moment, so most of my week I spend at college. I have a part-time job working as a shop assistant in store called Buck and Ryan. I manage to keep to our training schedule 90% of the time, 6pm-11pm 5 days a week.
Where did you get your nickname from?
I played the Medal of Honor: Allied Assault demo when it came out. I was hooked. I sucked REAL bad to begin with, which I didn't like. I decided to change my name, get away from everyone I knew, learn the game inside out and get good. Which I did eventually, I started to get recognised by the better players and teams in the UK, I was given a change to play in the first UK squad for the Clanbase Nations Cup, I took the chance and played in every Nations Cup 'till the day I quit. I thought, people know me as 'trainee', I was only suppose to be practicing under this name... oh well, I'll just keep it.
Which other games did you play? Which one of those is your favourite and why?
The first game I played was Medal of Honor: Allied Assault, before MoH:AA I didn't have a clue about how big gaming actually was. After 3 years of MoH:AA, I dropped it for Call of Duty. 'WOW, HOW DIFFERENT IS THIS?' that's what went through my head when I played it for the first time, I knew nothing but MoH:AA... this was totally weird. I never really got into it, stable teams were setup and were leading the community, there was no space for me. I was nowhere near the level of competing at the top. The release of Counter-Strike: Source caught my eye, so I tried that out... enjoyed it for the majority, it was a buggy game unfortunately... I gave in for the release of Call of Duty 2.
What are your achievements?
If were talking online and offline, competing in every MoH:AA Nations Cup season, going on to win 2 (I think). I have won every Multiplay iseries event I have attended (about 7 overall) over 3 games apart from 2. World Cyber Games online qualifier winners with insertCOIN, we came 2nd at the LAN finals. I have attended 5 events with the dignitas CoD2 team, we have won 3, came second once and came 3rd once.
What would you say have been your highlights?
My highlights so far would have to be proving the MoH:AA scene that I don't cheat online by turning up to LAN and winning. Meeting players I have played with for years. Lucky to be in talented teams where I can learn.
Which match is the most exciting one you ever played and why?
I would have to say the Crossfire Prizefight LAN final vs Team SPEED-LINK. We beat them comfortably on our map then got beaten comfortably on theirs. It came down to the deciding map, where I felt I was making a difference. Every kill you made had more meaning, every movement you made, decision you made... could swing the game either way. The match came down to the last 20 seconds and a bomb plant where we were victorious.
How did you end up at Dignitas?
During my time playing CS:Source Jonathan 'raz' Baker, a team-mate of mine came over to Source for a brief time and played with us. Back in CoD2, I managed to get a trial with 'discipline'. 'Episode' was the clan leader at the time, I got in sniping for them. Eventually the team fell apart, 'Episode' went back to Source and 'raz' joined dignitas. I was left alone! I joined Trademark Gamers for a while, it was fun but I couldn't say no to the dignitas offer. I began to shine during TmG, and I got to know Mick from UK wars.
In which way do u enjoy playing for a big organisation like Dignitas?
Dignitas is different. The management I mean. ODEE along with NewmaN put so much effort into the team, It's like nothing else. They care, and it shows in the way they like to present their teams. Anyone would be lucky to play for dignitas.
Some say that aim is the most important factor in any fps game. What do you think are the most important elements for fps games in general and for Call of Duty? And what is most important for you like aim, intelligence, aggression, movement or something else?
Aim is a massive factor, if your aim isn't there in the first place then your not going anywhere. You need all factors of playing a game to a degree, whichever one you take to a extreme is what will define your style of play. I think individual skill can be over-rated. Team play and team motivation is your 6th player.
How would you describe your playing style?
I would say it varies between aggressive and random. The overall style of dignitas is quite a fast play so I try to keep up. Being the sniper I need to try and be less predictable, I also need to read the game and keep moving since I also play a backing role.
What do you think your biggest strength is?
Hmm that's quite hard since its hard to judge yourself. If I had to choose something specific I would say my aim is better than other aspects.
What is your biggest weakness?
I would say my positioning, I need to work on new positions!
What is your most important contribution to the teamplay in game?
When defending I fill in roles, close gaps in the defense, backup anyone and try to spot the opponents play.
Can you tell us about your co-players and their strengths?
Mick has got to be one of the smartest players in the game, his calls are good. Execution of tactics spot-on and generally a great leader.
Raz is our shotgunner and does it so well, his aim together with his unique positioning make him one of our strongest players.
I would say Ben is the strongest at holding sites on his own, he can take down rushes and slow down opponents play by positioning.
Palmz is our newest edition, I know from playing against him he has a very unique style and is very aware of his surroundings, he can win rounds based on his movement alone.
Are there any rituals you like to go through before a match? Both personally and team wise?
When were at LAN we always stick together. We all get along like mates, you feel like a team. Before matches I say the same prayer, I also have an order in which I setup my peripherals.
What are your main goals for upcoming year?
I would like to stay with the dignitas organisation and the dignitas CoD2 team. Im hoping we will be attending LAN's throughout 2007, I'd like to see CoD2 get bigger.
Do you have any plans for your future gaming career?
Im thinking CoD2 and 2007 will see the end for me. If I pass this year at college I'll be going to university, I wont have time to play.
What do you think about the competition among the top clans?
The competition is so close, there are also amazing lineups coming through now. Loads more teams to challenge each other at the top.
Who is the person you are most glad of meeting through online-gaming and why?
That's a hard one. I cant really say, I mean... I'm glad I have met ODEE and NewmaN. Also, old school players from MoH:AA like paranoia, pickers, pikkon, C.K. and all the rest of them.
What do you think about the Call of Duty community?
I don't get too involved with the community, I like to concentrate on playing. I know they all pick at each other, mess about and take the pi** out of everyone. A lot of fun at the end of the day.
How does it feel knowing that people from all over the world watched Made in Britain and enjoyed it?
It's great, for dignitas, corby the maker and CoD2. It's well made and tells a story.
Now for some quick fire questions:
What is your Favorite:
Food
Italian
Drink
Milk
Music
Rock
Book
Nightmares and Dreamscapes by Steven King
Movie
The Boondock Saints
Map
Dawnville
Sniper
British!
Side
Axis
Thank you very much for the interview. Any final shoutouts?
Thanks a lot, quick shoutouts to dignitas and its sponsors, Abit, Creative and Qpad.
Nice work Dead, hope to see more from you! :D
n1 iview tho
Can I leave your mystical sex chamber now TosspoT?
but nice interview dead :<
Writing down dreams is a bit 'odd' :p
agree - "Der blutige Pfad Gottes" 4 all germans - thats a "must-have-seen-movie"!!!
AGREED
thats a hell of alot of time to spend practising tbh :x