It’s hard to find a good panda nowadays! HypeHorizen is hyped to add PandatasticMan to our jungle. Welcome aboard!
Introduction How did you first learn of HypeHorizen?
I learned about Hype Horizen when I realized that several streamers I am affiliated with were members of this illustrious team. I am a regular in Dracocatt’s, Hatttrik’s, Heartkween’s, Ecore’s and Funki’s streams. When I realized they were all on the same team I decided I NEEDED to apply for THAT team. To me it was a super great honor to be admitted this lofty Heartstone Dream Team 🐼
What platform do you stream on and why?
I stream on Twitch https://www.twitch.tv/PandatasticMan The reason is simple; it was the first venue I was aware of for Streaming and have consequently spent HOURS watching awesome Twitch streamers. There is a bit more of a story with this as well. Prior to the pandemic I organized miniature wargaming events, and was involved in a lot of other in person gaming activities. I unfortunately have a heart condition so the pandemic shut down my socializing nearly completely, and being retired meant I had SOOOOOO much free time on my hands. My wife pushed me to try streaming as a way to get that social interaction I sorely needed. This is the primary reason I try to make my chat my #1 Priority. I try to read EACH AND EVERY message that comes thru my chat and respond. I do have a wonderful video editor who provides me with outstanding content on YouTube (Battlegrounds Vids, my VoDs, Standard Ladder Content, and my lauded Panda Pals segments) so my viewers can watch me even when not online.
How did you get into gaming?
I was a lucky child, as my father was a game tester for a game company as I was growing up. That and he managed a Malibu Gran Prix, Golf and Games throughout most of my childhood. So from a VERY EARLY age I was playing Pong…yes Pong as well as a host of other games of all varieties. I play Table Top RPGs, Boardgames of all types…though mainly cooperative, Miniature Wargaming, Video Games…hell you name it. So frankly if I am not playing games of some type…I am probably sick and need to go to the hospital…or sleeping…I do like sleep too.
Do you have a gaming idol, someone in Esports or gaming you look up to?
This is a tough one, but yes. I have a number of gaming idols. Not necessarily tournament players, but people who exemplify what I love about gaming. A couple of these people are members of this very team. Dracocatt, Funki Monki and Heartkween definitely gave me a direction in attitude I wanted to model myself on. I would be remiss if I didnt mention RegisKillbin as well. It is the super positive attitudes of the streamers I just mentioned that reminds me even on days where I am not “feeling it” that what I do brings joy to others.
What is the best part about streaming?
The best part of streaming is probably a very subjective thing to each and every streamer. For me the best parts come not from the playing of the games I enjoy, but from the chat/viewers I encounter from around the world. I have a very diverse, geographically and culturally speaking, viewership. I partly attribute this to my time working with the UN around the world. I developed a passion of sorts to get to know different cultures and the people that form them. I think this carries over well into my chat interactions.
How does being a streamer inspire you to do good?
Inspired by those I mentioned above, I push hard to remain positive at all times on stream. I know there are people out there who log on to Twitch to find someone to brighten their day…I know because I was one. To this end I will be taking a Public Pledge of Positivity here soon. I am going to challenge some of my fellow streamers to join me in this Pledge, but I know it is not for everyone. Dracocatt has agreed to join me on my Positivity Pledge so look out for those video pledges coming soon.
What games are you streaming? What do you enjoy about them?
I stream MOSTLY Hearthstone. I play other games on stream such as Lost Ark, Gloomhaven, Diablo, along with a slew of other virtual card games (Arcanium, Gordian Quest, Marvel Snap, and Griftlands to name a few). I, in general, love games of all varieties, but I do try to remain as consistent as I can for my viewership.
Who is your “Arch Nemesis?”
I am not someone who holds grudges like that…at least not in gaming. On a more jovial twist of the idea of an Arch Nemesis…say like on ladder…no. I dont even possess a friendly rivalry on ladder.
Do you have a sidekick? If so, whom?
He is probably going to hurt me for saying this, but I would have to say it is a viewer who is probably my most regular, CapriciousHS. He is a wonderful guy who brings a lot of joy to my job every time he is in my chat.
