Super Smash Bros Ultimate has been absent from EVO for a few years now, but the fighting game tournament’s organizers say they’d welcome the game back with open arms.
EVOis returning this July with Street Fighter, Tekken and Mortal Kombat taking center stage, but don’t expect to see Nintendo’s platform fighter at the event.
EVO GM praises Nintendo licensing program for Smash
In an exclusive interview with Dexerto, we asked Thiher about a possible comeback forSmashat EVO and he seemed enthusiastic about the future.
“Always happy to host Smash. Always happy to engage with that community,” he said.
Thiher, who also runs the Combo Breaker event, is no stranger to working with Nintendo and brought up the company’s new guidelines that all tournaments without a license must adhere to.
At first, Nintendo’s tournament guidelines were met withbacklash from the Smash communitybecause it limited tournament sizes and prize money. Since then, many events have been able to successfully acquire licenses that allow them to bypass the rules.
“I was really excited to see parts of the Nintendo licensing program that has kind of stabilized in the last few months,” he added. “We’re seeing more and more licensed events out in the market for those titles. Don’t know what the future holds today and we will find out whenever it arrives.”
So, while we may not see Ultimate at EVO right away, there is definitely some hope, perhaps even for thenext Smash game in developmentto make its way to the world’s biggest FGC spectacle.
Michael Gwilliam is Dexerto’s Deputy Entertainment Editor in the US. He expertly covers trending stories across Twitch, Kick, YouTube, TikTok, as well as Overwatch, GTA, and Smash Bros. You can contact him at: michael.gwilliam@dexerto.com
