Media outlet Vice just published an article that is a commentary on the current standing of Street Fighter V in the world of esports. The writer, Gareth Dutton, reflects on his trip to EGX 2016 and how some of his observations become personal revelations of what the Street Fighter scene and even the fighting game community is like in the grand scheme of things.
Gareth illustrates how his interactions with “The Beast,” his observation of the pro’s behavior offstage, and comparisons of other esports sponsorships helped shaped his updated perspective. He notes his love for Street Fighter and reverence for the idols in the FGC, but also how–outside of the community–it may not mean as much to those who are involved. He writes:
It suddenly hits me how strange this situation is. In the eyes of a fighting game fan like me, Street Fighter is huge. It’s the most famous fighting game series in the world, the very definition of a household name, and gathered here are many of the world’s top players all milling about in the same hundred square feet of space. But there’s no security, no barriers, no PR reps – there’s just the players, and the fans.
The article is well-written and includes points that Street Fighter fans–especially tournament goers–should find relatable. There are also some high resolution photos from EGX 2015 that include close-ups of top players, and are worth checking out. You can the full article here.
Source: Vice