Qiddiya Investment Company (QIC) has now completed its acquisition of the Evolution Championship Series – Evo, as it’s more commonly known – and insists that “Evo’s traditions, values, and identity will remain unchanged” under its new parent company.
Fighting game players were up in arms when news broke last year that RTS – a gaming talent agency and owner of the Evo tournament series – would be acquired by the Saudi Arabian mega city project, Qiddiya.
As Eurogamer reported at the time the news broke, the response online from fighting game community members was largely one of disappointment, as various fans of the genre came out to express sadness at the new owner – which is a subsidiary of Mohammed bin Salman’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) – and emphasised the importance of supporting grassroots community-run events given Saudi Arabia has been criticised by Human Rights organisations for its prolific use of slavery, the death penalty, and more.
Now, in a statement posted to Evo’s website now the acquisition has completed, the organisation said it will “stage major international events” in Tokyo, Las Vegas, and Nice, France, later this year, “as it continues its role as a global platform for competitive excellence, cultural exchange, and community connection”.
“Under RTS ownership, Evo’s traditions, values, and identity will remain unchanged, with a continued focus on serving players, fans, and publishers at every level of the industry,” the statement said. “Key leadership will remain in place, ensuring long-term stability, including Stuart Saw in his role as Chief Executive Officer at RTS.”
Qiddiya’s chief strategy officer, Muhannad Aldawood, added: “Evo is a global gaming institution, built on community, competition, and creativity. Through RTS and Qiddiya City, we are committed to supporting Evo’s long-term growth in a way that respects its heritage and strengthens its role within the global Fighting Game Community. This is about investing in the future of play, and safeguarding what makes Evo special.”
Numerous fans are not convinced, however.
“Support your locals any way you can, folks. I was already on my way out of Evo because I don’t like how corporate the scene has become,” said one commenter. “I don’t even want fighting games to be a scene anymore, just play and watch the games you like, give feedback that you care about, and growth will come organically.” Another simply said: “And this, everybody, is why supporting grassroots locals should still be the priority over pushing big tentpole tournaments.”
A number of prolific players and content creators in the fighting game community, like Sajam, have pledged not to attend Evo this year.