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Canadian Gamer Spotlight – Greenskull

If you spend any time at all in our Canadian forums, you have most definitely received helpful hints from our next Gamer Spotlight focus – Greenskull.  Well known for his die-hard dedication to building tournaments in the community through XCT, I received a whack of nominations from the community wanting to see more Greenskull!  This Calgary-based gamer lays it all on the line for us in our latest installment.  Remember, if you know a gamer who deserves the spotlight, send me an email to jade@microsoft.com.

Jade: Greenskull, your devotion to Xbox convinced me you’re wise beyond your years. So tell me about how you scored your Xbox?

Greenskull: I got it on launch day and it is still going strong! I hate when people say "I don't want an Xbox 360 because they all break!". Oh boy, such a long story on how I got it! On November 22, Xbox 360 Launch Day, I went to EB to get my 360 at around 8:00 am. When I got there, there were only four people in line and the store was open. I was confused because I expected a huge line. Once everyone had left the store with their new console, we asked the cashier what was up. He told us that the first 20 people that pre-ordered the 360 in that store were invited two hours before everyone else to get it. I didn't have an invite, so I asked if I could have my pre-order. He looked at a piece of paper and said "Yep, you are fifth on the list." I was so happy! Apparently my mom forgot to tell me that EB called to notify me that I was invited to get my 360 two hours early!

Jade: Sweet story of success.  And how long have you been a member of Xbox Live?

Greenskull: I should have recorded that date, really. I get asked for it so much. Well, if memory serves, I think I got Xbox Live for Christmas in 2002. And I'm so glad I did!

Jade: Oh yeah?  What’s your favourite Xbox Live moment so far?

Greenskull: Hmm...I think I've gotta say the BEST moment was when I was playing Halo 2 with my close friend. We were on the level Warlock and it was a game of oddball. There were two teams. You needed three minutes to win and our team only had around 20 seconds while the other team only had just two seconds to go for the win. I told my friend to cover me and I grabbed the ball. Remember that you move slowly once you grab it. So I did everything I could to stay alive; jumping everywhere, going through teleporters. etc. I held on to it until the end and our team won. It was so awesome!

Jade: You are one of the most active Canadian forum members, how do you find time to give back so much to the community?

Greenskull: I sacrifice my game time to work on the site. Dealing with homework AND a Web site is extremely difficult. People who I play with a lot probably notice I am not online that much anymore. The only time I really have to play games anymore is on the weekend. So you that’s what makes XCT so special to me!

Jade: Hear that Canada? All that sacrifice so you can have fun tournaments to play through XCT.  That’s commitment.  How did you get started with XCT?

Greenskull: Way back when, LeadingSnake started up a Dead or Alive 4 tournament. I thought it was an awesome idea.  So many messages and private chats later, I came up with the idea of having more tournaments and making a website for it. That's when XCT was formed. I made a free site, but then we had the very successful Gears of War tournament. After the Gears tournament, I made the new site www.xboxct.com.  We had the fun Lost Planet tournament and now we will have a tournament for charity. And the story goes on from there. To be continued...

Jade: I first met you in person at X’06 with your awesome dad who came to Toronto with you for the event.  Do you come from a gamer family?

Greenskull: Not exactly. My parents don't really game. My mom can barely handle Tetris and my dad doesn't have time to get really used to first-person shooters. I am the electronics guy in my family. When I was little, around 1, my parents started playing Mickey Mouse computer games with me. Then, we played games like Duke Nukem I and II. Eventually, my older cousin introduced me to Duke Nukem 3D and DOOM. And of course, I loved it! And those games got me hooked. From there, I played everything from Quake to Perfect Dark. Good times.

Jade: What are your favourite Xbox and Xbox 360 games?

Greenskull: My favourite Xbox game is obviously either Halo 1 or 2. I mean c'mon, it's Halo! As for favourite Xbox 360 game? That one is tough. I just wish Halo 3 was out, then I would have an easy choice. But I've gotta say either Crackdown or Condemned.

Jade: Your favourite game of all time?

Greenskull: Halo or Halo 2 hands down. I had so many great times with friends on Halo 1 and I had a great online experience with Halo 2. Halo is my religion.

Jade: With your love of games, do you have any plans to get into game development or the game industry as a career?

Greenskull: I plan to be a level designer in the future. Level designing is just my thing. I have already made levels for HalfLife 2 and Counter Strike Source. If you have Counter Strike Source for PC and you want to check out one of my levels, go here: http://halflife2.filefront.com/file/CS_Source_TwoSides_Surf_Map;47076

Jade: When you aren’t organizing tournaments and playing Halo, what’s your favourite TV show?

Greenskull: Family Guy of course! I love that stupid, flashback humour.

Jade: And what one movie are you are most looking forward to this year?

Greenskull: Now that is a tough one! I never really look forward to movies until they are out in like a week. But I've gotta say the new Harry Potter. I've never read the books but I love the movies!

Jade: And I know I probably don’t need to ask, but what Xbox 360 game you are most looking forward to this year?

Greenskull: You got it, HALO 3! Boo-freaking-ya!

Jade: If you were stranded on a desert island, what one thing would you bring to entertain yourself?

Greenskull: Xbox 360! Oh wait...it's an island...so...hmm...maybe a handheld then with a ton of batteries.

Jade: You are hardcore Greenskull, but that’s why we love you.  Thanks for all you do for the community.