Bryce 'Machine' Bates retires from professional gaming

This article was originally published on GameSpot's sister site onGamers.com, which was dedicated to esports coverage.

After little-to-no results since the release of Starcraft 2, one of EG's longest-ever signed players in Bryce 'Machine' Bates has retired. Bates, who had been an active competitor in North American Brood War prior to the dawn of SC2 began his career in the new game with a very respectable 6th place finish at MLG Dallas 2010 before being eliminated by Tyler 'NonY' Wasieleski in the quarter-finals.

Following 2010, Bates struggled to find results, but found himself popular in the eyes of the community after becoming a frequent guest on talkshows, as well as one of the lead actors in EG's Kingston HyperX commercials where his performances were received very positively by viewers.

In his retirement blog on teamliquid.net, he also reveals that he will be returning to school as well as starting a career as a physical trainer.

From here I plan to go back to school and become a physical trainer for the time being. As I am getting older I've started to realize the importance of fitness and exercise in everday life as well as the enjoyment that comes from it. I also plan on competing in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu in the near future. Brazilian Jiu Jitsu is something I've missed for the past few years and would like to dive back into.

Photo Credit: Zhang Jingna, myeg.net