| 17 March 2011
Among the topics he addressed was the groundswell that is he and the rest of Team Spooky possibly broadcasting the Evolution 2011 World Finals. Nothing has been locked, but the tea leaves suggest something is in the works at this moment. As the powers that be work on whatever they have planned in terms of the broadcast, social networks have caught on in trying to get Team Spooky the nod. There's even a petition, signed by a couple hundred people (I have not signed it).
Would it be cool if Team Spooky got the call? Absolutely. That group has broadcast some of the biggest moments in competitive gaming over the past year. But you know what else would be cool? If Level|Up got the call. They also have broadcast some big moments over the past year. There's something else that would be as cool, and that's if Michael "Slash5150" Yu gets the call. Or, perhaps the guys at iPLAYWINNER should get the call, that would be cool. What about Dewitt "Striderzer0" Ward? He's the undisputed king of Marvel vs. Capcom series footage and he also broadcasts.
After watching the Team Spooky Address on Monday, I realized that who streams Evolution shouldn't matter to me or you the fighting game fan. One of the first things I did after turning off the Team Spooky stream was look at a calendar.
It's March.
Evolution isn't until July 29.
And the time in between is the reason why it shouldn't matter to you who streams Evolution. Because between now and July 29, you should be worried about getting to Evolution. I could understand if today was July 15 and all of what happened, happened. Then we the fans of Evolution might be on pins and needles wondering who will be broadcasting it. July 15 probably isn't enough time to plan a trip to Las Vegas and watch the event live.
But come on, everyone. We're still four months away from the tournament. That is plenty of time to save some paychecks, beg for money or even walk to Las Vegas. It's said repeatedly, and I'll say it here; Evolution is a tournament you must attend live. It is not the same on a 17-inch monitor on your computer. The four times I've been to Evolution have been unforgettable experiences. When I couldn't go last year, it hurt. Watching Championship Sunday on a 13-inch macbook in a library-like coffee shop while being told you're going to get evicted isn't fun times.
The tournament organizers put it perfectly:
As the world’s largest open fighting game tournament, the Evolution Championship Series has grown into a global event attracting thousands of competitors of the highest caliber from all over the world seeking victories, cash prizes, and community respect. For more than a decade, the tournament is where new talent emerges as champions, and where reigning champions grow into legends.It's perfectly fine to get hype for who will be helping out with the broadcast. When it comes down to it, it shouldn't matter to me or any fighting game fan, because it would be even more hype to walk the Rio on July 29 and see the thousands of competitors taking part in the six tournaments and various side tournaments. Wouldn't it be cool to be among thousands of other people who like what you like?
However, in recent years, Evo has evolved (no pun intended) into something more. It’s where community members and players ranging anywhere from the casual gamer and spectator to the hardcore tournament junkie can gather en masse and connect to meet in person, learn about the newest fighting game titles and hardware, witness the history in the making, and most importantly, throw down against opponents from all over the world. No matter who you ask, they’ll all tell you the same thing: If there’s only one event you can attend, Evolution is the tournament you will not want to miss.
Most of us have plenty of time. Save up. Be at Evolution.
