ED’s NOTE: We would just like to comment that all interviews with clans are sent out and received around six weeks before they are posted. In some cases, clans may disband – frankly, that is not how clans should operate in an era of trying to professionalise gaming – but we will run the article in any case, as we believe there is still enough to be learnt from all clans and MGOs that exist and have existed in the South African gaming community.
In this particular case, First in Battle have apparently disbanded since we did the Q&A session, but we post their answers unedited for your perusal.
First in battle – that’s exactly where Undead Ed dreams he will be when the zombie apocalypse gets the green light from the powers that be. We think it’s because he wants to be the first to indulge in the abundance of fresh meat that will suddenly be free game. We’ve pointed out that being first has its drawbacks however. “The humans will probably still have plenty of fight in them” – we told him – “especially the ones with a fully tanked chainsaw.” He now appears to be equally as happy simply sitting back and waiting for other, more eager, undead to drain the fight – and the life – from dinner before swaggering in like the all conquering hero. Bring on the apocalypse we say – we’d love to see this grandeur in action.
First in Battle have been around since 2005 and have had a successful competitive run in Battlefield 2. Following a short period of non-activity, they are back for Battlefield 3, but the clan’s restart has not been a smooth one. Sheraaz from the clan tells us more…
It would be remiss of me not to first address a recent issue/controversy surrounding FiB – Banshee was accused and subsequently banned for using an Aimbot. He has been dropped by FiB, but would the clan like to make any kind of statement about the situation?
With any online competition every clan take the risk of people using cheats online, due to the fact that players play from their own homes, internet cafe’s, university hostels, boarding schools, ect, and there is no supervision that can take place. You have to trust that players will fall in line with rules and regulations. However…. DGL has eventually accepted the use of the anti-cheat program called UAC, and we believe that this software would greatly reduce the risk of the Battlefield 3 community using illegal software. Also remember that FiB have won many tournaments online, and offline. When playing offline, you get strictly managed and supervised by administrators, and FiB has backed up their winning ways by winning supervised competitions offline for 3 consecutive years.
The clan has a rich history of success – including a three year winning streak at rAge in Battlefield 2. Does the issue and banning make it tougher for the clan to go about proving themselves as contenders again?
Banshee was a 2nd team player, and did not have any influence in Team 1 or their winning ways. 3 x Team 1 players was poached by other competing clans, but we have already filled their positions with fantastic players. FiB will be as competitive as always.
FiB originally started in 2005 and at one point had played 97 games with only 1 loss and had also achieved national colors – why stop and take a sabbatical in 2010 with the clan at its (arguable) peak?
Battlefield 2 retired as an online competitive game.
The clan restarted in September 2011. Does it feature a number of returning members? Or is it a majority of new players?
FiB has kept their 5 core members, and a total of 11 members since 2005.
How is the clan structured [in terms of management, etc]?
The clan has an organogram created by Assassin. He is the founder and owner. Then he has his core members that functions the same as the board of directors of any company. This group consists of members that’s been with FiB 5 years + and with 2 newer members with Leadership abilities to bring in new and fresh ideas. FiB has game Leaders, and game captains that reports to Assassin. Game leaders are responsible for a division. Game captains are responsible for a specific team.
Is it fair to say that the current incarnation of FiB is a highly competitive Battlefield 3 clan? What is the clan hoping to achieve this time around?
Yes !!! Most definitely !!! FiB will keep working hard towards their goal of Winning Battlefield 3 @ Rage 2012.
Why was Battlefield the clan game of choice? Do you guys play anything else?
Battlefield 2 was the most anticipated tactical team based war game that was on release in 2005. It consisted of Infantry play, Armor play and also aviation. Yes we do play other games together such as Diablo 3, Guild Wars series and basically anything else when we want to relax and have fun.
How often do you play and practice together?
FiB has practice 3 times a week. This consists of a strategy session, planning session and execution session. Team 1 and Team 2 constantly practice against each other, and we also invite clans to friendly matches for practice.
Are you guys actively recruiting for new players? If so, how should a potential member contact you and how do you decide on who is right to join you?
Yes we actively recruit players, people complete application forms online, and when their online statistics comply with the minimum requirement, they get invited to play against certain people within FiB on a one vs one, 2 vs 2 and 4 vs 4 basis. We do this so that we can analyze the ability and talent of the applicant.
In regards to professional – or competitive gaming – what do you as a clan think needs to be done to raise the profile of South African gaming?
We should have more international competitions then RSA will be noticed. We have a lot of talented players in RSA.
Which clan you respect the most…
Battlefield 3 is very competitive, and our main contenders is ASF and Bravado.
Boring stuff over…
If you weren’t a gaming clan you’d be…
a bunch of friends enjoying each others company.
War movie that best describes the clan?
Band of Brothers.
If you guys could all agree on it, what would the clan’s music soundtrack for going to war be?
Hosh Tokolosh
Thanks for your time – is there anything else you would like to add?
Thank you for the opportunity to present Clan First in Battle to yourself. [Our pleasure. Thanks for taking part – Undead Ed.]
You can find more of FiB pretty much every on the web. Their official website, Sheraaz’s YouTube Channel, Twitter and Facebook (which appears to be a closed group).
If you are keen to feature in this column in the future, please feel free to contact us at info@zombiegamer.co.za and we’ll think about – after you’ve sent us a sample of your braaaaaaiiiiinnnnsss.
Remember to get involved. By simply commenting on the clan profile, you stand a chance to win a case of Ozone Energy Drink. Ozone South Africa are also looking for clans to sponsor and by participating here you already have made an impression and impact.
This clan profile is
