PALGN: What is Team Immunity and how are you involved with them?
Tony Trubridge: Team Immunity is a Professional Australian eSports team. The term eSports is used to describe video gaming at a highly professional level, involving regular practice and a high level of results. Immunity are seen by many as Australia's premiere eSports team with Intel, GeIL and Everglide as sponsors of the team. I am the founder and manager of Immunity, and I control all aspects of the team, from overseeing recruitment to liaising with sponsors.
PALGN: How did you become interested in the video games industry?
TT: I became interested in the video games industry many years ago when monochrome monitors and Pac-Man were new! I've always had a competitive streak, and whether that be kicking a goal in soccer or clocking a level in a game, its all very similar. I still remember fighting with MS-DOS in the endeavour to setup a network game of Doom.
PALGN: As you’ve previously explained, the term eSports is used to describe video gaming at a highly professional level, involving regular practice and a high level of results. Does this mean that current Team Immunity members receive a regular wage for playing their specified title each day, or do they receive a share in prize money?
TT: Thanks to our sponsors, Immunity is in a unique position to provide a level of financial support to players. Players are paid on a per performance basis, and also take home a large percentage of their winnings, with the remainder being injected back into the team. All entry fees, travel expenses, and the cost of any required equipment are also paid for by the team.
Team Immunity at the 2005 Australian World Cyber Games Final.
PALGN: How does Team Immunity go about selecting new team members?
TT: There's no clear cut way in which we recruit new members into Immunity, however there is a fairly rigorous set of guidelines in place. Not only do potential members need to be dedicated and committed to their involvement, they are also required to uphold the principles of the team and to act in a mature and sportsmanlike manner. Once we are comfortable with their demeanour we begin a trial period, this gives existing members a glimpse into their play style and personality. If it all 'fits', we go from there.
PALGN: Team Immunity enjoys a high success rate, with over 160 wins against 36 losses. Would you say these results are down to the team's cooperation with one another, or each individual's skill level?
TT: To compete at the highest level, you need excellent players and excellent teamwork. There is no question that teamwork is an essential part of the formula, however as you start to climb the ranks you will notice that the old adage rings true - a chain is only as good as its weakest link. Not only do you require selfless team orientated play, you also need keen aim and sharp reflexes to compete at highest levels.
PALGN: Do the teams have regular competitions with one another, or do they train against online and CPU opponents?
TT: With the uptake of broadband throughout Australia it has without question made our lives a lot easier. We now have the ability to readily practice against teams from throughout Australia with only a minimal effect on gameplay. As a result, a large portion of the team practice takes place online, however LAN cafés are used heavily in the lead-up to LAN competitions and big events. CPU opponents are generally only used by teams or players starting out; nothing can substitute a real opponent trying to out think and pre-empt your every move.
Holding up their gold medals like true champs.
PALGN: With the creation of a Halo 2 division, the team has entered console LAN
competitions. Are there any further plans for the console game division?
TT: Our Halo division is eagerly awaiting the arrival of Halo 3 which we believe will be a big hit next year. With competitive console gaming taking off in Europe and Asia we hope to tap into the culture and really push it within Australia. In point of fact, we are currently seeking to expand our console division. So if you take your gaming seriously and believe you fit the previously mentioned criteria, feel free to PM me on the PALGN forums.
PALGN: You're also involved in the eGames & Entertainment Expo, which is set to premier in Melbourne in mid-November. What's your role in the expo, and what can we look forward to?
TT: My role at the expo has been to develop and oversee the construction of the eSports Zone. Here you will see demonstrations, exhibition matches, shootout competitions and the finals for lead up LAN events, both on the PC and Xbox 360. Immunity will have a large presence in this zone, with contributors from a number of our divisions and our entire Counter-Strike 1.6 team on hand to answer any questions people may have. Included within this area are Intel Core 2 Duo PCs for people to playtest, along with numerous Xbox 360 competitions taking place throughout both days. Not only that, but there is a Head to Head Component which will use a last man standing format that includes games on the PC, Wii, Xbox 360 and PSP to name a few.
PALGN: How is Intel involved with the eGames expo?
TT: Intel Australia has come on board as the Gold Sponsor of Expo. They are one of the few companies in Australia to really identify with gamers and the eSports community. Their new Core 2 Duo and Core 2 Extreme processors will be available to playtest at the expo, and an Intel technician will be on hand to answer any of your technical questions - say, for example, how do I overclock this!? There is also a surprise planned for the main stage, however you'll have to come along to find out what that is!
PALGN: What's your all-time favourite game?
TT: That’s a really hard question, so many to choose from! In terms of online play I'd have to say Return To Castle Wolfenstein (the original). I can't comment on my favourite single player game, there are too many I enjoy!
A more recent picture of the happy team. Look out for them at the eGames & Entertainment Expo
PALGN: Xbox 360, PS3 or Wii?
TT: I like the Xbox 360, however I'm definitely picking up a Nintendo Wii! I can imagine a few people breaking furniture whilst getting into some of those games, especially Red Steel!
PALGN: What do you think the future will hold for eSport in Australia?
TT: eSport in Australia is still in its infancy, and to a degree is hampered by our geographic location. However, if the community continues to support the initiatives by key players in the industry, there's no question that in the next five years we'll see an almost exponential growth. We need to get behind initiatives such as the eGames Expo, 'Good Game' on the ABC2 and community sites like PALGN and make sure we play our part in its future.
The eGames & Entertainment Expo will be held on November 17-19 at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre. Tickets are $16 Adults and $13 Concession with family and 2 days passes available.
More details: http://www.egamesexpo.com.au/
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PALGN would like to thank Tony Trubridge for taking the time to answer these questions and wish both him and Team Immunity the best of luck for the future.
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