Why Do People Boo HUGE in BattleBots?
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The distinctive “boos” that sometimes echo through the BattleBots arena, particularly when HUGE enters the fray, stem from a complex mix of strategic grievances, perceived lack of excitement, and a disconnect from what many consider the spirit of the competition. Simply put, HUGE is often booed because its design and fighting style are seen as a boring, overly defensive strategy that goes against the core thrill of destructive combat. Rather than engaging in direct, high-impact clashes, HUGE tends to avoid confrontation, using its large wheels to stay out of reach of opposing weapons, often resulting in matches that lack the spectacular action fans crave. This perceived passivity, coupled with a design that some find uninspired, is a primary reason for the negative reactions.
The Anti-Excitement Strategy
A Defensive Giant
HUGE’s signature strategy is built around its massive, durable wheels made of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW). These wheels make the robot incredibly mobile and resistant to damage, allowing it to largely avoid direct hits. This isn’t to say it cannot attack, it is capable of using its horizontal bar. However, it is used sparingly and generally only when the timing is perfect. The issue is that it doesn’t seek out a battle. Instead, it relies on its opponents making mistakes to try and get close. It prioritizes staying mobile and out of harm’s way which makes its matches often less action-packed compared to robots that engage head-on, creating what many fans consider unexciting, lackluster fights. The lack of thrilling, weapon-on-weapon engagements is a major contributor to the audience dissatisfaction and boos.
The “Boring” Factor
The nature of BattleBots often involves robots tearing into each other with high-powered weaponry, creating spectacular moments of destruction and chaos. HUGE’s strategy of avoidance, while effective, essentially circumvents this fundamental aspect of the competition. The robot’s design, while functional, doesn’t present the kind of visually impressive weaponry or dynamic movement that fans expect, adding to the perception that the matches are dull and uneventful. While some value smart strategy, the majority of fans seem to prioritize the destructive ballet of robots locked in a fiery struggle. When a robot seems to go against this idea, the fans are sure to show their displeasure.
A Strategic Disconnect
Many fans feel that HUGE’s strategy, while within the rules, goes against the unwritten code of BattleBots, emphasizing aggressive offense and exciting combat. The perception is that it is trying to win on technicalities rather than through a display of raw power and fighting skill. This approach is often seen as overly cautious and less exciting compared to other combatants that fully embrace the spirit of the competition, making it a target for boos. The desire for aggressive engagements is what brings many fans to the sport, so when a robot avoids these exchanges, it feels like a let down.
Beyond Strategy: Additional Factors
The Jake Ewert Factor
Jake Ewert, the builder of HUGE, has had his fair share of controversy. Though he offered the design of his “anti-HUGE device” to other teams, the other teams refused on principle. His personality is not a problem for many fans, but he does add to the overall perception of the robot. Some see it as hubris when they believe it to be a boring strategy. While this isn’t the only reason, it does add to some people disliking the team. This, in turn, increases the amount of booing heard.
The Desire for Destruction
Ultimately, many BattleBots fans come to witness destructive action. The audience is often looking for robots clashing together in a flurry of sparks and flying metal. HUGE tends to deprive fans of these moments by avoiding direct engagement and prioritizing avoidance. This departure from the norm often leads to a negative reception, culminating in boos whenever the robot appears in the arena. The audience often craves that chaotic destruction, and so when that is missing, disappointment can turn to boos.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is HUGE made of?
HUGE’s distinctive wheels are made of 1-inch thick ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMW), which is a lightweight, durable, and cost-effective material. The lighter weight allows it to accelerate quickly and get out of harm’s way. It is primarily used to protect other bots from it’s large wheels, but it works for defense as well.
2. What materials are generally used in BattleBots?
Common materials include steel, titanium, aluminum, and various polymers like UHMW. These materials provide strength, durability, and are typically lightweight to meet the weight limits of the competition. Lighter materials are ideal to use for defensive purposes as it allows them to be more maneuverable.
3. What weapons are not allowed in BattleBots?
BattleBots strictly prohibits the use of fouling devices like glue, nets, fishing line, and ball bearings. Also banned are squirting liquids or liquefied gases like liquid nitrogen. The main issue is that they need to avoid anything that can make the arena less safe for other robots and the production team.
4. Are all types of projectile weapons allowed in BattleBots?
Projectile weapons are permitted, as long as they do not create an arena-fouling problem or use explosives. Springs, catapults, and gas-pressure-powered guns are generally acceptable, but teams may need to demonstrate that their projectiles will not damage the arena’s Lexan exterior. It all comes down to the safety of everyone involved.
5. Is the BattleBots audience real?
Yes, the BattleBots audience is live and in-person. The series features robots battling in a single elimination tournament, and fans can attend the events to see the competition firsthand. Those who do attend are able to watch the fights in real-time, allowing for instant reactions.
6. What happened to cause the original BattleBots to be cancelled?
The original BattleBots series was cancelled due to declining ratings and the show not fitting the channel’s programming direction. It originally was very successful, but the format wasn’t able to hold onto long-term viewership.
7. Which robot was banned from BattleBots?
Blendo was banned from an early iteration of Robot Wars due to its hazardous nature, often throwing pieces of its opponents over the arena walls, which posed a significant safety risk. It was ultimately the insurance company that made the decision for the sake of safety.
8. Is bot fighting illegal in real life?
Bot fighting itself is not illegal, and it’s a popular sport in some areas. However, betting on bot fights is often illegal, and some underground events that do allow betting can face legal repercussions. The fights themselves are not illegal, but when money gets involved, it can cause an issue.
9. Are teams allowed to use water as a weapon?
Water or other liquids are not allowed as weapons in BattleBots. The only exception is gas-based flamethrowers, which are allowed for showmanship, but are not considered primary weapons. The main worry is the risk of it becoming a hazard on the floor, making it a safety issue.
10. What does the winner of BattleBots receive?
The winning team of the championship tournament receives the Giant Nut trophy, as well as a cash prize. In the second season of the ABC revival, the cash prize was $25,000 USD. All robots who fight receive some type of reward for their hard work.
11. How much does it typically cost to build a BattleBot?
The cost of building a BattleBot can range from $5,000 to $50,000, depending on the bot’s type, materials, components, prototyping facilities, custom fabrication, and shipping costs. The main factor is the level of engineering and amount of time spent on the build.
12. Which BattleBot had a gun as a weapon?
Brutus was a robot that competed in BattleBots World Championship II and III, which featured a vertical spinning disc and was also armed with two prop guns that fired special effects bullets. It is a rare example of a robot that attempted to also be flashy.
13. What is considered the most successful bot in BattleBots history?
BioHazard, built by Carlo Bertocchini, is widely considered the most successful heavyweight robot in BattleBots history. The robot was known for its destructive power and ability to win match after match.
14. How do BattleBots teams make money?
BattleBots teams receive a stipend to help with travel costs. Returning teams also receive a small royalty from the show’s international sales. However, most team members do it for the passion and not for the money.
15. How much does a Battlebot typically weigh?
BattleBots are categorized by weight, the heavyweight division being 220 pounds (100 kilograms), with a maximum weight of 250 pounds. There are smaller weight classes as well, but the heavier ones are the most popular to watch.