It appears that PlayStation company Sony Interactive Entertainment plans to fully invest itself into competitive esports as the console platform holder announces to be fully acquiring competitive fighting game organizer, Evo. In the past, Sony Interactive Entertainment has illustrated its support for the group with invested collaborations in previous events held under the Evo banner.
As part of the announcement in the press release, Evo is said to be resuming in 2021 with yet another Evo Online event that will be taking place in August, August 6 – August 8 & August 13 – August 15
Today, we’re thrilled to announce the next chapter in the story of PlayStation and Evo, the world’s largest and longest-running fighting game tournament. Sony Interactive Entertainment has teamed up with RTS to acquire Evo through a joint venture partnership.
Today, we’re thrilled to announce the next chapter in the story of PlayStation and Evo, the world’s largest and longest-running fighting game tournament. Sony Interactive Entertainment has teamed up with RTS to acquire Evo through a joint venture partnership.
With expertise spanning esports event management, brand and developer consulting and gaming talent management, RTS is a new venture led by CEO Stuart Saw and backed by investors including global entertainment, sports and content company Endeavor.
Evo co-founders Tom and Tony Cannon will remain closely involved in an advisory role to ensure Evo continues to service the fighting game community and support its vibrant growth. This partnership marks a new collaboration, bringing together the resources and expertise that will allow us to elevate the global reach, scale and fan engagement surrounding this iconic gaming tournament.
Notably, the announcement could not come at a better time for the organizer. In 2020, controversy followed the event holder after allegations surfaced against Evo founder Joey Cuellar which resulted in last year’s event being cancelled altogether in response to the abuse claims. Leading forward, it was only uncertainty as to where the event would head from there on.
Many grew concerned following the announcement as Sony Interactive Entertainment also frames the announcement to be a big achievement for PlayStation as fans collect that Super Smash Bros. Ultimate could be out of the equation.
“For PlayStation, today’s announcement marks an exciting step in our journey to foster the growth of the fighting game community and esports, and support competitive gamers widely on our consoles. Fighting games are hugely popular on PlayStation consoles, with gamers logging more than 1.1 billion gameplay hours in 2020 alone.”
Howbeit, Nintendo in a later statement to IGN reveals that the Japanese company will pursue in participating with Evo following the organizer’s acquisition by Sony Interactive Entertainment.
Nintendo has enjoyed engaging with fans at past Evo tournaments and wish the show organizers the best with their new venture. We will continue to assess Evo, and other opportunities, as we plan for future online and offline Super Smash Bros. tournament activity.
Similarly, Microsoft holds a similar ambition in regards to competitive esports as well in the past. In December, it was announced that online event organizer smash.gg would become a subsidiary of Microsoft and the agreement would open new resources to the group moving forward. You can read the full report by heading here.
Are you surprised by the announcement made by Sony Interactive Entertainment?
Source: Sony Interactive Entertainment
