Trouble broke out with Nintendo!?
It turned out that the largest game tournament “Smash World Tour” in the “Super Smash Bros.” series was suddenly canceled. Among the fan community, there seems to be a strong view that it is the influence of “Nintendo”, which is reluctant to e-sports.
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How the event was canceled
The “Smash World Tour” is a world tournament where top-class players from seven regions around the world gather to compete for a large amount of prize money. The first tournament was scheduled to be held in 2020, but it was postponed due to the corona whirlpool and other factors, and the tournament, which was partially held online last year, was held for the first time.
Although such a “Smash World Tour” is certainly the largest tournament in the “Smash Bros.” series at present, it is positioned as a tournament by an unofficial community. According to a statement released by the “Smash World Tour” this time, it seems that the tournament has been in talks with “Nintendo” to obtain an official license.
Discussions toward the realization of obtaining an official license were progressing smoothly at first. However, after a certain period of time, the response from “Nintendo” continued to stagnate, and the management side said that the tour was “floating in the air”.
It was in November, just before the finals of the “Smash World Tour”, that “Nintendo” contacted us again. It was explained that many decision-makers within the company were involved in obtaining the official license for the tournament, but after that, the answer was, “We cannot accept the tournament without a license.” It is said that the operation was unavoidable and the tournament was canceled before the final tournament.
The upcoming Smash World Tour Championships and the entirety of the 2023 Smash World Tour must be cancelled.
Full Story: https://t.co/3ro3q7rr4h pic.twitter.com/Gcgcgakdvp
— Smash World Tour 2022 (@SmashWorldTour) November 29, 2022
“Nintendo” reluctant to e-sports?
Although it’s the “Smash World Tour” side’s statement, even on Japanese social media, “Nintendo is seriously over”, “I really want Nintendo to issue a statement about SWT cancellation”, and “the history created by the community.” Isn’t it your hobby to break things with a single cry of a crane?” 』 said a voice.
Last year, it was announced that the Panda Cup, the first official world tournament of the Smash Bros. series, would be held. It seems that it is also seen as…
In the first place, “Nintendo” has always had a passive image of supporting esports competitions. In recent years, there have been many cases of official contributions to the esports scene, such as the launch of the Event Support Program by Riot Games to support tournaments.
Under such circumstances, “Nintendo” gives the impression that it does not provide concrete support, even though it has made comments that show understanding for the tournament management.
Regarding the “Smash World Tour” this time, a “Nintendo” spokesperson explained to the overseas media “Kotaku” that “we have not requested changes or cancellations of the tournament”, but… .
Over the past few years, many Nintendo games have been supported by the popularity of e-sports demand. Continuing the lord’s business may hit the limit somewhere.
Text = Kenichi Ogami
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master1305 / PIXTA