Interview: Csilla Budai AKA CsillaBu

To some streaming is a hobby or a favorite pastime. To others it is a veritable career. Whichever of these shoes we happen to fill, it goes without saying that streaming has cemented itself as a usual activity, over the past years, especially when it comes to videogames. Whether for entertainment, information or both, people flock on a daily basis to their favorite streamers to check out sick plays or discover fresh titles. One such streamer is Csilla Budai, known to most as CsillaBu, who spends a part of her time swinging large weapons at monsters in front of a live audience. We were lucky enough to catch her on one of her breaks and asked a few questions which she kindly answered.
 

Question: For anyone who isn't familiar with you tell us a little about yourself?

Csilla Budai: My name is Csilla, pronounced "Chi-lah". I am a 19 year old Student living in the UK. I am based at my university (Loughborough) and often stay in London with my parents. I stream Monster Hunter primarily, occasionally branching out to other games of a similar genre or just hanging out with my followers.

 

Question: When did you start playing games, and how did you get involved with this industry? 

Csilla Budai: I started gaming very early, playing my first game at 4 and my first MMORPG when I was 7. I got into cosplay starting when I was about 14, and got involved in working with gaming brands when I was 15. It all stemmed from my devotion to brands, pop culture events and cosplay; it built my confidence and allowed me to make friends with players and community managers. I networked and kept up with these people over the years. It was an organic process, nothing forceful.

 

Question: With your looks, you could easily be a professional model or actor. What is it that made you get into video games?

Csilla Budai: Firstly I find that very very flattering, I sure hope I can still maybe be those things (I have done voice acting and some photoshoots, so it’s not too far out of my reach). Video games have been a constant in my life really. I struggle with other forms of entertainment; I have quite a bad memory and I really suck at focusing for long periods of time so leisurely watching series and movies isn’t really my first choice when it comes to relaxing. But in terms of "career", I'd say I stumbled upon it really. I didn’t think there were jobs for what I do, but then after a few opportunistic chats I found myself representing games and communities I love. I don’t think it’s a permanent thing, but I love to just go with the flow. I think that’s what got me here, going with the flow!

 

Question: Can you remember what was the first game you fell in love with?

Csilla Budai: It’s sort of complicated!!

The first game I ever played was a game called Hocus Pocus, a sidescrolling action platformer that was published by Apogee in 1994... WAY before I was born, but my parents held onto the disc and I played it religiously when I got my first pc at 4. This obviously has nostalgic value, and got me into gaming. I found it again when i was about 16, after years of searching, and got it on DOSbox. I still have it installed, I always will! This is also where my love for speedrunning stemmed from.

Toontown, Warcraft, and Runescape were the three major games that I actually properly remember falling in love with and playing the life out of, all of which I deeply love still and have replayable value to me.

 

Question: In 2014 at the MCM London Comic Con you were cosplaying a Blood Elf. What inspired you in doing so?

Csilla Budai: Cosplay was getting bigger and bigger. The likes of Kamui Cosplay, Yaya Han and Jessica Nigri were cropping up and I was inspired by their personalities and their craftsmanship. It was the first time in my life I had discovered discernible female role models that were geeks like me!! I saw that Kamui had cosplayed druids from World of Warcraft (of course, one of my favourite franchises) and I did research into the materials she used and basic electronics. My avid DIY father supported me with the process, noticing how passionate I was, so he was definitely part of the inspiration. The choice of a blood elf was mainly because it was the first race I ever had when I played WoW for the first time back in TBC. My love for Mists of Pandaria and the monk class lead me to the T16 heroic armour set, and the way a redheaded blood elf looked was just too good for me to pass up!! That's why my first cosplay came to fruition for sure, the aesthetic value of costumes is very important to me.

 

Question: Tell us about your Summer London Anime & Gaming Con Masquerade 2014 and EGX London Cosplay Championship 2014 awards.

Csilla Budai: LAGC Masquerade 2014 was a friendly competition with a £200 cash prize and £100 to spend on wigs with a premium Japanese company. I went knowing very few people, and came out with TONNES of friends! I did a small performance on stage in my blood elf monk cosplay and the judges (Kelly Jean and Tabitha Lyons of Artyfakes) awarded me with the highest points leading me to win 1st place. There are some very funny photos of me looking shocked, you can find them on my Facebook page.

EGX CC was a competitive competition with a glorious prize of a LE Smash bros themed Nintendo 3DSXL, and a small cash prize also. This was much more challenging and I had to re-up my cosplay for it, adding props and music and whatnot. Another confidence and network building event, where I first met my currently great friend Dalagonash, the CM of Nintendo UK. It was my first competitions of this scale, with all cameras on me. Again, all photos can be seen on my Facebook page (outdated but NOT forgotten ♡)

I also pride myself on the victory of being on the face of the League client. That was really cool.

 

 

Question: Do you make cosplay/costumes for others?

Csilla Budai: Well... I would love to make costumes or cosplays for others provided I get paid appropriately, but my issue really lies with the awful triangle of time, money and energy.

Creating cosplay is not difficult for me, but I do lack the disposable income to throw away money on practising techniques: I have plenty of other hobbies that are also less time consuming, exhausting and stressful, and some which pay much better too. I think I burnt myself out years ago!

The tl:dr is YES on very many conditions!

 

Question: Monster Hunter, World of Warcraft and Overwatch. Which one is your most favorite and why?

Csilla Budai: World of Warcraft may have provided me with a timesink and an escape like no other, but unlike Monster Hunter games, it was never portable, and thus never kept me company when I needed it the most (away from home).

More and more, I realise how MH as a franchise has actually had a really beneficial impact on me and my attitude to the "real world". Ever since I played it first (Monster Hunter Tri on the Wii), I noticed it almost equated to meditation for me. There was something therapeutic about slamming big weapons against fictional creatures that helped me cope a lot with the stresses of education and mental health.

World of Warcraft may have provided me with a timesink and an escape like no other, but unlike Monster Hunter games, it was never portable, and thus never kept me company when I needed it the most (away from home).

 

Question: What is your own personal highlight of working in the industry?

Csilla Budai: This is a very tough question. Starting out was the biggest highlight in itself! As I had said, it was the first time I had actually worked, all whilst joining an inclusive and welcoming community. Now I am building said community, so there’s highlights every day. I think, however, the first time I was approached by Capcom to cosplay as the Kirin Palico for them was the main highlight of my time in the industry; I was truly in my element and I felt truly successful for once!!

 

Question: What do you feel are the challenges of being on Twitch and other video/streaming sites?

Csilla Budai: People think it is a competition, so it becomes hard to just have fun with it. I get feedback from people that is like, "oh if you want to make a living out of this or get famous you should do this and this"... it’s like, no, I have no desire to be artificial to grow my following and no particular desire to make a living out of it either! My intentions are rather modest; building confidence and having fun are my priorities, and thats a challenge in itself with the pressure of "becoming a success" or "having a large following".

That being said, fighting mental health issues and having a disability makes it quite difficult to stream regularly, so that is always a challenge on Twitch where you're required to stream a lot and often to maintain your name. I am always grateful for my laid back and supportive community as they help me feel better about not being very active and having other commitments, but there’s still a little pressure for me to give back.

 

Question: When you are not gaming what else are you up to?, what are your other hobbies and interests?

Csilla Budai: As an art student I do love to make art, and look at it in galleries around the country. I don't post any of it really, especially as a lot of it is contemporary and quite difficult to understand when people know me as more of a gamer haha. I am very into the academic side of things and enjoy spending days in the library at my university, reading and writing about culture, politics, art and design. It is a side of me I do not show much online, but it does exist.

Cats are also a hobby/interest of mine. I attend shows and also groom my own cat, Caesar. I am a beacon of knowledge for felines, and enjoy learning their behaviours. I love all animals, but I would say I can talk about cats for ages. My favourite celebrikitty is BoneBone, a british shorthair persian cross (much like my own).

 

Question: So, what does the future hold for Csilla and where can we expect to find you?

Csilla Budai: The future is bright! University may be a long and winded path, but I will make time to enjoy myself and give back to the communities I am a part of.

Physically, you will always find me at events in the UK. I'll be there, working or costuming or just attending: I love the atmosphere, be it competitive or just friendly.

Online, you will find me...

1. sh*tposting on Twitter.
2. Slaying monsters on Twitch.
3. Documenting my life on Instagram.

 

Question: NoobFeed has a lot of love for you. We think that you’re among the most beautiful streamers. What do you want to tell your fans here?

Csilla Budai: Ouhh stop it you~ All I have to say to people who consider themselves my fans is thank you for your support, you guys motivate me a lot more than you could imagine. Stay in touch, and send me pictures of your pets.

A big thanks to Csilla Budai for taking the time to talk with us! We look forward to hearing about your upcoming projects and wish you continued success! Keep up with Csilla on Twitter and Instagram, give her a like on Facebook and follow her on Twitch.

Sarwar Ron, NoobFeed
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