Half-cam.
A broadcast that turns on the webcam but does not show the broadcaster’s face.
There was a strong perception that original cam broadcasts had to show the face unconditionally, but as numerous broadcasts derived later, this type of broadcasting came into existence.
In the early days, broadcasts that only showed the upper body were sarcastically compared to a headless knight known as a Dullahan. The broadcasting community also tended to associate non-cam broadcasts with otaku or cringe-worthy content.
Now, that perception has faded significantly. The very reason I had not turned on the cam was due to this.
If the broadcast had to proceed with the cam on, I wouldn’t have started at all.
Having a cam broadcast where one’s identity is revealed carries a considerable burden, especially with a face like mine.
Sure, I wouldn’t be showing my face; just the upper body is fine. I’m willing to do a half-cam.
I thought to become a Dullahan if that was the condition for participation, but,
[Let’s do half-cam~]
[Let’s go~ Let’s go~ Let’s go~ Let’s go~ Let’s go~]
[I can’t stand this upper body of Mollu]
[I’ve been feeling sad not seeing a hand cam lately, lol]
[It’s time to prove the size of my heart, whoa]
[Why is everyone so agitated over this?]
“Please don’t make a fuss, everyone.”
Seeing the audience in such a frenzy over my upper body gave me an inexplicable feeling of rejection. It felt very much like being a rebellious child.
I momentarily pulled away from the computer, reclined my chair, and spun my body around.
Ah, should I just give up? A sense of lethargy engulfed me, making everything feel bothersome.
<Sua has donated 100,000 won!>
[Teacher, are you okay…?]
Sua, who generously donated a large sum, cautiously asks. Her anxious concern about whether I would show up for the tournament reaches me.
But is this person always in my room?
“Aren’t you going to broadcast?”
<Sua donated 1,000 won!>
[I will later!]
4 PM. It seems later than the usual time Sua starts her broadcast. Well, it’s fine.
She probably wants to hear my answer before she goes.
“I’m participating, so don’t worry.”
[Really?]
I extract only the necessary parts from the chaotic chatroom. Soon, it seems that she caught onto my sincerity as she sends a cute emoticon.
Yeah, what’s the big deal about half-cam? It’s not like it wears out from showing it. As I continue streaming, I might eventually have to reveal my face anyway.
Hmm, was that too far? I shook my head at a future that I couldn’t even imagine.
“Hello to all the viewers. This is the game that continues to shine through the ages, Agent of War! Hosted by the production company, Watch Saga. The century’s grand showdown begins. We will first proceed with a general rule explanation and player introductions for the 1st Annual Eo War Streamer Championship 2030. I am the caster, Bang Hyeong-jae.”
Three men are seated at the desk. The man in the center speaks in a commanding tone that draws everyone’s attention.
“To my left is the only Eo War expert analyst on Switch, streamer Maple, and to my right is the commentator, Kang Seong-hoon, who will oversee the overall flow of the tournament.”
“Hello, I’m streamer Maple.”
“I’m Kang Seong-hoon.”
“Wow, I never imagined such a grand tournament would take place. There are as many as 24 participants! We will meet various streamers.”
“Yes, a total of four teams consist of six members, including the director, and the director will select the players through an auction.”
“Ah, yes. That was mentioned in the teaser, right?”
“It’s a system where players are recruited using given points, something we haven’t seen in past tournaments. What do you think, commentary Kang Seong-hoon?”
“Since it’s a streamer tournament, which is a festival enjoyed by all, we can view it as quite eventful. But if they let their guard down, it could end badly.”
“Yes. An auction that everyone participates in. It’s literally a battle of wits. There’s no fixed order, nor any breaks!”
“Using the minimum points to recruit the desired player will be crucial.”
“Each director has a different style, so I expect some entertaining moments just from the auction alone.”
“Well, I think we have explained enough for now!”
“For detailed rules, you can check the Switch website.”
“Are the directors ready?”
“Yes, it seems everyone is prepared.”
“Then, let’s move on to the highly anticipated player introductions and auctions.”
Bang Hyeong-jae, sitting in the center, rummages through a box containing papers with streamer names written on them, as if drawing prizes. He finally closes his eyes and draws a paper.
He unfolds the paper towards the camera, allowing the writing to be seen.
“The first player… Ah~~~~”
“‘Dead Song’ appears as the first batter.”
“Tier is Gold. His main heroes are Iron Man, Barbarian, and Mech.”
“He seems like a solid player from his heroes. He appears to be a reliable tank user.”
“It seems a gameplay video of Dead Song is prepared. This is the time for the player to appeal to the directors.”
“Wow, the rear heroes in the video looked very comfortable. The way he sturdy held up in the front line was impressive.”
“He also seems to have a gentle personality. As a tank user, he appears to not have difficulty coordinating with his teammates.”
“Now, let’s begin the auction. Directors wishing to bid should yell their name along with their points.”
“Director Panoro bids 50 points. If called three times, Dead Song will be acquired for 50 points.”
“Oh, Director Kim Goon jumps in with 60 points.”
“It seems he can’t let that player go for such a low price.”
“Is he raising the tempo all of a sudden? Director Panoro declares 100 points!”
“A chilling silence flows.”
“That’s what makes this atmosphere exciting!”
“With a big prize at stake, they can’t afford to be careless in the auction.”
“Director Kim Goon successfully acquires Dead Song for 200 points.”
“Next up, oh, this player is famous. ‘Oh Dae-sik.'”
“The name is one that no one familiar with Switch could miss.”
“There’s a rumor that he has been doing exceptionally well lately. His tier is Master. His most used heroes are all of them, it says here.”
“That’s both the charm and identity of this player. He shows a commendable performance with all heroes.”
“A player who can be utilized in any position is popular in tournaments. Facing Oh Dae-sik’s team will be a challenge.”
“Starting the auction now. Ah, starting strong at 200 points.”
“That means he’s a player they don’t want to lose. 300 points have been bid!”
“Oh, signed for a total of 400 points!”
“Ah, already halfway through. 11th player! One of the few high-tier female users among Eo War streamers.”
“Yes, it’s ‘Su Ah.’ The chatroom is buzzing as soon as she appears.”
“She’s a player with a lot of fans. Notably, her tier has skyrocketed just weeks before the tournament.”
“Current tier is Master. Wow, she’s ranking high among the participating players.”
“Main heroes include Swordsman, Assassin, and Wizard. She prefers heroes that require good mechanics among DPS.”
“That means she’s a player with guaranteed physical ability. She’s specialized in solo rank, and her strong play style is noticeable. Depending on the director’s abilities, she could be an asset or a poison.”
“The auction starts! Oh, as soon as it begins, director Kim Goon jumps in, betting all remaining 600 points!”
“Director Kim Goon’s team is short on DPS players. His intent to recruit Su Ah is clearly visible. He plans to fill the remaining slots with players who were left unsold.”
“Is it too much for anyone to keep up with the 600 points? Su Ah, Su Ah, Su Ah! No one else bids. Director Kim Goon’s bold strategy worked.”
“I’m curious about which player will fill the remaining spot.”
“Is this the 18th player? We’re nearing the end of the auction.”
“We’ve come this far already.”
“Oh, this player… is currently heating up the Switch scene. Many viewers have suspected the tier she participated in. However, according to the account review by Watch Saga, no abnormalities were found.”
“I think I know what player we’re talking about just from that description. A player with skill enough to raise suspicion.”
“Yes, the player who sparked a boom among snipers and swordsmen on Switch, ‘Mollu’, makes her appearance as the last player.”
“The chatroom is in a frenzy. Like Su Ah, she’s one of the rare high-tier female users in Eo War.”
“The reaction is intense, but in a different way than when Su Ah appeared. It seems this player has quite a rough fanbase.”
“Since this is an official broadcast, we ask for your understanding that overly aggressive chats might be temporarily blocked.”
“There have been rumors that many directors have had their eyes on Mollu even before the tournament.”
“She’s that coveted of a player. But she’s appearing now, causing some directors’ plans to go awry.”
“It seems caster Bang Hyeong-jae is getting some resentful looks.”
“I merely drew the paper as it came to hand.”
“Well, that’s alright! Even if you fail in the auction, there will be unsold players! Teams will be formed somehow.”
“However, whether the team formed in such a manner will be well-integrated remains to be seen. It’s up to the director’s abilities!”
“It’s brutal. A cruel tournament.”
“Mollu, let’s proceed with the auction. The remaining directors don’t seem to have good financial situations. Ah, nonetheless, they can’t let her slip away. Bidding starts at 500 points!”
“It seems there’s no more to count on. She’s a player with key player potential. Directors’ will to not miss out stands out.”
“However, director Jackie, with the most points, declares 650 points, ending the auction.”
“That’s the highest points for any player selected so far.”
“I’m excited to see if Mollu can deliver a performance worthy of that.”
What’s going on here? What is happening? I watched the team selection broadcast while spilling the ramen I had in my mouth.
