When a recent conversation by a Japanese business journal Nikkei, Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa was asked various questions about the publisher's future, one of whom worried Nintendo's support Super Smash Bros. competitions, especially its reluctance to support Smash contests with prize money.
"Esports, in which players compete for the prize money as viewers watch, shows one of the favorite video games," said Furukawa Nikkei (Translated by Kotaku). “It's not that we're against it. In order for our games to be enjoyed by anyone regardless of experience, gender, or age, we want to be able to participate in many different events. Our strength, which sets us apart from other companies, is this unique worldview, not the amount of prize money. "
Super Smash Bros. it's been a tough competitive game for so long that if the franchise had been human, it would have been old enough to hold a drink with a silly name in the local bar of the deep. But this long-term performance has not translated into the equally lucrative careers or financial benefits of his finest players in the same way that he does for the youngest Fortnite and Dust 2.
The big difference is money. In 2019, Epic Games puts it up $ 100 million the prize money for competition Fortnite players, while Valve contributes more $ 34 million for the finalists of Dust 2 championship last August. Nintendo's hesitation to contribute Smash prize money makes it an excellent opportunity, and it continues to be a contentious place in a competitive society.
If Furukawa's statement is any indication, perhaps Nintendo's skepticism encompasses the fear of creating a distinction between ordinary and competitive players, the latter of which may look Super Smash Bros. and beyond their ability when high-quality gaming is provided with room to view. The franchise has always been considered a fun team game even though the team of players is very important, and more recently with newly acquired developers start looking at your competitors when discussing concerns such as character ratings.
But it's not like Nintendo isn't doing anything Super Smash Bros. event. Several of the most groundbreaking events have received some form of support from Nintendo, which has also hosted official competitions over the past few years. Then again, Nintendo's involvement always comes with strings attached, resulting in things like events to withdraw support made for fans Super Smash Bros. Brawl mod Project M or prohibit non-GameCube controllers in locations completely.
There's still not a lot of money to be made, but compared to how Nintendo often ignores the competition during the days Super Smash Bros. Melee and A nap, is an important step. Maybe one day it will be ready to place one of its own, fun Switch money as a prize in the tournament, but given Furukawa's comment, that day will not come soon.
Ian Walker he loves fighting games and loves writing about them and more. You can find her on Twitter at @iantothemax.
