The PlayStation family expanded yesterday after Sony bought a part of EVO, one of the biggest fighting game tournaments in the world. Will anything change as a result?
The Evolution Championship Series (commonly known as EVO) started back in 1996 and to this day remains one of the most important events in the fighting game community. Think of it as the world cup of fighting games. It's not limited to a single game and players from various titles and backgrounds are welcome to join. Yesterday, Sony and new esports venture, RTS, acquired EVO.
Welcoming @Evo into the PlayStation family: https://t.co/I3J5iOKhhaSony Interactive Entertainment and new esports venture RTS have jointly acquired the Evolution Championship Series pic.twitter.com/efOkbf61lU
— PlayStation (@PlayStation) March 18, 2021
As we've already mentioned, EVO is one of the biggest tournaments in the fighting game community and Sony buying it makes perfect sense. Another good reason is that many of the fighting games at EVO are PlayStation exclusives.
Will EVO Become a PlayStation Exclusive Event?
No, Evo will not become PlayStation exclusive event. Many fans in the FGC were worried about the acquisition. A major concern among them was that Sony would turn EVO into a PlayStation exclusive event that will limit games on any other platform. Thankfully, that's not going to be the case as confirmed by EVO employee Mark Julio.
Also very important to note. @EVO is still open to all platforms. The teams at PlayStation and RTS are enabling us to continue working with our community to support fighting games. https://t.co/NKMQUSvkfj
— Mark Julio (makuman) (@MarkMan23) March 18, 2021
This means that titles like Smash Bros. and Killer Instinct may make a return one day.
On the PlayStation blog, Sony ensures fans that nothing will change for the worse:
At its core, Evo will remain what it has always been: an open-format competition that gives fighting game fans from different countries a chance to connect, test their skills, and forge new friendships.
EVO Founders Will Remain as Advisors
Sony plan to keep the founders of EVO on the advisory side of things just to make sure the spirit of the event stays the same.
Evo co-founders Tom and Tony Cannon will remain closely involved in an advisory role to ensure Evo continues to service the fighting game community and support its vibrant growth. This partnership marks a new collaboration, bringing together the resources and expertise that will allow us to elevate the global reach, scale and fan engagement surrounding this iconic gaming tournament.
When Will the Next EVO Take Place?
The big tournament will return this year in August in a completely online format, thus the name - EVO Online. The competition will take place August 6-8 and 13-15. Entry will be free and players from various regions will be able to compete in:
- Street Fighter V: Champion Edition
- Tekken 7
- Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate
- Guilty Gear™ -Strive
More details regarding qualifiers will be revealed in the weeks to follow. What do you make of it all? Is Sony buying EVO a good thing for the community? Share your thoughts on Facebook or Discord!
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