Interview: Michael “Cakes” Nakama and Sam “Milkfat” Braithwaite

To say that Defense of the Ancients (DotA), has undergone an evolution since its inception is a vast understatement. An evolution implies slow development and change over time, but DotA, which began in 2003, has quickly become arguably the most played map on Battle.net, as well as a widely accepted and popular game in the competitive scene

What word(s) can describe DotA’s ascendancy? Miracle? Revolution? Sensation? You decide, but in the meantime here are two reknown players and fellow teammates, Michael Nakama (Cakes) and Sam Braithwaite (Milkfat), with their own insights, views, and thoughts in regards to DotA.

Before we move on to the questions though, let’s establish the players’ backgrounds and credentials.

Cakes: For being only 18 years of age, this player holds an impressive resume. He picked up DotA around its initial release and began playing competitively 3 years ago. His first major team was Check6 Gaming, which was also their sponsor.

They have competed in several national tournaments, including the 2008 edition of CPL DotA tournament held in Dallas, Texas where they placed 2nd. From there, Cakes moved around to playing in several inhouse leagues until settling in with Clan MILK, with whom he is currently competing and playing with.

Milkfat: At 20, Milkfat also has accrued a substantial amount of achievements throughout his career. Currently the leader of Clan MILK (US West), he boldly claims that they are “arguably the best and most competitive DotA clan on US West.”

While this claim may be controversial, there is no doubt they are a powerhouse in the DotA community. In CAL’s first DotA season, they won the Pacific Division but eventually lost to a group of players who eventually formed MYM.

Due to other commitments, several members of Clan MILK could no longer play competitively; as a result, in 2008, several new and talented players, including Cakes, were recruited.

The clan picked up where they left off by competing and winning numerous leagues and tournaments, such as CAL, in addition to a top 8 finish in MYM. This year, Milkfat has led his team in a strong position to win this year’s CEVO DotA season.

Their sponsors include Monster Energy Drink, Howie’s Game Shack, Mana Energy Potions, and Shred Clothing.

Alright, now that we know a little information on each player let’s move on to the questions.

Have either of you played any other games other than DotA competitively?

Cakes (C): Nope, just DotA for me. I feel that I can still improve so put all my effort towards that. I play many other games for fun and am good at them however not competitively

Milkfat (M): Yes, Warcraft III ladder and World of Warcraft.

In regards to Cakes then, what aspects of DotA got you playing competitively?

C: Well, I find that the teamwork aspect of DotA makes it a game that is both challenging and rewarding. The opportunity for individual skill to shine is also always present, and when one does very well his teammates tend to cheer him on and compliment him lavishly, something I have grown used to (insert audible laugh).

Okay, Milkfat, since you have experience in other competitive fields, does the scene in DotA differ from other games?

M: It is actually very different. From my experiences in professional gaming DotA has the most laid back and fun atmosphere out of every game. In leagues such as IDEC, IHL, and even DXD I find myself playing on the same team as players who I had recently played against in matches the night before.

This opportunity really allows us to get to know each other, and it makes the game more fun because if you lose you have to put up with their trash talk for weeks. For example, I recently won the 1v1 North American DotA Tournament by Gamervision and let me tell you, nothing feels better than rubbing it in EG-Demon and MYM Merlini’s faces as we play.

It seems like you and Clan MILK have built up some intense rivalries in the past. How did they come to develop and do these rivalry games affect your game plans?

M: Of course. Back at Clan MILK Lanathon 07′, an annual Lan Tournament that I hold for DotA, I got in a fight outside with Young “Suncrusher-” Lee because of his trash talk in the tournament. Even though we tried to put all of the drama aside he is, and always will be my arch nemesis.

When our teams collide on the battlefield it is not a pretty fight. Clan MILK prides ourselves on mannerism and respect but we always slip when playing Suncrusher-’s team. In games like these, against our rivals, we try using their weaknesses against them.

As everyone knows Suncrusher- is very well…emotional, and we try to play that against them. By constantly ganking him all game, asking if he’s okay, and spamming GGGG after we kill him we usually bug him enough to where he ragequits or stops playing well and demoralizes the team.

By the way, our strategy obviously works because we are currently 7-0 against them.

Where would your rivalry between Suncrusher- rank amongst say Lakers vs Celtics and Yankees vs Red Sox?

M: To be honest, I don’t know where to begin.

C: This guy…fail.

M: I’m sorry Michael, it’s a very passionate subject.

But without question me and Suncrusher- dwarf these two other “rivalries.” Why? The reason is simple. The pure hatred that Suncrusher- and I share for each other is unlike any other rivalry in the history of the any competitive event. In fact, at Clan MILK Lanathon 2009, the Lan Center had to have bodyguards in case something went down between our two teams.

What would you say are the game’s weak points and strong points?

C: In my opinion, the game’s strong point is its teamwork based play style. Competitive DotA is primarily 5v5 and a team must have good synergy as well as skilled individuals to succeed. Teamwork is far more present and essential than in games like Counter-Strike.

The teamwork required creates an amazing sense of comradery amongst any team, which only amplifies the feeling of accomplishment. When a team is working well together and its synergy is radiant, it’s one of the best feelings in the world.

A weakness would have to be the game’s duration. A majority of the games can last around an hour which requires concentration and stamina. DotA is definitely a game for committed and determined gamers. It is not noob friendly at all. New players will often find themselves being yelled at for being bad, thus making it a game that might be harder to grow in player base.

So, would you say the general length of every match and its unfriendly noob atmosphere makes the game difficult for most spectators?

C: Yes. To someone who does not understand the game it may be more difficult to concentrate on it. However, though matches may be long, to a spectator who has played the game and knows what is going on, it is very entertaining. While watching competitive replays I find that I have a lot of fun and time flies by.

DotA is similar to chess in some ways, one must understand the deeper aspects of the game to grasp the intrinsic strategies embedded within the game play. Spectators who understand this, will find it easy and enjoyable as well as a valuable learning experience.

What do you feel are characteristics, traits, or skills any good DotA player should have mastered?

C: I believe the most important traits and abilities in DotA are good map awareness, good farming ability, and a consistent ability to last hit creeps.

Alright, now back to both of you. Do you guys always feel a need to constantly improve your game and if so, how do you go about doing it?

C: Well Milkfat and I are pretty much optimally efficient at the game of DotA. We have perfected the basic aspects of the game and are aware of almost all the advanced tactics. Improving is related to experience and that is something that will grow with each game we play. However, the thing we need to keep up with are the changes resulting from new map verisions and strategies.

M: In regards to my game play, I honestly see very little room for improvement. One thing I try to work on though, is my leadership and hero picks. It’s hard trying to balance the team and their play styles while still letting them have fun.

What do you base your strategies around?

C: We do what most every other team does. We try and pick heroes that cater to our players’ specialties. We also want heroes with good synergy of course. In addition, being on Ventrilo for every match helps this greatly.

M: Usually we go with the following format, “Hey Cakes what hero do you want to carry with? Juggernaut? Okay.” Then we pick four other heroes that people like to play.

If it is a really intense match that we know will be close though, we always follow the same format. CaKeS will play the secondary carry, Madfred will play support and ward, ggnikkaz and allaemx will gank all game, and I pick Bloodseeker for myself, solo middle, and get ready for an easy crush. Since my debut Bloodseeker build in ESWC 2008, some people would say I’m the best Bloodseeker in the nation.

C: I confirm this, I along with many other people in the U.S. have crowned Milkfat as the best Bloodseeker in the nation.

You two have obviously plied your trade on the national scene, but how does the game differ in Europe and Asia?

M: American style is much different and to this day has not been able to stay on the same level as European and Asian play. Because of egos and hubris, American play style focuses on farming one super powerful carry while Europeans and Asians focuses primarily on ganking.

For being just one map, DotA has become an international hit. Was there any indication when you guys began playing the game would become so huge? What are your thoughts on its amazing popularity, and who or what do you attribute to the game’s popularity? It doesn’t necessarily have to be one or the either, it can be both.

C: In the early stages of the game’s development I knew it would be popular because of its many appealing aspects. That was one of my motivations for playing it so much, as well as it being fun of course. I did not know it would be such a big international hit however, and I think that can be attributed to the various language packs and foreign versions that have been promoted by DotA’s development team.

Furthermore, DotA has a strong community, the forums (Dota-allstars.com) are very active and the people high up involved with the game are very dedicated and skilled.

M: When I first started playing I never expected to be what it is today. I believe the reason it is so popular is because it is so unique. There are no other games like DotA and there won’t be until at least League of Legends is released.

Why or what makes DotA so unique in comparison to other games?

M: There are just so many heroes and items that it leads to countless strategies and approaches. Basically what I’m saying is that the game is so unique because you will never play the same game twice. Every match is unique from one another.

The game requires a high amount of organization, communication, and team work. Have any of the traits or skills you’ve learned or picked up from DotA been applicable or helpful in real life?

C: Organization, communication, and teamwork are aspects in competitive play. Playing in a team helps one build leadership as well as the ability to take and follow orders. However, a majority of my play is for fun and with friends. Although I am a very competitive individual, DotA has helped me learn to value and respect people as teammates more leading me to reduce “flaming” them when things go poorly.

M: It’s time for me to come clean, the real reason I even play DotA is to prepare for my future. I am currently studying to become an agrarian specialist (inside DotA joke), and I think my play style is really going to help me with the occupation.

C: Hahaha. Milkfat thinks he is funny. I can make jokes too, but I’m too professional. Just say it helped with your leadership, I don’t know, maybe with managing your underlings.

Alright, last question. The game has been around for a long time now, and most games die out within just a few years. What do you think lies ahead in the future of DotA? What challenges or obstacles do you foresee?

M: I believe DotA will die when League of Legends comes out. LoL wants to fulfill and accomplish the same things that DotA does, but it has better graphics and isn’t going to be restricted by Blizzard.

C: I’ll disagree, I believe DotA will stay popular because it has a very strong community and player base that continues to grow. I believe the greatest challenge will be bringing up the average skill level of its players to the competitive level. If DotA continues to be a game with a majority of low tier public game players it may become stagnant and die out as the player margin becomes too vast.

Hold on, I lied. One more question. Who would win, you or Milkfat in a one on one?

C: Hahaha. I’ll let Sam answer this one. No, wait I would win. We’ve played 1v1s before. Well, on second thought, it could go either way. As a professional, I highly respect Sam’s skill and would have to give it 100%. Although I will say for the record, that I got replays of me winning. If you want them of course.

M: The first time Cakes and I ever went against each other head to head, I first blooded him with a much worse hero, since then we have gone back and forth.

If, however, I were to go one on one with him as Bloodseeker it would be no contest.

C: Ignore Milkfat. He has consistently said I am a better DotA player than him. Unfortunately, at the moment his pride clouds his judgment.

Any last shout outs?

C: Shout out to all my DXD homies, too many to list, but here I go Tracey, Emma, Jen, Sharon, Emmy, Daisy, Desiree, Eunice, Yuri, Michelle. Stay cool, and much love.

M: Shout out to Panman, Milkstar, Madfred, and MilkasaurusRex.
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There you have it, no doubt these players have personalities to go with their skill.