Narratives in the FGC

Narratives in the FGC
Date Published: 15 July, 2019

In a day and age where information on demand is paramount, the FGC (Fighting Game Community) is no stranger to taking part in the constant carousel that is fighting game news, professional circuit standings, player rivalries, and many other headline worthy stories and debates.

However, the storylines that are somewhat lost in the shuffle, are the ones that may not be always as timely or as alluring, but rather are more so consistent in their presence. Therefore, as we take a look at what narratives occupy the FGC in a broader sense, we may be able to predict how they might affect the future of the fighting game landscape beyond 2019.

Continue reading “Narratives in the FGC”

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”

The FGC’s Identity Crisis

The FGC’s Identity Crisis
Date Published: 19 February, 2019

Never short of interesting storylines, the fighting game community (FGC) is yet again a part of another tug of war situation, this time on one side the grassroots of the FGC, and on the other, the esports side of the FGC.

The differences between the two sides have shown themselves in multiple facets within fighting games, and as the old guard attempts to maintain tradition, while the new guard is set on embracing change, it begs the question; What is the FGC’s identity?

Continue reading “The FGC’s Identity Crisis”

Do Character Archetypes Matter In Street Fighter?

Do Character Archetypes Matter In Street Fighter?
Date Published: 6 January, 2018

Similar to many other competitive activities, the determining factors for winning and losing in fighting games are variable. However, unlike group sports which may rely on team chemistry, fighting games more so rely on player to character chemistry.

The unique thing about fighting games, is that there is no real blueprint for how to play the “right way”. A direct instruction akin to elbow in, and follow-through when practicing a jump shot in basketball simply does not exist in the realm of fighting games. Continue reading “Do Character Archetypes Matter In Street Fighter?”

Why I Left MMORPGs for Fighting Games

Why I Left MMORPGs for Fighting Games
Date Published: 16 December, 2018

As the video game landscape expanded throughout the years, the ability to keep up with the trends became harder and harder as there were simply too many games to play, and just not enough time to get to them all.

Therefore, as a video game player, my preferences shifted from participating in the endless new game release race, to focusing on a specific genre in gaming. A journey that began with the fighting game genre, tailed off to the MMO space, only to return home to fighting games once again. Continue reading “Why I Left MMORPGs for Fighting Games”

The Resurgence of the 3-D Fighting Game

The Resurgence of the 3-D Fighting Game
Date Published: 23 November, 2018

It was never ostracized or mistreated to the point of labeling it the “red-headed step-child”, but the 3-D subgenre in fighting games has traditionally been in a place all of its own. There are a myriad of theories behind why that has been the case.

Factors that vary from entry level difficulty, lesser known licenses, as well as simply the fact that the 3-D subgenre has fewer franchises than its 2-D or Anime counterparts. However, despite historically having less notoriety, 3-D fighting games are reemerging to perhaps be a significant player in the new age FGC (Fighting Game Community). Continue reading “The Resurgence of the 3-D Fighting Game”

Innovation and Imitation in the FGC

Innovation and Imitation in the FGC
Date Published: 
5 November, 2018

The FGC is comprised of many different types of players who all adopt different types of personal playstyles, however, when it comes to learning, there are really only two types of players; those who are innovators and those who are imitators.

Research in fighting games is something done by the “scientists” of the Fighting Game Community (FGC) with respect to whichever game they are focusing on at the time. The role these “fighting game scientists” provide for the FGC is quite invaluable, as they find new ways to play a character, educate on specific game situations, and many more similar examples which is something classified as “new technology” or perhaps better referred to as “tech.” Continue reading “Innovation and Imitation in the FGC”

Sexualization in Fighting Games

Sexualization in Fighting Games
Date Published: 20 October, 2018

Sexualization in games is a topic that has been discussed among video game developers, journalists and consumers throughout the short, yet rich history of modern gaming. However, considering that the fighting game genre is nowhere near mainstream, the topics’ impact isn’t looked at as closely.

Similar to how fighting games and the FGC treat aspects of gaming such as community, mentality, and competition slightly different than other genres in gaming, they also view popular talking points differently, especially with regards to how to it affects the FGC as a whole. Continue reading “Sexualization in Fighting Games”

What Happened to Character Loyalty?

What Happened to Character Loyalty?
Date Published: 5 October, 2018

The term “Main Character” refers to a fighting game character associated most often with a specific fighting game player. The main character is also thought of as the player’s best character, at least on paper.

Throughout the short, but rich history of the FGC, certain players have become almost synonymous with certain fighting game characters and be it tournament or casual setting, that tradition affected a major part of the FGC, which almost set a precedent for how matches were played. However, like anything that sees tenure, change is inevitable, and FGC traditions are not immune from it. Continue reading “What Happened to Character Loyalty?”

The Disconnect Between Smash Brothers and the FGC

The Disconnect Between Smash Brothers and the FGC
Date Published: June 27, 2018

As it pertains to the relationship between the Smash Brothers community and the fighting game community (FGC) I’m confident in saying that as of now, there is no real consensus on where the two stand considering the entire premise of the matter is subjective on the individual as well as the camp they resonate with more.

Therefore, as someone who resides in the camp that is the fighting game community, there is really only one lens I can see this issue through. However, even with that said, attempting to break down one side of an argument is better than turning a blind eye to both. Continue reading “The Disconnect Between Smash Brothers and the FGC”

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