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[DeepEnigma]

Billy Mitchell goes by many titles. One of them used to be the King of Kong, but ever since video game world record keeper Twin Galaxies stripped him of his records, many gamers have been calling him things like cheater, liar, and fraud. However, even without cheating he is still an extremely talented gamer.

A little backstory for anyone who’s never heard of the guy: Billy Mitchell stepped into the pixelated limelight in 1982 when he achieved a score of 886,900 in Donkey Kong, and he was hit by the spotlight again in 2010 when he broke one million points. But then a few gamers accused Mitchell of cheating. Now, I know what you’re probably thinking: this is real life, not the Adam Sandler movie Pixels. Unlike that film, you can’t input cheat codes into arcade cabinets. And you’re right; there’s no code for extra lives in Centipede, and you certainly can’t warp around the maze in Pac-Man. But that only applies to the physical cabinets. If you emulate the arcade game, you can cheat to your heart’s content. And that’s exactly what Mitchell was accused of doing: emulating Donkey Kong.

1 Million Point Game (Twitch)

https://twinfinite.net/2018/08/turn...ly-can-score-over-one-million-in-donkey-kong/

(For some reason Twitch videos will not embed with the 'Media' method.)

 

[Do Make Say Think]

Good for him

The road to redemption is a long one however, he still has a long way to go

 

[DunDunDunpachi]

So he practiced. Cool.

I know enough about this scene to know that sometimes top-scorers (but usually just in local or regional competitions) will splice together "perfect runs" using emulation savestates.

So it's not their real score... but they did play all those pieces... but only in 15-second slices using savestates.

It's a useful tool for practice, that's the thing. I have nothing against those who do this for practicing runs and refining their skill, but I can also see the temptation to pass that level of theoretical performance off as your own.

 

[Hendrick's]

I honestly never doubted it. He is a serious douche, which ironically makes him interesting, but I never believed he was a fraud.

 

[ipukespiders]

Long live the king.

 

[nkarafo]

Great.

Now if that Dragster guy could do the same...

 

[Do Make Say Think]

I honestly never doubted it. He is a serious douche, which ironically makes him interesting, but I never believed he was a fraud.

How is he not a fraud?

The evidence is pretty damning.

 

[dirthead]

What I find so amusing about shit like this is that it really isn't that skillful. DK is an incredibly simple game and it really isn't that hard to memorize to do shit like this. It's really more a test of stamina and patience than anything else. People have "world records" in games like this not because they're some one in a million superstar, they have world records in games like this due to lack of interest/competition. Basically, there's no money in it, so people who are actually really talented don't even bother to play them.

There are literally tens of thousands of "professional gamer" types that could absolutely blow this dude out of the water in any game.

Don't get me started on professional gaming. It's so fucking stupid.

 

[Hendrick's]

How is he not a fraud?

The evidence is pretty damning.

In the sense that he is actually one of the best in the world at DK and Pacman.

 

[zombie_gamer87]

Takes a lot of time and commitment to get there. Congrats Billy.

 

[ipukespiders]

What I find so amusing about shit like this is that it really isn't that skillful. DK is an incredibly simple game and it really isn't that hard to memorize to do shit like this. It's really more a test of stamina and patience than anything else. People have "world records" in games like this not because they're some one in a million superstar, they have world records in games like this due to lack of interest/competition. Basically, there's no money in it, so people who are actually really talented don't even bother to play them.

There are literally tens of thousands of "professional gamer" types that could absolutely blow this dude out of the water in any game.

Don't get me started on professional gaming. It's so fucking stupid.

You just reduced a pretty awesome achievement from someone to basically nothing.

Well, you tried to and failed.

 

[dirthead]

You just reduced a pretty awesome achievement from someone to basically nothing.

Well, you tried to and failed.

Playing a video game isn't an achievement dude.

 

[DeepEnigma]

Playing a video game isn't an achievement dude.

Jokes on you. I get plenty of trophies/achievements in my video games!

 

[ipukespiders]

Playing a video game isn't an achievement dude.

And scoring 1 million points in DK is an awesome achievement as I already said.

 

[riskVSreward]

I never doubted he could play those games at a high level, the fact is he lied about playing on MAME. He's a liar, he has lied about a lot of things throughout his "career", manipulates people on the regular, and hangs out with a gaggle of fellow lying manipulators. That whole "old guard" of Twin Galaxies are a bunch of fraudulent losers. The only one I ever saw as genuine and trustworthy was Robert Mruczek and apparently he is going to do an interview with Tipster soon so I'm looking forward to that.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Am75XIDvsc

 

[DeepEnigma]

I never doubted he could play those games at a high level, the fact is he lied about playing on MAME. He's a liar, he has lied about a lot of things throughout his "career", manipulates people on the regular, and hangs out with a gaggle of fellow lying manipulators. That whole "old guard" of Twin Galaxies are a bunch of fraudulent losers. The only one I ever saw as genuine and trustworthy was Robert Mruczek and apparently he is going to do an interview with Tipster soon so I'm looking forward to that.

I notice he has a video on the recent millie.

 

[Hendrick's]

What I find so amusing about shit like this is that it really isn't that skillful. DK is an incredibly simple game and it really isn't that hard to memorize to do shit like this. It's really more a test of stamina and patience than anything else. People have "world records" in games like this not because they're some one in a million superstar, they have world records in games like this due to lack of interest/competition. Basically, there's no money in it, so people who are actually really talented don't even bother to play them.

There are literally tens of thousands of "professional gamer" types that could absolutely blow this dude out of the water in any game.

Don't get me started on professional gaming. It's so fucking stupid.

That's a dumb take. By this logic, winning the Boston Marathon also takes no skill.

 

[dirthead]

That's a dumb take. By this logic, winning the Boston Marathon also takes no skill.

Actually, that's not the logic at all. To win a competitive marathon, on some level, you've got to have pretty uncommon genes and actually be special. What I'm saying is that you don't have to be special to do this with DK. There pre-reqs are pretty common.

 

[Do Make Say Think]

Actually, that's not the logic at all. To win a competitive marathon, on some level, you've got to have pretty uncommon genes and actually be special. What I'm saying is that you don't have to be special to do this with DK. There pre-reqs are pretty common.

So instead of appreciating dedication and perseverance we should appreciate genes.

Got it.

 

[dirthead]

So instead of appreciating dedication and perseverance we should appreciate genes.

Got it.

Actually, I'm not saying we should necessarily appreciate either, but you can at least make the argument that genetic freaks are actually rare/special.

 

[Do Make Say Think]

Actually, I'm not saying we should necessarily appreciate either, but you can at least make the argument that genetic freaks are actually rare/special.

And people who dedicate themselves to mastering a game are not rare/special because of genetics.

Got it.

 

[Scopa]

What I find so amusing about shit like this is that it really isn't that skillful. DK is an incredibly simple game and it really isn't that hard to memorize to do shit like this. It's really more a test of stamina and patience than anything else. People have "world records" in games like this not because they're some one in a million superstar, they have world records in games like this due to lack of interest/competition. Basically, there's no money in it, so people who are actually really talented don't even bother to play them.

There are literally tens of thousands of "professional gamer" types that could absolutely blow this dude out of the water in any game.

Don't get me started on professional gaming. It's so fucking stupid.

 

[Dargor]

someone is jelly cuz he can't score 1m in donkey kong...

 

[DeepEnigma]

Man this thread got strange.

 

[Golgo 13]

Why does anyone give a fuck about any of this?

 

[ipukespiders]

Why does anyone give a fuck about any of this?

Video game story on a video game forum. Should we be talking about hot sauce instead?

 

[DeepEnigma]

Video game story on a video game forum. Should we be talking about hot sauce instead?

Aw snap, which video game character would make the best hot sauce?

I am leaning towards Kratos.

 

[Nosgotham]

Actually, that's not the logic at all. To win a competitive marathon, on some level, you've got to have pretty uncommon genes and actually be special. What I'm saying is that you don't have to be special to do this with DK. There pre-reqs are pretty common.

So if someone wins when they have a genetic advantage, that's special? Your logic fails you. Just because you are not impressed, does not make a feat unimpressive.

 

[CrustyBritches]

Aw snap, which video game character would make the best hot sauce?

I am leaning towards Kratos.

I'll have to go with BoTW Link on this one. He's put in almost 100hrs perfecting his spicy pepper recipes.

 

[TacosNSalsa]

Aw snap, which video game character would make the best hot sauce?

I am leaning towards Kratos.

Being West Indian myself i'd have to go with Dee Jay from street fighter . We make some wicked hot sauce ..we usually call it pepper sauce but whatever same thing!

 

[Killer751]

I somehow really doubt that. I've seen Regular Show. I know what Billy Mitchell is like.

 

[dispensergoinup]

Where's the logic in coming into a thread about something you don't like or have no interest in? Hmmm?

OT: Billy is an odd one, but interesting nonetheless.

 

[ZehDon]

What I find so amusing about shit like this is that it really isn't that skillful. DK is an incredibly simple game and it really isn't that hard to memorize to do shit like this. It's really more a test of stamina and patience than anything else. People have "world records" in games like this not because they're some one in a million superstar, they have world records in games like this due to lack of interest/competition. Basically, there's no money in it, so people who are actually really talented don't even bother to play them.

There are literally tens of thousands of "professional gamer" types that could absolutely blow this dude out of the water in any game.

Don't get me started on professional gaming. It's so fucking stupid.

I'd like to take a moment to nominate this for the least intelligent post of the year. Now, I know what you're thinking: we've seen some really dumb stuff posted on Gaf this past year. And that's true. But, when you break it down, this post is dramatically uninformed and poorly thought out on just about every level of human interaction and understanding. I'm feeling pretty confident that when 2019 rolls around, this bad boy right here will hold it's own and emerge as the dumbest piece of crap vomited onto the board in 2018. You've got my vote, dirthead, best of luck in December!

 

[dirthead]

I'd like to take a moment to nominate this for the least intelligent post of the year. Now, I know what you're thinking: we've seen some really dumb stuff posted on Gaf this past year. And that's true. But, when you break it down, this post is dramatically uninformed and poorly thought out on just about every level of human interaction and understanding. I'm feeling pretty confident that when 2019 rolls around, this bad boy right here will hold it's own and emerge as the dumbest piece of crap vomited onto the board in 2018. You've got my vote, dirthead, best of luck in December!

Well that's a nice weaselly attempt at a personal attack, but, unfortunately for you, my post is 100% accurate. You honestly think that pretty much any fighting game community or RTS pro gamer couldn't absolutely smoke this guy? If there was actually money in playing DK, you wouldn't have even heard of Billy Mitchell.

 

[Mathrin]

Well that's a nice weaselly attempt at a personal attack, but, unfortunately for you, my post is 100% accurate. You honestly think that pretty much any fighting game community or RTS pro gamer couldn't absolutely smoke this guy? If there was actually money in playing DK, you wouldn't have even heard of Billy Mitchell.

You're really doubling down on this, aren't you?

 

[dirthead]

You're really doubling down on this, aren't you?

You're really doubling down on defending professional gaming, one of the dumbest activities our civilization has created, aren't you?

 

[Mathrin]

Given I've not defended it previously, I'm not doubling down on anything but it's a nice try.

If you're good at something, get paid for it.

 

[Lanrutcon]

You're really doubling down on defending professional gaming, one of the dumbest activities our civilization has created, aren't you?

You need to grow the fuck up. You're on a gaming forum. If the thought of someone dedicating himself to excelling at the hobby gets you salty, then maybe you need to find a new one instead of shitting up the thread with your whining.

What I'm saying is that you don't have to be special to do this with DK.

When we'll be seeing your DK 1,000,000 score video: never. Because it's easier to be that bitter asshole sitting in the stands, right?

 

[Scopa]

You're really doubling down on defending professional gaming, one of the dumbest activities our civilization has created, aren't you?

Who’s a professional gamer? Billy mitchell? I’m no fan of his here nor there, but he makes his money through other avenues. Who are you angry at?

 

[subsmoke]

So wait a minute, it doesn't sound like anyone actually caught him cheating. They assumed he was cheating because he played on an emulator and stripped him of his records and even later on when he surpassed a million points on a genuine arcade cabinet they didn't relent. That's pretty messed up.

 

[oxrock]

The record breaking play though he submitted as proof of beating the record was done on an emulator. This does not mean he cheated in any other way, simply that he used an emulated version instead of a dedicated arcade machine and that's against the rules in the category he was competing in. That's the basis for his titles being stripped.

 

[DeepEnigma]

Being West Indian myself i'd have to go with Dee Jay from street fighter . We make some wicked hot sauce ..we usually call it pepper sauce but whatever same thing!

Not bad, I can see that, and Caribbean jerk/curry are some of my most favorite.

Dhalsim and Sagat might whip something up too.

 

[SLoWMoTIoN]

Jokes on you. I get plenty of trophies/achievements in my video games!

lol stickers matter!

 

[The Bloody-Nine]

Video game story on a video game forum. Should we be talking about hot sauce instead?

Billy sells hot sauce.

 

[lukilladog]

Well, cheaters have been using and have been caught live on twitch... so...

 

[kingpotato]

What I find so amusing about shit like this is that it really isn't that skillful. DK is an incredibly simple game and it really isn't that hard to memorize to do shit like this.

Please post up your stream of a million points, since it isn't difficult. Or even provide any citation for your claims about the army of people who can do this.

 

[Hendrick's]

Video game story on a video game forum. Should we be talking about hot sauce instead?

 

[ZehDon]

Well that's a nice weaselly attempt at a personal attack, but, unfortunately for you, my post is 100% accurate. You honestly think that pretty much any fighting game community or RTS pro gamer couldn't absolutely smoke this guy? If there was actually money in playing DK, you wouldn't have even heard of Billy Mitchell.

I don’t need to attack you dirthead, I can just quote your post anytime someone accuses you of intelligent thought.

Let me put it this way: if anyone could do what retro high score holders could do, why don’t they? Because it requires a very different set of skills to Starcraft. Perfect game on Pac-Man? Yeah, it’s not rocket science to say it’s not the same as 4:40 all in with Protoss. If you don’t understand that, it’s ok, because you don’t have to. You just need to know that they’re all better at what they do than you are at shit posting on NeoGaf.

 

[nowhat]

Let me put it this way: if anyone could do what retro high score holders could do, why don’t they? Because it requires a very different set of skills to Starcraft. Perfect game on Pac-Man? Yeah, it’s not rocket science to say it’s not the same as 4:40 all in with Protoss. If you don’t understand that, it’s ok, because you don’t have to. You just need to know that they’re all better at what they do than you are at shit posting on NeoGaf.

Billy Mitchell was prominently featured in "King of Kong", which is a wonderful documentary about getting the high score in Donkey Kong. In that documentary, Mitchell does seem like a bit of a dick. Or not a bit really - not just the tip, the whole shaft too, balls included. Basically, having seen that documentary, I was seriously in "Billy Mitchell is about the largest asshole in the world"-camp.

But there's another documentary about getting a high score in another classic arcade game ("Nibbler"), called "Man vs Snake". That's highly recommended as well. Compared to DK, there's no "kill screen". It's basically a game of endurance, mind-numbing at that. But in that documentary, the protagonist calls Mitchell to help him with his high score attempt. And he's actually quite supportive of the main character, he seems like a truly good guy.

Now, I'm not commenting on how using emulators or not to achieve a high score is acceptable or not. As a matter of fact, I think getting the highest score in a classic arcade game is akin to having the most achievements/trophies, as in "dude, you have way too much free time on your hands". Not something I'd do. But I think two things are undeniable: one, it takes patience and skill*) to do those records, and two, Mitchell may not be the villain some want him to be. Despite the unfortunate haircut and hot sauces.

*) if no skill is required, why aren't the pro fighting/RTS community crowd dominating the classic arcade charts, if it is so easy?

 

[Grinchy]

This thread took a weird ass turn. Good for Billy, though. I really didn't know if I should believe he could get 1M. He looked like he did it so effortlessly here and even purposely got less than he could to make it an even million.