Month: September 2018

“I feel like if I can’t have fun doing it, then there’s no point in doing it.”

Adam “Armada” Lindgren, known as one of the “gods” of Super Smash Bros. Melee, released this video yesterday, stating that he would no longer be participating alone in tournaments:

Armada has built an incredibly successful career of singles play — almost every major tournament featuring Melee has seen him in top 8, and several have titled him champion. Though, regardless of skills or legacy, Armada’s motivation to play is the most important factor of his involvement, and, as discussed in his video announcement, that motivation has been absent for over a year.

This isn’t the first time the Swedish Sniper has grown distaste in singles, either. Long-time followers will remember Armada’s previous retirement in 2013, following that year’s Apex tournament. Though the Melee world saw Armada come back a year later, it’s clear now that distance from the scene has remained on his agenda.

I put everything I could into Melee to reach my goal but to do that for more than half my life is a long commitment.

I might be the person on the planet with the most hours in Melee or at the very least close to it. I hope you all can understand.

I will see you all at events <3

— Adam Lindgren (@ArmadaUGS) September 18, 2018

It should be noted that Armada still plans to compete in 2v2 tournaments for Melee, saying that “teams and singles have always been two very different games.” In addition to team play, he also showed interest in continuing to commentate singles matches. 13 years of play is a very long history for a single fighting game, and Armada has expressed that he definitely won’t be leaving all of that history behind.

Though this chapter of his career may be over, there can only be brighter days for Armada as he goes on. Taking control of his own life outside of Melee was surely a difficult move to make, but, in Armada’s own words, “it’s about time.” Whether he takes his skills to the upcoming Super Smash Bros. Ultimate or not, I’m personally glad that Armada’s involvement with Smash will never take precedence over his own mental health.

Sources: Armada (Twitter); SmashBoards

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