« IPW Exclusive: Interview With Infiltration, Post-EVO 2013 Thoughts »

Courtesy of David Zhou (@dz)

Almost two months after EVO, South Korea's Infiltration speaks to IPLAYWINNER!

With help from interviewer LOD 38, Hoodaman ironed out the questions and answers for your pleasure.

Topics featured in this special interview includes his general and specific experiences at EVO 2013, the worldwire competitive scene and more.

Make sure to check out the extensive interview after the jump!

Introduction

• Q (LOD 38):  This year must be an interesting one for you. Since you won so many tournaments last year, do feel that you are now a defender rather than a challenger?

A (Infiltration): I never consider myself a champion. I won EVO 2012, but I think everyone including myself is a challenger in 2013.

• Q: Many people think that you are still developing as a player even now. What do you think about that?

A: I'm glad to hear that. I still really want to improve my skills. I'll try my best to make that statement true. 

• Q: You currently remain unchallenged in Street Fighter X Tekken. What makes you keep playing that game so well?

A: It's fun of course. I think the game has unique features and systems that are different from SF4. I'll keep playing the game as long as players are still enjoying it.   

EVO 2013

• Q: You have participated in EVO many times. Many people think that the fighting game scene is in decline. Do you agree?

A: I don't think so. Actually, I think it still has possibility of developing even more. I didn't feel any kind of decline at EVO this year.

• Q: What is your goal this year and how much have you achieved?

A: My goal has always been to develop myself through competition. There is always something to learn at every tournament, and I feel that anyone can be my teacher. Because of this approach, I always feel that I achieve my goals.

• Q: EVO is known as "the largest fighting game tournament in the world." Why do you think that is?

A: I think it's because of fun. The goal of most gamers is to win, but that doesn't mean anything if you're not having fun. EVO has been building hype since the very beginning. In my opinion, that is why they have this reputation.

• Q: OK, what makes fighting games so fascinating to you?

A: I think when you play fighting games, both players can communicate without words. It's very similar to a conversation. I think this is the most fascinating part of fighting games.

• Q: Aside from the main event, what were you most excited about at this year's EVO?

A: The announcement of Ultra Street Fighter IV. I am personally expected Capcom vs. SNK 3 and a new Darkstalkers.

EVO 2013 - Semifinals Against EG PR Balrog

• Q: Everyone knows that you play Hakan. But was there a reason or strategy behind picking him for such a serious match?

A: First off, Akuma versus Balrog is in Akuma's favor. But since PR Balrog's momentum was so strong, I needed something that would change that. It was a huge gamble to pick Hakan. But I figured that at the very least, it would make for a hype match and entertain the crowd.

• Q: Before you selected Hakan, you hesitated a little. What were you thinking at that time?

A: I couldn't help but to second guess myself. I was thinking of the importance of the match and how picking Hakan might not give me the results I wanted. So I spent a moment to settle myself down. 

Q: It was impressive that you played an honest match without using any of Hakan's "setups." What was the most intense moment of that match for you?

A: Every moment was intense. It was a narrow victory that could have gone either way. PR Balrog is a very dangerous opponent.

• Q: Many people consider your match with PR Rog the best match at EVO for Super Street Fighter IV Arcade Edition Ver. 2012. Any chance we can see your Hakan again at another tournament?

A: I think it all depends on the situation. There is currently more room for my Hakan to improve. I will choose him when I can. 

EVO 2013 Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition Ver. 2012, Infiltration vs. EG PR Balrog (08:22)

The Future Of Street Fighter IV & Street Fighter X Tekken

• Q: What was your first impression of Ultra Street Fighter IV?

A: We don't know much yet, so I think it's too early to say anything. But I definitely thought that the title picture was cool.

• Q: What are your expectations for USFIV?

A: I want every character to be strong so that there will be no disputes.

• Q: Any thoughts about SFXT?

A: I hope they keep updating the game like SF4. I think SFXT still has possibility yet. 

Participating In Foreign Tournaments

• Q: What made you decide to participate in foreign tournaments the first time?

A: It was out of curiosity at the time. I wanted to gauge the skill level of many players and understand their approach to fighting.

• Q: Have you experienced any anxieties when you went abroad and participated in tournaments?

A: I haven't yet.

• Q: Do you think you must be skilled in language to participate and have fun?

A: You don't need to have great skill in language. But if you do, then you can have other experiences aside from the tournament. These days, I really hope to improve my language skill so that I can communicate with many other players.

• Q: What is the biggest impression you've got when visiting foreign events?

A: The number of viewers and players are getting bigger and bigger and the size of events too. I assume that fighting games are here to stay for a while.

Online Play

• Q: How often do you play games online?

A: I hardly play online.

• Q: Can you feel the difference between playing online and offline?

A: Absolutely. Many people feel the same unless their internet condition is very good.

• Q: I saw you playing games on stream. Do you like to watch other player's streams too?

A: Of course. As a fighting game player, I really enjoy watching other players play. So I watch as much as I can.

The Value Of Fighting Games

• Q: What do you think of professional gamers?

A: As far as fighting game pro gamers, I consider them pioneers. I'm sure more and more people will start treating fighting games as eSports. To do so, players should make people feel the excitement and value of fighting games like Justin Wong and Daigo did in EVO 2004.

• Q: What makes you think that fighting games are still valuable?

A: eSports are very famous nowadays. I guess fighting games can be very appropriate for eSports. I feel that fighting games are very easy for spectators to watch and understand. The play time is very short so you can play it casually without spending too much of your time. But at the same time, once you decide to take it more seriously, there are a lot of things to study. I think fighting games will get more and more popular in the future.

• Q: What are your current plans?

A: As usual, I want to continue to participate in many tournaments for a while. And of course, improve myself.

A Word In Closing

• Q: Any fighting games draw your attention lately?

A: The new series of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure and BlazBlue games. I like the characters of JoJo's Bizarre Adventure. Their fighting styles are awesome. I also think BlazBlue is being completed with their newest edition.

• Q: Do have any final words?

A: To all fighting game fans, I have had many great experiences at tournaments thanks to you. You all make me play better too. I think I have a lot to learn but I really hope to improve my English so that I can communicate with you and share ideas. You are the most important part of the fighting game scene. Thank you for your support always.