Nintendo has made the decision to not have any Super Smash Bros. game be part of EVO 2022, the world’s largest fighting game tournament that is now owned by Sony, for the first time since 2007.
EVO shared a letter announcing the news on Twitter ahead of the EVO 2022 announcement show on March 8 at 5pm PTT/8pm ET.
— EVO (@EVO) February 26, 2022
“Please join us March 8 at 5pm PST on twitch.tv/evo for the EVO 2022 announcement show,” EVO wrote. “While we’re thankful for all the amazing games joining us later this year in Las Vegas, we want to let you know in advance that Super Smash Bros. will not be making a return appearance.
“Since 2007, we’ve seen historic Super Smash Bros. moments created at EVO’s events. We are saddened that Nintendo has chosen not to continue that legacy with us this year. In the future, we hope to once again celebrate the Super Smash Bros. community alongside them.”
Nintendo’s choice to not be part of EVO follows Sony’s purchase of the fighting game tournament in 2021. At the time of the acquisition announcement, Nintendo said that it wishes the show’s organizers the best and that it will continue to assess EVO in the future. That decision, at least for now, appears to have been made.
“Nintendo has enjoyed engaging with fans at past Evo tournaments and wish the show organizers the best with their new venture. We will continue to assess Evo, and other opportunities, as we plan for future online and offline Super Smash Bros. tournament activity.” A spokesperson for Nintendo said in March 2021.
EVO 2022 is currently set to take place from August 5-7 in Las Vegas.
So, not only will 2022 be the first year without new Super Smash Bros. Ultimate content as in 2021 Sora was the final DLC fighter to be released, but fans will also have to look elsewhere to see competitive Smash battles.
For more on this ongoing situation, check out our look at the rocky history between Nintendo and its esports communities.
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Adam Bankhurst is a news writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on Twitch.
Source: IGN