Author: Ian "iantothemax" Walker

In the latest installment of his regular Famitsu column, Super Smash Bros. series director Masahiro Sakurai tackles a question that deals with topic of updates and patches, specifically those released after a game has already launched.

Starting out, Sakurai asks the sender to not view him solely as a creator but also “a player that understands the situation comprehensively.” He admits that, in a perfect world, development on each title would complete before launch, but the complex work behind our favorite games makes that nearly impossible.

“It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say [modern games] are 100 times—no, 1,000 times more complicated than games of the past,” Sakurai explains. “And this massive amount of data is subject to the variance and fluctuation that digital information is susceptible to. Making sure that everything works properly is a miracle in and of itself.”

With regards to game balance, Sakurai says they try not to “blindly accept feedback” from fans on the internet in order to maintain a balance between competitive viability and casual enjoyment. “We could balance our game based on what high-level players say, but if that meant beginner-level players would no longer be able to play, that wouldn’t be an acceptable outcome,” he concludes.

For more of Sakurai’s thoughts, be sure to visit Source Gaming’s full translation of the Famitsu article in question by following the link below.

Source: Famitsu via Source Gaming, Smash Boards, featured image c/o Polygon

With competitive gaming only getting bigger, numerous developers outside that space have begun looking to break in with properties of their own. One such developer is seminal RPG studio Square Enix, who earlier this year launched a MOBA spin-off of their arcade-based card game Lords of Vermilion.

In a recent investor briefing, Square Enix outlines losses from these recent “eSports” endeavors, though apparently still wants to get their foot in the door. “We are less-experienced in the new genre of e-sports, which prevented us from gaining player acceptance in some cases,” the report states. “Because of the strategic value of the e-sports genre, we will remain tenacious in our efforts in that space, including considering offerings for consumer game consoles, as well as global roll-outs.”

If we’re being honest with ourselves, this likely means Square Enix is developing a MOBA (like we don’t have enough of those these days) based on their mega-popular Final Fantasy franchise. But one other Final Fantasy title could definitely appeal to competitive and casual gamers alike, especially those within our community: Dissidia.

Released in arcades last month, Dissidia Final Fantasy rebooted the PlayStation Portable series for a brand new audience. No longer a one-on-one affair, the title sees two teams of three square off in arena combat that’s probably most similar to Bandai Namco’s Mobile Suit Gundam Extreme Vs. franchise. While not technically a fighting game in the most literal sense, familiar concepts like spacing and zoning do carry over.

Just think about it; characters like Cloud Strife, Terra Branford, Squall Leonhart, and Lightning duking it out in gorgeous 3D on the stage of a major competitive gaming event? We can practically hear money being shoved at computer screens right now. And with a PlayStation 4 version on the way, they wouldn’t even need to lug arcade cabinets anywhere!

Feel free to let us know what you think Square Enix’s focus on competitive gaming could mean for the community in the comments below.

Source: Square Enix via NeoGAF

When he was revealed this weekend, Street Fighter V newcomer F.A.N.G turned a lot of heads. From his oddly proportioned body to the unique poison abilities he uses to whittle down foes, the franchise has never seen someone quite like Shadaloo’s new second-in-command.

Unlike other characters, however, F.A.N.G wasn’t playable at PlayStation Experience after his unveiling, leaving the community to pore over small bits of gameplay to determine what he is capable of. Fortunately, bits and pieces are starting to come from official sources to flesh out our early knowledge of this fresh face.

When asked whether F.A.N.G utilizes motion- or charge-based attacks, associate producer Peter “Combofiend” Rosas confirmed it’s the latter.

Of course, it’s possible this may not stick. Some of you may remember Necalli’s specials changing from motion to charge (and some back to motion) over the course of development, and long-time charge character Vega now sports quarter-circle, half-circle, and shoryuken inputs. Those of you interested in F.A.N.G but averse to charging should keep that in mind before losing hope!

Street Fighter V is scheduled to launch for PlayStation 4 and PC on February 16.

Source: Combofiend via EventHubs

After finding success funding the project on Kickstarter, Hold Back to Block’s Esteban Martinez has spent the last two year’s crafting FGC: Rise of the Fighting Game Community, a documentary that highlights everything we love about our scene. Numerous teases have been dropped along the way, but now we have a release date: January 12.

Those who wish to check this out can do so by two methods, both of which will be provided through VHX. The first is a three-day streaming rental for $4, and the second is a full purchase for $10. The latter provides both downloadable and streaming versions of the film as well as bonus content not included in the rental.

It’s been a long time coming, but FGC: Rise of the Fighting Game Community is almost here. For updates, be sure to keep your eyes on the documentary’s official website, Twitter, and Facebook.

As part of their ongoing efforts to expand their reach in fighting game communities overseas, Twitch has brought Ryutaro “A-ru” Noda on board as part of their Japanese partnerships team.

A former tournament competitor who lists a second-place finish at the Capcom vs. SNK National Convention in 2000 among his accomplishments, Noda has since transitioned to the role of commentator. If you made a habit of tuning into Japanese tournaments over the past few years, you’ve likely heard his hype announcing accompany matches of Street Fighter IV.

Noda joins Mike Ross, Victor “Victheslik” Denchartphan, Bruce “GamerBee” Hsiang, and more in the growing contingent of fighting game players making their way to Twitch to represent our community. Godspeed!

Source: Twitch via MarkMan