Hobbies And Interests
Creation
In 2002, three Xbox players active in Unreal Championship, a first-person shooter game, took advantage of Xbox's networking ability to start chatting online. They then formed a clan, or gaming fellowship, called MFG. The trio played together using one player's server, named Killingservice7, and eventually made the organization more formal. They called the new gaming league KSI, for Killing Service Incorporated. KSI became the first gaming corporation, and the first of many three letter name leagues that would form in the computer-gaming world.
Growth
A few months after KSI began, it had 600 members. Since then, its membership has ranged from a high of 40,000 to 20,000 players in 2011. As KSI grew, the founders created a ranking system for members. New members without a KSI gaming tag are privates, then sergeants after they change their tag to one starting with "KSI." To rise to higher rank, they have to accept responsibilities such as training privates, organizing matches and tournaments, and helping with web design and marketing. General is the highest rank available to anyone other than the KSI founders.
Organization
Along with ranks, KSI developed multiple organizational levels as it grew. Members belong to divisions of up to 1,000 people, and to squads of varying size within each division. Players have added divisions to KSI over time: When a division reaches 400 members, a player can start a new division if the higher ranks approve. KSI has grown to include multiple clans, fellowships of gamers who join forces. Clans, divisions and squads can all compete against other groups online.
Activities
KSI began with Unreal Championship but it's expanded to many other games, including the popular World of Warcraft and Halo. It's also established a Hall of Fame as a way to honor league members whose contributions to KSI go above and beyond the rest. Contributions include mentoring new players, not only in the game but in skills such as graphic design, web design and writing. KSI has also become exclusive: The code of conduct doesn't allow KSI members to join other leagues.