When I play ranked matches [on stream], I break down what I am doing. I like to teach my audience what is happening. I want them to know what's going through my brain at that time, why I'm looking there, what's happening. When I'm checking a flank [route] because I know they have a Kismet, I want to not only teach them, but also make them laugh at the same time. So I'm always going crazy, or saying something that's off the walls, making sure they stay engaged. I also like to play with my community to naturally drive more people to the game. People are loving it, a player liked the customs with us. Its been exciting and its been engaging.
Charlotte: And AverageGirlGames, the player you helped, she was part of your community?
Riot: Yes, she had been part of my community for a few years when she decided to take on FragPunk. We decided we had to take some time to really figure out what's going on here; we sat in custom games just trying different Lancers and maps so she could learn before being thrown to the wolves. I try to do that as much as I possibly can in the community because when I'm playing with others, I know what I can do, but I make sure they're having the most fun that they can possibly can.
Charlotte: So what are some things that you go over when you're teaching people about the game? What is your thought process like?
Riot: One thing I will always really drill into people is that they have to understand what they're playing against. You have to know what Lancers they have, so you understand what playstyle you're up against. A Windwalker is going to play completely different from a Jagwire. You have to see their Lancers and go "Okay, this Jagwire likely knows I'm here. I should probably back up." It's understanding the kits to each characters, what maps are flank-heavy, and optimal routes within those maps that you can take. That is most of what I like to teach them, because those are the basics to the game. I feel once you learn the basics, then you get to put your own flourish. Which Lancer you like, what's your playstyle.
Charlotte: So you focus a lot on learning the foundations of the game, is that right?
Riot: Exactly, it's super important to know the basic mechanics to the game, because while some mechanics are simple to pick up, some aren't as easy to learn as others. Once you've learnt the basics, that's when you can really incorporate each Lancer and their kits. I want everyone to understand that your playstyle is completely yours, you do not have to copy and paste from anybody. They can figure out what they like to play.
Charlotte: Do you ever get frustrated teaching others?
I don't get frustrated teaching new players how to play, because in my mind, they're new. I like to give grace. If they're messing up, they'll learn. I'll be like "hey, instead of doing this, maybe do this". I try not to get frustrated and I also try not to overreach. I want them to feel comfortable, because when people feel comfortable, that's when they perform the best.
**Charlotte: Finally, what's one piece of advice you would give to a new player who is trying to get into FragPunk, or who is trying out the game for the first time? **
Riot: First and foremost, do not pay attention to how well or how bad you were doing. That is not the name of the game right now. Focus on honing in on what really encapsulates what got you into the game to begin with, learn the basics, and just have fun. That's the name of the game, and this game is just so much fun.