Game on

Jay shares his online battle tips

By Tatat Bunnag and Thanakrit Charoenphon
Photos courtesy of True iContent

Aekanan Lerdponganukul (Jay) needs little introduction to gamers. His alter-ego, Maser Gamer, is one of the most recognisable game caster names in the local online scene. Although game casters, or game commentators, are becoming more popular, being one isn't easy. It takes a lot of time and effort to play the games and record and edit videos, and you need to have your own character to stand out from other game casters.

After years of practicing, and with his relentless enthusiasm for online games, Jay has proved that he is one of the most unique commentators with his own style of playing and reviewing. Jay’s YouTube channel, Maser Gamer, has attracted more than half a million subscribers.

Student Weekly recently caught up with 23-year-old Jay at the True iContent office, where he told us all about himself and his cool job.

Student Weekly: Why do you use the name Maser Gamer for your channel?

Jay: It was actually my older brother’s username. He was the one who introduced me to online games. We played together, so we used the same name. When my brother stopped playing I took over his account.

Student Weekly: Why did you first make a game casting video?

Jay: There’s a popular German game caster called Baumi who really inspired me. He was doing live gameplay commentary, mostly on a type of online game called MOBA (multiplayer online battle arena). He was great at playing and commentating. He gave a lot of good insight, which made me think I could too.

Student Weekly: Why do you mainly review MOBA games?

Jay: Nobody else was doing it. I was one of the first to review this kind of game. MOBA games have real-time strategy and take a long time to finish. I’ve been playing MOBA games for more than four years, but started game casting around two years ago.

Student Weekly: What makes your channel unique?

Jay: The way I play is different from other game casters. While others show their skills and techniques, I play with good humour. MOBA games need a lot of strategy and tactics, so I focus on that and viewers find it interesting and sometimes funny.

Student Weekly: What’s most difficult about casting games?

Jay: My main difficulty is managing time. I’m quite busy as I’m in the last year at university and I’ve just started being an intern teacher. I’ve been teaching junior high school kids, which is fun. But by the time I get home, I’m very tired.

Student Weekly: What has been your proudest moment so far?

Jay: I’ve gained confidence as a public speaker. I’ve also improved my social skills and work well with other people. But most of all I’m really proud that my channel has almost 600,000 followers.

Student Weekly: Do you have any advice for anybody who wants to be a game caster?

Jay: Try to be honest, be yourself and don’t copy other people’s styles. While you’re casting, say whatever you see happening while you’re playing. Give special tips so people can have more information. Don’t worry too much about language, and try to have as much fun as possible.

comments powered by Disqus