TheMisterManGuy
Smash Apprentice
- Joined
- Feb 21, 2015
- Messages
- 138
Like most publishers with multiplayer games these days, Nintendo has placed a big focus on eSports with Splatoon, ARMS, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Unlike most publishers though, Nintendo stays pretty hands off with the competitive scenes for their games. They'll endorse events like EVO and Apex, they'll host their own competitions at E3, and market these scenes when they can. But they won't contribute to the prize pool, or have any real league that sets up a series of rules and pay-rates for Pro Players. Instead they leave all that stuff up to the community.
It's an unorthodox approach, especially considering that for a long time, they tried to disassociate themselves from eSports. But it's one that has its benefits. A community driven approach means the rules and legalities of the scene are generally dictated by the players, not the publisher. It also allows the community to form their own culture and identity instead of a manufacutured culture publisher wants to market. However, it also means pro players of Smash and Splatoon earn a lot less than players of other eSports titles, as Nintendo's lack of financial involvement means their pay is coming out of the community's pocket.
I do think Nintendo should provide something for the prize-pool as it be better than nothing. On the other hand, I can appreciate their decision to let the community drive the competitive scenes for their games. It's a refreshing change of pace from the commercialized approaches of Capcom and Activision.
It's an unorthodox approach, especially considering that for a long time, they tried to disassociate themselves from eSports. But it's one that has its benefits. A community driven approach means the rules and legalities of the scene are generally dictated by the players, not the publisher. It also allows the community to form their own culture and identity instead of a manufacutured culture publisher wants to market. However, it also means pro players of Smash and Splatoon earn a lot less than players of other eSports titles, as Nintendo's lack of financial involvement means their pay is coming out of the community's pocket.
I do think Nintendo should provide something for the prize-pool as it be better than nothing. On the other hand, I can appreciate their decision to let the community drive the competitive scenes for their games. It's a refreshing change of pace from the commercialized approaches of Capcom and Activision.