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Participant Profile: DescentMax7930
In this special series, we’re diving into the vibrant world of MS-DOS gaming with some of the streamers participating in Dosember, an annual celebration to celebrate the classic era of MS-DOS games. Each streamer brings a unique perspective and passion, aiming to share their amazing games with a wider audience. Through these interviews, we’re taking a look behind the scenes at the motivation, games, and community spirit that define Dosember.
DescentMax7930 has been streaming on twitch for years and is a 4 year veteran of Dosember. Sharing a love of the classic Descent games from Interplay and a passion for DOS games in general. You'll often find DescentMax enjoying games like Sonic the Hedgehog, VR games, and Overload from the makers of Descent. He is integrated in the Overload Community and part of the Team league called the OTL. He also enjoys walks in the woods and 4 wheeling, or cooking on the grill in summer. He is passionate about spending time with his wife and daughter, friends and family playing random games and movies.
How did you first hear about the Dosember event, and what inspired you to participate?
I first learned of the DOSember event from Havok. I’ve flown with havok for a long time in other games and when I heard about this event, I got excited and was happy to participate.
Can you tell us a bit about the Dosember community? What makes it unique compared to other streaming events?
This community is fantastic. These folks are passionate for DOS and Retro. I have met so many people in this community that I never thought I would connect with and it's awesome! I have learned a lot from them about retro games and hardware. Also some software too!
Was there a particular person or experience that inspired you to join the community of DOS game streamers?
I have played DOS based games since I was a kid. My father got me into X-Wing and Descent since I was like 3 or 4 and I was hooked ever since. The fact that havok, oldskooljay, and others started this event and the community blew up, has been amazing to watch and see. Supporting Havok in this event and such has been a privilege, and an honor. Proud of his work.
What are some of the DOS games you’re planning to stream this year, and why did you choose them?
Descent, Descent 2, Whiplash, Mechwarrior 2, Warcraft 2. I chose those games because they are such a fun time to play. Also a couple of them I haven’t touched in years so could be fun to go back and relive what the games are.
Do you have a favorite MS-DOS game? If so, what makes it special to you?
Descent or Descent 2. My father got me into Descent. I first played Descent on the Playstation 1, while my dad was playing it on his computer. I played it a lot while he was Overseas on the Aircraft Carrier.
Have you encountered any interesting challenges or memorable moments while preparing to stream your chosen DOS games? How have you approached them?
The challenge I come to is trying too hard. I stream to have fun, but also to have folks who come join me have a great time as well. I try to make things unique and interesting every stream I can do.
What’s one thing you hope viewers take away from watching your Dosember streams?
I hope my viewers enjoy the streams. Feel they can have fun and chat and just join in the fun of this event.
What’s a goal you’re setting for yourself during Dosember, whether it’s a streaming milestone, completing a game, or something else?
My goal is to have fun. Give my viewers a fun stream to watch. Complete my games and grow in the community. I hit affiliate last year after several years of streaming which was an amazing achievement. I just want to continue to do what I do best…. Enjoy the Shenanigans.
Has streaming DOS games changed your perspective on gaming in general or impacted your approach to other kinds of games?
Going from Descent to Overload for example, has been an eye opener. Overload was created as a spiritual successor to Descent by the original Devs themselves. The feel of the game from how the games were in the beginning, to now, it's wild to see. Folks tend to take for granted on how things were back then to get us to now. Seeing DOS games streamed to this day, just shows how legendary things were.
How would you encourage someone who’s never experienced MS-DOS games to tune into Dosember?
If you want to enjoy something that is Retro, seeing a group of folks who just show the passion they have for the games and the genre, or even curious on how things were back in the beginning of times for PC gaming, it's an amazing journey to join in.
Are there any moments or features in the games you’re streaming that you’re especially excited to share with viewers?
Just showing how the games were back in the day. Before raytracing and everything today's standards are. The fact games like Descent exist was wild back in that time.
How does Dosember help you connect with your viewers differently than your regular streams?
My regular streams are more modern games like Overload, VR, Risk of Rain2, games like that. Seeing a group of people come together and join and support each other for this event brings a whole group of people who have a love for this genre of time.
What’s the one thing you’d tell your younger self who first played DOS games about streaming them now?
If you thought shenanigans were real during that time, you ain't seen nothin yet!
Thanks go out to DescentMax7930 for taking the time to answer a few questions for us to read here! Be sure to go and check out their streams and don't hesitate to join in with the Dosember community!
Dosember is all about celebrating the history and charm of MS-DOS games while bringing together a community of dedicated streamers and retro gaming fans. If you’re passionate about classic games or curious about the world of MS-DOS, consider tuning into the streams or even joining the Dosember community and streaming DOS games yourself!