What is The Controller?
By
Maxwell McGee, Editor
Six teams compete in a series of Battlefield 3-themed challenges for a $50,000 grand prize.
It's time to lock and load, fellow gamers! GameSpot and Battlefield 3 are teaming up to bring you The Controller, a reality Web series unlike any you've seen before. Starting Friday, October 21, on our official YouTube channel, the show will bring together 12 professional gamers and total noobs to compete in various challenges, both in the game and on the field. Under the watchful eye of our host, professional skier and Olympic gold medalist Jonny Moseley, the contestants will battle it out in daily challenges designed on scenarios from the game.
They'll also have to keep an eye out for the devious antics of YouTube celebrities and video game humorists Freddie "FreddieW" Wong and Brandon Laatsch. Something tells us they're committed to making Moseley's job a bit more difficult.
"One day they may be practicing blindfolded sharpshooting and the next be buried alive under the desert sands."
In the show, the contestants will be divided into two-person teams, with one professional and one noob per team. Within each episode's 10-minute format, they'll have to work together to surmount numerous trials. One day, they may be practicing blindfolded sharpshooting; the next, they may be buried alive under the desert sands. Back at the barracks, their digital abilities will be tested against their fellow competitors.
However, only the noobs will be allowed to touch the controllers. The professionals will have to coach from the sidelines and offer words--or frustrated shouts--of encouragement.
By the end of this eight-episode miniseries, the six teams will be whittled down to two, who will compete in a head-to-head showdown for the $50,000 grand prize. And if you just can't get enough, our very own Homer Rabara and Ryan MacDonald will be providing you with a daily stream of behind-the-scenes videos and extra content. Pulling together personalities from television, YouTube, and the professional gaming scene, The Controller brings Battlefield 3 to life.
You can join the conversation by following @GameSpot on Twitter or by using #TheController.
By
Maxwell McGee, Editor
Maxwell McGee earned a degree in Journalism from the University of Arkansas, and has contributed to The Escapist, GamePro, PC Gamer, and more. His introduction to video games was Sonic the Hedgehog 2 on the Sega Genesis, and he has never looked back. He welcomes your feedback through the site, or Twitter.
124 comments
gamers cant be soldiers this is stupid stuff wanna prove u r a gamer kick someones ass in online multiplayer
@killerclam48 Yeah, Pacman, Space Invaders, 1942 (Not Battlefield). Classic Games. Oh, and don't forget Asteroids.
@SANDMAN201: Those were the days :D @BlackHawk340: That was a FPS, shooters go back even further :)
@Kevin-V Whoa Kevin only yanking the GS chain, I would never question the neutrality of the ratings on GS.
Oh man I couldn't even tell the difference between some ingame footage and real life footage .. BF3 is freaking amazing ..
This is going to be cool. and Freddie wong is going to be in it. So nice to see that real fame can come from making youtube videos.
Mw3 is not even out yo. Also in terms of gameplay I think the bf series is inching ever closer to mw series.
Battlefield 3 is aiming to beat CoD in gameplay, graphics, sales, and now, they are trying to beat them in amount of money spent in useless, pointless, over-advertising. Well, at least it is still winning in all of those categories.
Seems pretty lame...although some people might be into watching this, I'd rather spend my time actually playing one of the many quality games that have recently been released rather than watching a bunch of "noobs" pretend to be soldiers..
Great. One thing I love(Battlefield) has been mixed with one thing I hate(Reality Shows). Freddie W was an awesome plus, though.
@Kevin-V If Gamestop is dependent of ads to keep itself running and Gamespot review games that ad here, Gamestop is NOT independent. Want to be independent? Simply don't ad games you review it. Also, don't be simplistic, it doesn't mean , any game that ad a bit here will get a 9.5. But, the amont of money BF3 is spend here, need to be consider.
@PC4Me- agreed, that's exactly why I'm not getting it either. Can only hope something about the spyware part changes, but I'm not holding my breath.
EA's origin(adds spyware) killed my purchase for BF3 as it did for many PC gamers, at least the ones that bother to stay informed on what gets added onto their systems. I hate EA. For some, that just meant they get it on console instead but I don't use consoles, I also don't let hype override my better judgement.
@oogaooga -agreed- miss Sync and don't like start/select. As for this new show- Not something I'd bother watching. Tired of 'reality' shows, and cringe watching people use controllers especially for fps's. To each their own of course, but I can't stand them- just my opinion. *awaits the thumbs down* .....
PC isn't better at everything (I got a gaming PC, PS3, and 360). They don't talk they type which is boring and you can't type and shoot at the same time. Even on BF3 you won't be able to talk to anyone unless they are on your friends list AND join your party. There's much less people playing on PCs which means most likely your friends and family play on console. AND all map packs will be released on PS3 one week early. I'm thinking of getting BF3 on PC and PS3. Maybe that's part of DICE's marketing plan.
lmao I couldn't tell the difference between real life and the game. This show looks funny as hell though. What gamer do you know can actually survive on the field?
Proffesional console players? That's like choosing professional tee-ball stars over baseballers. I mean sure they're great in their own field, but come on...
This is going to be as frustrating for me to watch as it is for the "pros" to guide the noobs.
Holy Cow! Freddiew shot Johnny mosesomeone. (funny how I recognize a youtube guy before an olympic skier.)
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