As new fighting games like “Tekken 8” and “Mortal Kombat: 1 Khaos Reigns” are released from popular series, the fighting game community keeps growing with new players every year. Anyone who has a bit of knowledge on video games could probably name one or two titles of fighting games because of the popularity of their appearance in arcades in the 90s. The internet and the popularity of fighting games are the ingredients of what created the fighting game community today.
In today’s world, there are massive esports tournaments and events around the world for competitive and casual players. For anyone unfamiliar with the term “esports”, it is competitive play with spectators just like any other sport; however, esports use any multiplayer competitive video game that tests the players skills and experience.
There is also online play which has grown in popularity, and which easily connects people who have that interest in video games. As the video game world evolves, the internet and social media world evolves too and connects people with content creation, art and other ways to express the things they love.
“I think at first people play them for fun, seeing different ways you can outsmart your opponents, and using different techniques you spend hours on learning is satisfying yet exciting experience,” fighting game community member Rosa M. said.
The huge success of “Street Fighter II” is commonly stated as a revolutionary moment for the fighting game genre and a factor of the popularity of arcades in the 90s. The only community you really had was your friends or other people in the arcade that wanted to play with you. They still have events, but it’s not like the massive tournaments held in large stadiums today as the popularity of esports in general increases. It gives people a great opportunity to meet and interact over common interests while sharing their skills and experiences.
“In person/offline events are so much more fun and easier to talk to people there. The environment is less stressed, and a lot of people are there for a good time,” Rosa said.
Most people involved with the fighting game community in 2024 can be found playing online with friends or random people. There is a ton of content creation revolving around this genre with multiple tutorials, reviews, modifications and other various projects. A popular way to talk to people in recent years is to go on a voice call while playing with someone, and a few fighting games offer voice chat, but many people choose to call through other apps or resources.
Overall, the fighting game community has evolved but has never changed from being a welcome place to everyone.
“Honestly, you can find different experiences depending on the game and their groups, but almost all of them will always have people that will help you on your learning journey one way or another,” online player Alfheim, also known as Alfh, said.