We Are the Champions
by keara22hi, HSM team writer
I will never make it to the Casino leaderboards. The best I can do is to max out each game to Level 6. And I wasn’t the first member of my group to do it: my friend Rick beat me to it.
But, after reading these interviews, I am inspired to try. Perhaps you will also be inspired. The green face in the image below is part of the Las Vegas Entertainer costume earned by reaching Level 4 in every Casino game — Digital Leisure’s parody of the popular Blue Man Group that plays Vegas. But the face is also green with envy over the accomplishments of the three leaders I interviewed for this article.
Overall, we are a rowdy, enthusiastic, playful group of pals. We know each other, hang out together, issue challenges, and good-naturedly tease each other. Our activities even extend outside the Casino, with such frivolity as Photo Booth sessions, parties in our private VIP Poker Club, and touring each other’s Penthouses for decorating ideas worth stealing.
To create this article, I sent each of the champions a list of the questions you might want to ask them. Their responses were amazing. Read on:
(All questions and responses are presented as they originally appeared. –Ed.)
Superlatives: Season One Casino Champion
1. Did you play poker and other Casino games before you discovered Home? Online? In real life casinos?
I played “casino games” before Home via other computer games; primarily because the rules and gameplay are pretty straightforward. Not for any “passion” for the games; but primarily because I knew how to play!
In “real life”, I’ve never played in Vegas … but I HAVE played in Monaco. Only roulette, chemin de fer, and blackjack.
2. Did you know there was a casino in Home before you entered for the first time? Was it a motivating factor?
Yes I was “aware” that “a” Casino was coming to Home. And as I said before, the “straightforwardness” of casino games would have brought me there regardless. However, in the case of Digital Leisure’s Casino, it was more than that.
There was a major void when EA Sports left Home; but more of a “social void.” MOST players visited EA Poker NOT MAINLY to play poker, but to socialize. Even after winning the EA Poker Crown, I would visit the space daily just to chat with the MANY friends I made there. The atmosphere at the EA Sports Complex was such that “playing” became secondary.
When poker was introduced to the Sportswalk almost a year later, I HOPED the “social magic” we had at EA would be recaptured in Sportswalk. However, it became clear that whoever runs Sportswalk Poker decided to treat the space as a “free-for-all” … in effect they said “Here’s the game … now have at it.” In effect, whoever created and ran Sportswalk Poker determined “All they want is the game — well here it is. Now we can sit back and do nothing.” Those “powers that be” missed the mark.
So when I started playing at Digital Leisure’s Casino, I was HOPING that they would treat the Casino as more than a “self-sustaining Home space.” They did … but at the time I didn’t know they would. All I DID know was that they couldn’t do worse than the people running Sportswalk Poker.
3. What was your first experience in the EA Poker rooms like? Did you spend as much or more time in other public spaces in Home as you did in EA?
I had TWO “initial reactions” to the EA Sports Complex, both “good” and “bad”.
The “good”: maybe it’s due to the people attracted to the game … but for the most part, the EA Sports Complex was free from Home’s troublemakers and perverts. And considering the amount of time I spent there, I can think of only TWO “incidents” involving a troll or a pervert. Remember, that was at a time in Home when troublemakers were so pervasive, that MODs would circulate openly in Home spaces, chastising those troublemakers in public!
The “bad”: I found that many people took the game too seriously. I was there to play a game, even with the minimum number of players. Other refused to play unless the table was full. And if you did start a game without a full table, those people who refused to play would get mad. At the time people claimed they wanted to maximize payouts. My reaction: who cares? It’s phony money! Anyway, I’d rather not wait around for 45 minutes for a full table of players. And as the months passed, that “hyper-seriousness” of many players evolved (or in this case, “devolved”) into outright bullying and insults.
Before the EA Sports Complex opened in Spring 2009, I spent most of my time in the Bowling Alley. As the Sports Complex became more “entrenched” in Home, I found myself spending most of my Home time there; and after winning the Crown in September 2009, that time was spent almost exclusively “socializing” with friends while THEY played.
4. What was your reaction when EA closed? Did you move to online poker games? Or take up other activities in Home? Or just spend a lot less time in Home?
When the EA Sports Complex closed in mid-September 2010, I had no “reaction” because I took SCEA at their word: that it was closing for bug fixes. Three months later and no reopened Sports Complex, my reaction moved to “irritation”; that NO ONE had the courtesy to come out and tell us that the EA Sports Complex was NOT returning. In fact to THIS date, that statement has not been made. If I were to cite ONLY the official comments (and reject “inference”), I’d say that the Sports Complex is STILL down for bug repairs.
After the “inferred” closure of the EA Sports Complex, I spent a good deal of time finishing up Midway 2. In fact even weeks after accomplishing that, I’d spend time at “Swingers” batting cage. Although I did download a PSN Poker Game, I didn’t play it very much; in fact I think I played ONE multiplayer game.
5. What was your initial reaction to this new Casino?
My worry before the Casino opened was the same worry I had — and that came to pass — with other attempts to bring poker to Home: bugs. It was true of EA Poker (but MOSTLY when Home Client 1.2 was rolled out) … and it was true with the Brimstone table. So my first reaction to Digital Leisure’s Casino was this: “No bugs yet! THIS is a good sign!”
My second reaction was to the “interesting themes” they used with their rewards. I thought “There’s some great creativity in thought behind these rewards; they even give out rewards for losing!”
6. Did you make an active decision to try for the leaderboard?
Yes and no. No, in the sense that INITIALLY, I did not have a firm thought in place to have my name appear on any leaderboard.
And yes, because something happened. A player who I dislike was high on the Overall Leaderboard. When I saw that — I made an “active decision” to knock that person off! By the time that happened, the gap between me and the player at #2 was wide enough that I could play “leisurely” and still maintain that gap.
7. What sacrifices does seeking Leaderboard status require from you (if any)?
Actually, I made very few sacrifices. With the exception of the first few DAYS that the Casino was in Home, I spent only an average of 1-2 hours a day. And that “average” did not require me to play 1-2 hours straight. In effect it was no more of a disruption than watching a DVRed TV show.
8. Are your real life family and friends supportive of the time you devote to this pursuit?
Since the time I invested wasn’t imposing on my day (1-2 hours, unscheduled), it had little impact on my real life activities, both professional and social. As a result, this “pursuit” went largely unnoticed by those around me!
9. If you could turn back the clock and do this all over again, would you? Would you change anything about what you did?
Knowing what I know now that Season 1 is over, of course! It wasn’t until Month 4 that I learned how to play “efficiently”. What took me 12 hours to achieve during my first few days of play now takes me three hours or less.
10. What questions do you wish I had asked? Please add them — and the answers.
Only one question: “What was the worst part of competing on the Leaderboards?”
ANSWER: The stress that came when Digital Leisure announced the Leaderboard jackets. Everyone’s well aware that player passion for Home reward items — especially the rare items — drives them to play for hours. I had heard that many people played at EA Poker for 18-20 hours a day to try to win the EA Poker Crown. I assumed that player efforts to win Digital Leisure’s Leaderboard jackets — seven times more rare than the Crown — would be no less.
As I said before, I was able to maintain and increase my lead through leisurely, enjoyable play. But given the introduction of the jackets, I had to be even more wary of the competition, and the speed with which gaps would close. Why, since I said I treated this as a leisure pastime? Being #1 wasn’t — and isn’t — very important to me. But what WAS important to me was this: I didn’t want to be known as the guy who LOST #1 after holding it for 18 weeks!
So it was the stress of losing #1 that was the worst part. In fact, I couldn’t let myself relax until 6PM of the final day, when my lead was 11 million (which was the lead I had maintained for the last six weeks of Season 1) … at 6PM I decided it was unlikely that #2 could overtake me then! On the other hand, a few good Keno wins for the #2 player would have shattered that!
Madonna: Poker Leaderboard Champ
1. Did you play poker in real life before coming into Home? In Casinos? Online? Socially?
Well, about 10 years ago I started playing poker with friends and family on weekends and get togethers. I really enjoyed playing the game so much I started playing online. I played at Poker Stars, then from there Full Tilt Poker, then I was a part of an online poker community called the Railbirds. I felt like I had enough skill and wins to try my hand at a real casino. I was a little intimidated at first but once I got into the groove (no pun intended haha) I was hooked.
2. Did you know that there are casinos in Home BEFORE you came here or was it a pleasant surprise?
I’ve been on PSHome for years and I was very excited to hear that Sony and Digital Leisure were adding a casino.
3. How would you compare real life play to poker in a virtual reality?
Obviously in real life poker you can see your opponents, their facial expressions, hand movements, and betting patterns etc. In virtual reality poker you can only rely on betting patterns basically. I think it’s actually more difficult to play virtual poker.
4. At what point did you decide to go for the leaderboard?
I didn’t even play the first week after the reset. I just started playing for fun and I began collecting points rapidly. I wasn’t even trying to get on the leaderboard. It just happened.
5. Any family opposition to you spending the time in Home to do this?
No, my boyfriend actually encourages me to keep playing and not to give up.
6. What kind of sacrifices did you have to make to pursue this hobby?
Well less sleep obviously. (haha) I’m unable to cook everyday, which is another one of my hobbies. Come January I don’t want to see another pizza for a long time!
7. Would you do it all over again — the same way? Or would you change anything?
I would do it all over again even though it is very stressful. I have met some really cool people and have made some great friends. The only thing I would change is I would not respond at all to the haters! The ignore and mute buttons are great features!
8. What changes would you like to see made in poker in Home?
Well there are a few things I would like to see. A muck option for one, this is an option to show your winning hand after all the players have folded. I would also like to see a 10k buy-in poker table, and 9 player tables like they have at the real casinos. They also should disable all personal messages and voice/chat group while at the poker tables.
9. Do you plan to go for the top of the leaderboard next season?
No, I need a break to get my life back to normal. I wish the next season players the best of luck.
10. What questions do you wish I had asked? Please add them to this list.
This isn’t a question it’s just something I wanted to put out there for everyone. Poker is supposed to be fun, I wish the bullying and fighting would stop! This is a virtual world but there are real people and real feelings behind these avatars! Good luck at the tables! Peace, M
Weasel: Casino Leaderboard Top Leader
Weasel: a truly happy man
1) How did you discover home on Playstation 3?
I heard people talking about it. When I hooked up my wireless router I decided to check it out.
2) How long after you found Home did you find the casino?
Right away! The casino was under new and recommended. I didn’t start playing a lot at first because I was collecting all of the free items from the different spaces. I didn’t want to run around the casino completely naked, I at least needed a loin-cloth, lol. (The one I sport most often was won in Midway.)
3) Was the Casino something you were actively seeking?
Not really, I just kind-of fell into it. I received the free 600 or 700 chips when I showed up during poker week and it started from there.
4) Do you enjoy gambling in real life? If so, where and do you travel to any casinos?
Life is a gamble right? Lol. No I don’t gamble at casinos in real life except on the rare occasion I visit my friends in El Paso. The last time I was out there visiting my buddy in El Paso each time I would hit big he would freak out and hit the cash-out button. As many can see from my playing in the casino I bet big to win big. Can’t be afraid of losing a little money if you expect to win some.
5) Are there other activities you devote your time to or is most of your time spent in the casino?
Lol, I do spend a lot of time in the casino, however I am a devoted father of two. I have a 2 year old son and an 8 year old daughter. We spend the better half of Saturdays watching her drill team perform at the local boys’ football games. Family is very important to me.
6) At what point did you decide to dedicate your time and effort to being on top of the leader-board in the casino?
I started late during season one (sometime in March) and ended up placing fourth for global but at the start of Season Two I originally set my sights on the poker leader-board. This proved to be very difficult against fierce players like M-A-D-O-N-N-A-1. One day another player congratulated me on being number one for global earnings, which was funny because at the time I had no idea I held that rank. Come to find out, all the winnings I had earned playing roulette to increase my chip holdings had in fact catapulted me into first position on the global leader-board. Due to this discovery I decided to direct my focus on the global leader-board.
Madonna and poker BFFs, Cliff_Racer, rlt, BigChesee, and Mindfield, at the Photo Booth
7) Are your family and friends supportive of your dedication to the casino?
Yes, my wife X_GINGERALE_X is my biggest fan and number one supporter. She has been very patient this season allowing me to hog the Playstation 3 which is why you don’t see her around much. Lol. Little does she know I will soon be getting her a Playstation 3 of her own so watch out, she might be the player to beat next season.
8) How does the casino compare with what you expected?
My hat’s off to Digital Leisure. They have done an awesome job creating the Casino. They also have great customer service. Any time I have come across glitches they quickly work to fix them as needed.
9) What have you gained from this experience?
Well I have had a the opportunity to meet a lot of really cool people and characters. And of course I have to mention my membership in the VIP poker tournament club, thank you MindField6237 for masterminding this club! Lol.
10) Would you do it again?
I am still on the fence about it. I have found that the attention spent maintaining the top position of the leader-board takes away from the fun of just sitting down and playing a good ole game of poker. I think next season I might hand the reins over to DarkSky25 who’s currently number two on the leader-board and who constantly keeps me on my toes.
There you have it: one of the most popular public spaces in Home today. And a delightful group of fun Home users who play there regularly. Come join us!
November 4th, 2012 by keara22hi | 10 comments
Keara is also known in Home as DarthGranny. She is a wicked little old lady with a wild sense of humor.
LOL Try competing now Superlatives. Everyone knew from the beginning of season 2 that it was on! you got lucky and caught the first 1. I would like to see us go heads up for season 3 lol!
Weasel:
Um … no thanks! On the Wednesday that Season 2 started, I “assumed” my avatar would be equipped with a new R2 button action: “Crumpled, emotional mess!”
Weasel, I wasn’t kidding about the stress. NOT to be either funny or teasing to you -- but I DO wish you the best during the last few weeks. Despite my lead, it WAS NOT until 6PM on the last day that I relaxed. I was ALWAYS worried about last-minute drives (something I really didn’t have the time to address). VERY glad I stayed “out of the fray” for Season 2.
Season 3? Let’s see how I feel!
Seal made it to 195 on the global leaderboard last night, and is quite content in her modest, pinnipedial way. But… I wonder if I tried really hard, if I could hit 180?
Seal:
Seeing how #10 overall is at about 13 million (last time I looked), with two months left in Season 2 it’s TOTALLY possible to crack the top 10 (do the math on the tips I gave for the Penthouse!).
And don’t forget: Mermaid-KT made 12 million in the FINAL three weeks of Season 1!
I have to admit it’s tempting to make a run for it. And then I stop and think, “Why?” And that gets me thinking about the whole psychology of leaderboards. And THAT gets me thinking about the article I could write about the psychology of leaderboards, an article I would not have time to write if I were actually spending all my limited hours on Home trying to get on one.
Still, it’s an interesting idea, to see how far I can get with a reasonable investment of time, while still leaving time for sleep and creative activity. I made it up to 169 last night, and also won my Magician’s Outfit, having resigned myself to actually tackling Keno and Big Six again. (I hate those games. Totally, completely hate them…)
Seal:
Is it possible to crack Top 10? Yes. Doing the math, you’d get close to 20 million -- and given the pace of the boards so far, that POSSIBLY would get you to Top 10. And although it’s an hour a day, nothing forces you to play the whole hour at once!
Is it worth it? Forget about the jacket for a moment; and think of this: considering Digital Leisure’s past history, I see NO slowdown in the Tier rewards. My point: even if you DON’T crack Top 10, you’ll have cleared tiers -- and earned tier rewards -- that don’t exist yet!
I follow you on the math, Super. It’s definitely a possibility, if I make it a priority. And the point about future tier rewards is very well taken. What might come after the Penthouse? We have no idea, but it’s sure to be awesome. (A private Poker Room Clubhouse would be nice — just a suggestion, Digital Leisure.)
What puzzles me is the pull I’m feeling toward the leaderboard per se. As a gamer, I’m casual to the point of sloppiness. I don’t do leaderboards. But this one intrigues me. My only question is, “why?” It’s not like I need my name on a list on a wall to justify my existence. I welcome any insight you can offer — you’ve already been there, done that, and got the crown and jacket to prove it.
thats weird im 196 on EU overall leader board lol
Madonna reminded me that this Season is still in progress so the title I conferred on her should have read Poker Leaderboard -- Current Leader. For those of us who have played poker with this lady (and have the scars to prove it) she is definitely the champ!
I’ve played poker my entire adult life in casinos, in the military, online, with friends, and with family. I have found no game that is more exciting than holdem. The virtual environment that DL has created is very enjoyable. Part of the enjoyment comes from a great group of players that are both challenging and friendly. The leaders are truly champions. Great article Keara!