The State of the FGC in 2021

The State of the FGC in 2021
Date Published: 26 May, 2021

The Fighting Game Community (FGC) is no stranger to change. In it’s short history, the scene saw its roots planted in the arcades, transition over to home consoles, then eventually evolve into a legitimate online presence, which arguably prompted the community’s most recent evolution, one which inhabits the world of professional gaming, or what is better known as Esports.

However, as the FGC was quickly moving towards bigger and better, be it with larger crowds, larger prize pools, and a larger spotlight, it all came to a screeching halt, as while the FGC is known to quickly embrace change, even they were not impervious to what everyone experienced in the last year. As the world dealt with a global pandemic (COVID-19), normal everyday living became even more so of a privilege, and as each community in society had to find a way to live in an age of a pandemic, a small yet determined community dedicated to the love of fighting games found itself evolving once again.

Continue reading “The State of the FGC in 2021” →

May 26, 2021 0

What Happened to Tekken 7?

What Happened to Tekken 7?
Date Published: 17 April, 2020

Tekken 7 has been a fighting game community (FGC) darling practically since its initial arcade reveal in early 2015. The game came at a time when the FGC was going through quite a transition, and seemingly capitalized on the old idiom “In the right place, at the right time.”

However, over five years post its arcade introduction, the game has gone through a multitude of changes. It has declared numerous champions of contrasting walks of life, it has invigorated the 3-D fighting game space once again, and perhaps most importantly, it has been a major player in the postmodern era of fighting games.

Yet, despite its major contribution to the FGC, the current narrative around Tekken 7 is drastically different from what it was just merely three years ago, with its 2017 home console release. Therefore, as we stand here in the early months of the year 2020 we must ask, “What happened to Tekken 7?” Continue reading “What Happened to Tekken 7?” →

April 17, 2020 0

Does the FGC Need to Unite?

Does the FGC Need To Unite?
Date Published: 19 November, 2019

As we close the chapter on the year 2019, and look forward onto the year 2020, the fighting game community finds itself well into its current era—the “esports era.” A change of the landscape that began to gain momentum back in 2013, has drastically transformed the way many in the community view fighting games, both literally and figuratively.

However, before we look ahead at what the future relationship of esports and fighting games might look to accomplish in the upcoming years, it would be wise to reference the past, and see in which areas the FGC succeeded and failed at, before we can begin to answer a very important question—”Does the FGC need to finally unite?” Continue reading “Does the FGC Need to Unite?” →

November 19, 2019 0

The State of the FGC in 2019

The State of the FGC in 2019
Date Published: 22 May, 2019

The year 2018 in fighting games was perhaps the first time in a long while where the fighting game community’s outlook moved away from the traditional star of the show featuring a bunch of supporting roles, to it’s current outlook which better resembles an ensemble cast with a couple of big names.

However, unlike a changing of the guard, the landscape of the FGC in the year 2019 is one that is seemingly taking on both the new school approach to fighting games, yet still leaving a wide enough window for the old-school fighting game identity to fit into. Continue reading “The State of the FGC in 2019” →

May 22, 2019 1

Tekken 7 | Review

Review | Tekken 7

Initial NA Release Date: June 2, 2017
Review Date: May 29, 2018
Reviewed on: PC
Platforms: Xbox One, PS4, PC

The 3-D fighting game space for generations has always been viewed as a niche sub-group within the grand scheme of the traditional fighting game model, and while many have come and gone, it was the Tekken franchise that truly managed to cement itself within the fighting game community (FGC).

Bandai Namco’s latest iteration to the long-lasting Tekken franchise—Tekken 7 is seemingly a culmination of almost everything a Tekken fan wanted and a little more. However, perhaps the most impressive feat is that Tekken 7 managed to modernize itself, whilst still keeping true to its original roots. Continue reading “Tekken 7 | Review” →

May 29, 2018 31

The State of the FGC in 2017

The State of the FGC in 2017
Date Published: May 22, 2017

The Fighting Game Community (FGC) has experienced quite the change as of recent years, with 2015 perhaps having some of the most memorable moments in the competitive landscape, and 2016 elevating the exposure of fighting games primarily due to increased marketing and financial support from Sony and Capcom in regards to the release of Street Fighter V.

While we’re only at the midpoint of the year, how things play out in the second half of 2017, could very well be a tell on what the future holds for the FGC. Therefore, it would be a good time to take a closer look at the fighting games that headline the FGC in 2017, and how they impact the landscape, be it for better or for worse. Continue reading “The State of the FGC in 2017” →

May 22, 2017 1

Tekken 7 vs Street Fighter V

Tekken 7 vs Street Fighter V
Date Published: October 12, 2016

From a PR standpoint, it’s fascinating to see how two of the biggest fighting game franchises; Tekken and Street Fighter have approached the introduction to the next console generation with their respective games.

Without downplaying the importance of other solid fighting games out there such as; The King of Fighters XIV, Guilty Gear Xrd: Revelator as well as the lesser known titles like Skullgirls, Melty Blood, etc., the two main games that currently headline the FGC (Fighting Game Community) are Street Fighter V and Tekken 7. Continue reading “Tekken 7 vs Street Fighter V” →