Life

Malystryx: If you had to describe yourself to a stranger what would you say?

SK.Ali: Hi, my name is Alice Lew and I am a game-oholic.  I’m 23 years old and reside in sunny Los Angeles, California. Been playing counter-strike 1.6 for the last 8 years…

Malystryx: What does Ali do aside from gaming? Do you go to school or university?

SK.Ali:I’m currently going to school full-time right now at a community college. Spent too many wasted years playing pubs, scrims, and late night 10 mans… had to get back on track. Besides school, I enjoy playing Guitar Hero, Call of Duty 4, and Rockband on XBOX360! I also enjoy taking people’s money on the poker table. ^_^

Malystryx: Any sporting activities, local teams for example, now or in the past?

SK.Ali: I was definitely a tomboy growing up. In elementary school, I played every single sport from volleyball, basketball, football, and even did drill team. I actually made history with my 2 girlfriends our 6th grade year, having been the first girls ever to play on the school’s all male flag football team. Girls started trying out for the team after we did it. They named the league “co-ed” ever since.

Malystryx: Do you have any favourite hobbies?

SK.Ali: SNOWBOARDING, starbucks, alcohol and appetizers, being with friends and loved ones, watching movies, playing poker, spending money I don’t have, reading, etc.

Malystryx: How much do your family know about your gaming? Do you tell your friends etc…?

SK.Ali: Everyone that knows me knows that I am a gamer. At first, my parents were definitely sceptical. They didn’t understand the concept of “e-sports” and thought I was just wasting too much time on the computer, thinking that I could be using that time studying or doing something productive. In reality though, they were able to see the passion I had for this game, and knew they would have to do more than just nag to get me off the computer.

Eventually though, when I started coming back home from tournaments with world championship titles and huge cash prizes, they started to support my cause a little more. Nowadays, I guess my parents fully support me. I mean, my dad stops his downloads when I have practice. I guess that counts? :P

Female Gaming

Malystryx: First of all how big is the female Counter-Strike scene in your opinion?

SK.Ali: Definitely not as big as it has potential to be. The female community has come a long way though, since from what I remember, when I first started playing in the year 2000, there were only a few noted females that played. The reason for the creation of “GX3” (Girls Got Game) was to locate female players around North America and help them progress as a female gamer by praise and support.

In the year 2000, I can honestly say that there might have been 50 real competitive female gamers TOTAL in the world that participated in e-sports/leagues in counter-strike. 8 years later today, it is obvious that female gaming has progressed, and is continuing to progress into a bigger and better community.

Malystryx: How much of a deal is female gaming to you, do you believe it will grow naturally or do you think it really needs some women to carry the torch? If so who are they.

SK.Ali: It’s a HUGE deal to me. It is such a huge deal to me that I honestly believe it has been my motivation to play these last 8 years. Having the community be so male-dominated, it really IS hard for a female to flourish in this type of atmosphere. I’m sure every female has felt the wrath of a mean e-gamer, in a pub, pug, tournament, or online forum.

It is evident that if you are a female coming into this community, you are automatically going to get flamed. It’s a given of being a female gamer. Being able to take the heat from the community and rising above them all, is what makes a strong female gamer though.

As for females that have “carried the torch,” I would say that Anouc is the first female that comes to mind. She has been around for a long time, won tournaments, been a leader, been a follower, played with the boys, developed an esports site strictly for females, gained respect from the community male AND female worldwide… this girl has done it all.

Malystryx: Do you think or hope that SK.Ladies inspires other female gamers? How much contact do you have with the community?

SK.Ali: In the year of 2005, we did an MTV True Life episode that aired all over the world in different languages. Our main goal doing that show was to show the world it’s OKAY FOR FEMALES TO PLAY GAMES.

We got so much fan mail after doing that show, from females of all ages, young to old, telling us how much they appreciated what we did and how they were going to go out and feel comfortable playing games with the boys. It felt so wonderful knowing we were doing something that really affected the female gamers of the world.

Malystryx: What in your opinion is stopping female gaming from progressing?

SK.Ali: 2 things: 1. the male community and their egos. Males don’t want females in their turf so they poke fun, call us names, put us down, etc. Or maybe they feel threatened by the fact that they might just lose to girls. Regardless, females get no respect. Even if your status is good in the community, males will never think you can get as good as them. It’s just their egos, ladies. Don’t get discouraged.

2. the female community and their insecurities. If females aren’t willing to take a chance, then we’ll never be able to accomplish anything. Most females are scared, get hurt, and basically can’t take the heat from the boys, which eventually make them give up and quit playing the game. We got to stand strong and stand together if we want to make a mark.

Malystryx: Do you think the “sex sells marketing” of some companies is hindering its development?

SK.Ali: I think sponsors “think” that this would be the best feature a female team can offer a sponsor, but in reality, they must be pretty arrogant to think that. Sex only sells so much. If you want real exposure from a female team, they have to actually be good.

Malystryx: Do you think there is anyway for female gamers to avoid this kind of attention? Or do you think it is crucial in order for female gaming to gain interest and backing?

SK.Ali: Females will always get that type of attention because of the type of community this is. Being at a lan tournament or gaming convention, there are not many real gamer girls that actually play. You might see some booth babes, or some hotties here and there, but none of them actually play the game, and most of them probably don’t know anything about the community or how it works.

I think it is crucial for a female team to have a sponsor and backing because without it, the team will not be able to strive to their fullest potential, but hopefully the female team will be able to offer more than just their pretty face and body and have some real qualifications as a team.

Malystryx: Why do you think so few organizers are willing to take the chance with female counter-strike?

SK.Ali: It’s something new. The female community in general is pretty new. Maybe females don’t know how to propose themselves to sponsors or be professional in a way of a gamer. Maybe female team leaders can’t find 5 girls that are all on the same level, that want to achieve the goal of being titled a “professional gamer.” I’m not sure… but eventually, we’ll get there. I think it’s just going to take a little more time for the female community to develop.

Malystryx: Do you think female gamers should mix in with male gamers from the beginning or should they try to support each other in female only tournaments?

SK.Ali: Both. I think it is very important to participate and play with the guys and the girls because you are able to learn different things from both the genders. Playing with males, depending on the level of skill, they are able to teach you a lot ingame. Playing with world class players in America, it really gave me an advantage.

They taught me a lot when it came to strats, spots, or angles. Playing with females though, taught me a lot about communication and teamwork. My team strives on working together and talking. We rely on each other more than we do on our own aim.

SK Gaming

Malystryx: Aside from the ESWC, do the SK.Ladies compete in any other league or tournament offline or online?

SK.Ali: We are currently competing in the mixed league, CEVO, which is offering a $2500.00 prize pot this season. We also compete in local North American tournaments throughout the year. We are looking into two tournaments right now, one being x3o in Maryland next month, and vanLAN in Vancouver in august. Nothing is set in stone, but I’ll keep you guys updated on what we decide to do.

Malystryx: How about yourself, do you try to have a specific regime or are there certain rituals that help you get in a good frame of mind for a match? For example a special drink, removing clutter from your desk, a lucky mascot teddy etc..

SK.Ali: If we’re at an actual tournament, Christine and I will always go out for a smoke. On our return, we’ll do a “titty touch,” (HAHA I cant believe I’m telling the fans this!) where the whole team will stand in a circle and we’ll all touch each others boobs with our own boobs. We did it before every single match at ESWC 2007 and it has become our new ritual. We also bring a mascot. Usually, we bring a bear.

Malystryx: You’ve recently added two new players Benita "b^" Novshadian and Andrea "mezzo" Na, how did you find these players and why did you choose them specifically?

SK.Ali: They are both local girls to me, from Los Angeles. Benita has been around the community for quite some time, but has been unable to participate in lans because of her age. Andrea was on another female team when we spotted her and noticed her quick aim. I knew the moment after I saw both of them play, that they would be great additions to this team.

Malystryx: Are you constantly in contact with SK Gaming or is it mostly in and around the time of ESWC?

SK.Ali: Me and Alex are in contact all throughout the year. It is a little more difficult being half way around the world, but we talk through email pretty often. I like giving him updates on what is going on with the team, and I always ask him for pictures of his beautiful daughter Isabella.

Malystryx: Do you follow the results of the SK Gaming teams in other disciplines or keep in contact with certain players? If so which ones?

SK.Ali: I check out the sk-gaming.com site often so I get SK results from there, but I don’t really keep it contact with any other SK players. We say hi if we see each other though!

Malystryx: And what about the E-Sports scene in general, do you read news about other games or only news related to female counter-strike?

SK.Ali: I read all esports news if it is interesting. Usually stick to the North American scene though. I have no clue what is going on in the rest of the world.

Malystryx: What have been your best SK memories so far? Could you tell us a little bit about them?

SK.Ali: One of the best memories would definitely be bootcamping in Cologne, Germany last year at the SK office. It was such an awesome experience and they had this “Hallo Pizza” place downstairs so we got pizza and chicken everyday. THE PIZZAS WERE SO AWESOME! U CAN PUT BROCCOLI ON THE PIZZAS! SO AWESOME HAHA!

Another memory that comes straight to mind would be Games Convention in Leipzig, Germany. Right after I arrived in Cologne after a 16 hour flight, they decide to throw me in the MOST PACKED CAR EVER (notice I said car, and not truck or van), with 7 people, and TONS of luggage and packages for our booth at the convention.

We had to sit in the car like clowns as we road-tripped for 5 hours together to Leipzig. One of those nights, we were invited to Red Bull party where everyone basically got super drunk, except me HAHA. We got Lenni and Tobius to act gay and start touching each others boobs for the cameras.

The best memory I have with SK though happened right before ESWC 2007 finals when we were sitting backstage. After the semi-finals match, we all went outside to get some fresh air and prepare for the finals match. During that time, my backpack was stolen and all my gaming gear was gone for the finals.

I was so stressed out and sad… but Alex and SteelSeries really saved me and got me alternative gear to play with in the finals. Before getting out on the main stage, Alex gave us a pep-talk and made us watch Al Pacino’s speech from “Any Given Sunday.” He was so proud of us, it made us cry. We knew at that moment, we were doing something right.

Malystryx: So aside from ESWC when can we expect to see you again?

SK.Ali: We start matches this week so come support us on gamesurge or qnet. Match bots will be going off in #GX3 on gamesurge every week. We are going to be very active in the community this year so watch out for it! Otherwise, leave us a comment! www.myspace.com/teamGX3 or on the sk-gaming site!

Malystryx: Thanks! Any shoutouts?

SK.Ali: Shoutouts to all of SK: Alex, Tim, Lenni, and all of the awesome staff that works behind the scenes. Thanks to all the sponsors: ATI, STEELSERIES, ADIDAS, KINGSTON, COOLER MASTER. AND HI to all my lovely ladies! Missing our “titty touches” already!  and hi ben! PLEASE IDLE AND SUPPORT #GX3 #SEALTEAM on gamesurge.

Check out the first interview in the series with EG.Ecstacy here