The Saudi takeover of Evo gives fighting game fans an uncomfortable choice
Image credit: Eurogamer / Evo / Qiddiya City
“Last week, RTS, co-owner of Evo, the biggest fighting game tournament in the world, announced it had been acquired by the Saudi Arabian city of Qiddiya. While far from the sole event of note across the genre, Evo remains a symbol of sorts for the fighting game community. Of all the tournaments, it is Evo that is held in the highest regard. Now, that community must choose between its long-lasting values and the bag.”
So writes Connor in his sterling op-ed on the Saudi Arabian takeover of Evo, that was announced last week. Now the scene, historically one based on an “all challengers welcome” philosophy, is faced with a near-impossible choice – but one players and fans must make nonetheless.
Opinion:
The Saudi Arabian takeover of fighting games’ biggest tournament means players – and the wider community – have a choice to make: between its culture and a payout