Nintendo Is Pulling One Of Its Most Popular Games From Tournament
Nintendo is known for keeping a pretty tight leash on their IPs, and now it looks like that policy is extending to the upcoming EVO 2022 tournament.
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Nintendo is known for keeping a pretty tight leash on their IPs, and now it looks like that policy is extending to the upcoming EVO 2022 tournament. As announced by the event’s Twitter page, Nintendo has decided to pull Super Smash Bros from the lineup. You can check out the Tweet and official statement below:
While it’s not the most surprising turn of events, it is disappointing that Nintendo is pulling the plug on a Super Smash Bros appearance. Super Smash Bros Ultimate is one of the most dynamic fighting games out there and, as mentioned in the Tweet, it creates a lot of exciting and hype moments in a tournament setting. Unfortunately, that hype will have to be reserved for the other games that will be in the tournament lineup. Smash Bros has also released new fighters since the last tournament, with the final addition being Sora from the Kingdom Hearts franchise. It’s always fun to see new characters in a tournament, but it looks like that won’t be happening at this event.
Though Nintendo didn’t reveal the exact reason behind their decision to pull Super Smash Bros Ultimate, it likely came down to two factors. First, Sony bought the EVO tournament in 2021. Nintendo mentioned it wishes EVO the best and that they will continue to consider EVO in the future in the wake of that announcement. While this was probably the primary deciding factor, it also bears mentioning that Nintendo recently partnered with Panda Global to host an official Super Smash Bros tournament of their own in North America.
While the Nintendo news is certainly a bummer, fans of the world’s largest fighting game tournament still have a lot to be happy about. After hosting the tournament online last year due to the ongoing pandemic, they’re able to host the event in person this year. Watching a fight game tournament from the comfort and safety of your own home is nice, but you definitely don’t get the roar of the crowds and the suspense that comes from a room full of spectators.
While you won’t see any matches featuring Nintendo’s most popular fighter, there are bound to be plenty of games in the lineup that will make EVO 2022 an exciting tournament. Looking at previous lineups might give you an idea of what could be featured. Last year’s online version of EVO had games like Tekken 7, Street Fighter V, Mortal Kombat 11, and Guilty Gear Strive on the docket. If you’re anticipating the lineup for EVO 2022, they’ll be releasing it on March 8th, so make sure to tune in to their Twitch channel for the official announcement.
If you’re looking forward to EVO 2022, regardless of the Nintendo announcement, it will be taking place in Las Vegas, Nevada. The tournament is set to be held from August 5-7. There are sure to be plenty of intense and exciting battles in store. For your Super Smash Bros tournament fix, you’ll just have to stay tuned and wait for more announcements from Nintendo.
