What a year without Nintendo looks like
Evolution Championship Series, aka Evo, announced the main stage lineup for 2022 tonight. There are some keys that are sure, unexpected, and as previously confirmed, no Smash Bros. on sight.
The lineup for this year is:
- Street Fighter V: Champion Edition
- Guilty Gear Strive
- Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate
- Tekken 7
- The King of Fighters XV
- Melty Blood: Type of Lumina
- Dragon Ball FighterZ
- Granblue Fantasy Vs.
- Skullgirls 2nd Encore
Evo 2022 will take place at the Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas from August 5-7. This marks the return of the tournament to a live format, following an online event held last year. last and one Event canceled in 2020.
As for the schedule, the finals positions will be determined by the number of entrants. So the game with the most participants will close Evo 2022 on Finals day, while at least it will be the first final to be held, earlier on the weekend.
The Evo tournament series is co-acquired by Sony and RTS in 2021, though it retains co-founders Tom and Tony Cannon as advisors to the new partnership. Late last month, the tournament organizers confirmed that Super Smash Bros. will not be at this year’s eventsays that Nintendo has decided not to go ahead with it.
Evo 2021 Online last year highlighted how the online fighting game scene has evolved significantly, due to COVID-19 restrictions. It’s an opportunity to highlight both casual games, like VO street fighter and Tekken 7, as well as growing in popularity Skullgirls 2nd Encore.
Sure, some games like Street Fighter and Guilty Gear looks like some locks. But even without Smash Bros. this year’s event, it’s nice to see communities passionate about options like Melty Blood: Type of Lumina and Skullgirls. Hosts Sajam and Tasty Steve also confirmed there will be community areas for side events, on-site arcade cabinets and lots of water stations. You have to stay hydrated in that Vegas heat.
Evo 2022 will take place August 5-7, held live in Las Vegas and streamed on Twitch.
