During my conversation with ImperialHal prior to the ALGS Final and the upcoming Esports World Cup, I had the opportunity to discuss the future of competitive Apex Legends and how he has maintained his position at the top for an extended period of time.
Over the course of the past few years, ImperialHal has consistently proven himself as the CEO of Apex Legends. He has consistently ranked among the top players in every Apex competition, established himself as one of the game’s most popular streamers on Twitch, and has been a significant contributor to the success of TSM’s brand.
Despite having many complaints about the upcoming changes to ALGS and the current operations of the league, he remains more determined than ever to uphold his legacy in Apex and push himself even further.
I inquired about his success, what motivates him to continue despite his negative views of the game, and his predictions for the future of the competitive Apex Legends community.
ImperialHal slams changes to ALGS Year 4 Split 2 pro scene
For those who may not be aware, the ALGS plans to implement significant changes to the structure of competitive Apex Legends in the coming months. Instead of following the usual format of a single dropship, teams will now have the opportunity to select their preferred landing locations and will be dropped in from above. The order in which teams can make their selections will be determined through a draft process.
Hal believes that this change will significantly reduce the amount of skill expression in pro play. He strongly disagrees with this alteration, but he understands the reasoning behind the ALGS’s decision to shake things up.
Previously, the primary concern was that in competitive matches, the dropship would begin in unpredictable locations. For example, if you landed on the south side of the map and the dropship also started from the south side, you would have an advantageous head start. This was the problem that people were voicing their complaints about. As a solution, the decision was made to introduce a dropship where all players could choose their jump location and exit the ship simultaneously. However, this has now created another issue where there is no longer a skill gap for being the designated jump master.
The act of adapting and making decisions on the spot, as well as the process of choosing a drop location, are both inherent aspects of the game. However, the latter can come with its own set of disadvantages that may be deemed worse than the initial problem that the changes were intended to solve. Despite playing it, he remained critical of the adjustments even after they were announced.
The dropship is a key part of Apex Legends – but also something they’re planning to change in ALGS pro play.
Hal explained, “In my opinion, the concept is idiotic. However, I haven’t had much opportunity to fully experience it. We were given a broken version to test, which has skewed my perspective. But ultimately, the idea of getting rid of the jumpmaster skill gap is just ridiculous.”
“We are essentially departing from the same ship as the opposing team. Typically, there is a specific location we must land at to gain a strategic advantage. If we fail to do so, we are at a disadvantage right from the start. This is the main problem. By forcing us to spawn in a specific area, it limits my ability to outperform the other team.”
Before players even touch down, there are numerous mind games at play, and ImperialHal is dreading the implementation of these changes in Split 2. While change can be beneficial for the tournament circuit, he believes this particular change is not the correct approach.
“Jumping straight down requires no particular skill. Whether you are a Diamond player or a Gold player, anyone can do it. However, in a game like a BR, you can also lose due to RNG (random number generator). This means that even if you land in the same spot as someone else, they may find a gun while you may not. In my opinion, this is the biggest problem in the game. It doesn’t matter how skilled you are, if you don’t have a gun, you won’t stand a chance against someone who does.”
Despite this, it was not his sole problem with the current mechanics of competitive Apex Legends.
Finding a Future for Apex Legends and Beyond
In every battle royale, fans eagerly watch their favorite players compete. However, in the midst of organizing a complete broadcast with commentators, observers, and analysts, the focus can easily shift away from the players. While there may be value in an official stream and EA’s efforts to entertain, it is a major letdown for ImperialHal that players are unable to stream their own perspectives from LAN.
“Streaming at LAN is not allowed for players. This is a common practice in most tournaments and other games. The main broadcast is often the only one available to viewers due to legal considerations, such as maintaining viewership for the main channel and meeting sponsorship requirements. However, it is the players that most viewers want to watch. Instead of searching for a specific team, I personally would rather watch individual players like ImperialHal or Genburten. Allowing players to stream at LAN would not only benefit them, but also help the game by building more personalities and individual viewership.”
We have observed a similar trend in some of the largest esports leagues worldwide. In terms of Valorant, tarik consistently surpasses the main Riot broadcast, while Caedrel does the same in League of Legends, whether it is in major international events or regional competitions.
Yep this is me! pic.twitter.com/7zT5AEN400
— TSM ImperialHal (@ImperialHal) April 20, 2024
Co-streaming is considered by many to be the future of esports, and Apex Legends has the potential to incorporate this type of experience into their LAN events by allowing players to share their perspectives. The individual believes that providing viewers with access to his POV will contribute to the growth of the ALGS, and expresses disappointment in not being able to stream during major international events. With Hal’s significant following on Twitch, the ALGS may be missing out on hundreds of thousands of potential viewers.
Despite his reservations about Apex Legends pro play, Hal still had some optimism for the game’s future. He expressed excitement for the upcoming Esports World Cup, believing that a new event organizer could bring positive changes to the game’s professional scene.
The upcoming Esports World Cup presents an incredible opportunity for Apex, possibly the most significant in the five years since the game’s release. This event is monumental and should be eagerly anticipated by all. Not only will it further solidify the game’s longevity, but it will also elevate its presence in the world of esports.
We are still uncertain about the format and whether the EWC will incorporate the Split 2 changes. However, there is a great opportunity for a third-party Apex Legends tournament to bring about significant changes to how EA views their top-tier esports competition.
Additionally, Hal has no plans to resign in the near future. Despite the burden of wearing the crown, he is determined to shoulder it for the sake of himself and his loved ones.
ImperialHal’s More Motivated Than Ever to Dominate Apex Legends
Despite participating in Apex Legends since its early days, ImperialHal remained eager to play even during his travels for the Esports World Cup promo and other commitments. His competitive drive is ever-present and serves as a powerful motivator for him to continue excelling in the game.
Hal stated that he always tries to find motivation in even the smallest things. For instance, if he has a vacation planned after a LAN event, he feels like he needs to win in order to deserve it. He admitted to being extremely competitive, claiming that he has the most competitive mentality in the Apex community. Despite the challenges and frustrations that come with playing the game, he still enjoys it and actively participates in both tournaments and regular gameplay. He believes that consistent practice and dedication are the keys to success in reaching the top.
There are multiple factors that motivate me. First, I feel that after performing well, I deserve a break. Additionally, receiving a salary is a major motivation for everyone. Furthermore, I have been able to retire my father from his job as a truck driver. Taking care of my family’s financial needs is my responsibility, as I am the sole breadwinner now. They have become like my employees in a way, but it’s not a negative thing. I do feel the pressure of this responsibility at the young age of 24, but I also see it as a positive thing. It has taught me important lessons that will benefit me as I grow older, even though I am not yet ready to have children at this age.
Hal carries this strong mindset not only for himself, but also for his team. He continuously motivates his TSM companions to improve alongside him, never holding back when it comes to rallying and strategizing for victory. His high expectations are evident in his determination to win, as seen in this tweet from TSM.
Tomorrow we begin our homestand.The black-and-white is ready for ALGS L.A. pic.twitter.com/Uc57Yu9xRh
— TSM (@TSM) May 1, 2024
As a leader, I hold high expectations for my teammates and I am not afraid to push them to their limits. I understand that in some games, this behavior may be viewed as toxic or unbecoming of a leader, as I do raise my voice and use strong language towards my teammates. However, I believe there is a fine line between being controversial and being a strong leader in a team. In comparison to other teams, I have noticed that those who are not as successful tend to have a more lenient approach and are not as strict with their players, often letting mistakes slide. I, on the other hand, am not afraid to be tough on my teammates in order to push them towards improvement.
“In my opinion, the most important aspect, even in a typical work environment, is being direct and assertive when trying to accomplish a task. It is crucial to set boundaries and clearly communicate expectations. Even if it may seem harsh, addressing mistakes immediately can prevent future consequences.”
Despite seeming like a difficult approach to managing a team, this method has actually resulted in some of the most iconic achievements in Apex history. ImperialHal confirms that it is a setting where he excels.
“I thrive under pressure and doubt. It fuels me and my team to prove ourselves and our capabilities. When people doubt us, it only motivates me to prove them wrong and show them the true strength of myself and TSM.”
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