Understanding Team Chemistry in Esports
In esports, measuring and analyzing team chemistry can be challenging. Without knowledge of the relationships between players and their personalities, the only option is to observe the team’s dynamic and read insights from those who know the players. Take, for example, the 2014/15 Fnatic lineup which operated seamlessly with pronax making mid-round calls. However, just a single player change can completely transform the team’s chemistry and playstyle. When pronax left Fnatic and Dennis joined, the team adopted a more individually focused approach, relying on the talent of their players to win games.
The Impact of Leadership and Organizational Changes
Changing one player can have a drastic effect on a winning roster. But what happens when you change two or more players, or even the team’s leader or entire organization?
Small changes in strategy can cause a team to miss their mark or end up in a different gaming league altogether. The 2016 Swedish shuffle, for example, had a destabilizing effect on Fnatic and GODSENT, resulting in both teams struggling to find their identity and achieve success.
The Challenges Faced by GODSENT
GODSENT, in particular, has experienced a crisis of identity and roles following the roster changes. With JW as the only aggressive player and primary AWPer, other players on the team are more passive and focused on positions and clutch scenarios. This imbalance makes it difficult for GODSENT to push onto bomb-sites and defend against aggressive opponents on the CT side. Their map pool reflects this, with an emphasis on maps that favor strong CT sides.
This lack of depth and dimension in their lineup makes it challenging for GODSENT to compete at the highest level. While flusha may be capable of carrying the team to the playoffs with a stellar performance, it is unlikely to happen consistently. As a result, it is unlikely that GODSENT will advance past the group stage of the ELEAGUE Major.
Looking Ahead
If GODSENT fails to perform well in the ELEAGUE Major, it would be a blow to Fnatic’s legacy and a reminder of the negative consequences of changes made without considering team chemistry and player relationships.
What do you think about GODSENT’s chances at the ELEAGUE Major? Can the players save their legacies? Let us know in the comments or tweet us at @GAMURScom.
Written by Max Melit – Follow Max Melit on Twitter @max_melit or via email maxmelit@example.com.