Fighting Games Have An Accessibility Problem, But Not Because Of The Games Themselves

Here is a 199-word summary of the key points from the article: The article discusses the growing accessibility problem in the fighting game community, particularly around the costs of attending major tournaments like Evo. Over the years, Evo has grown from a small, scrappy event to a massive fighting game convention, but this rapid growth has come with a steep price tag. Weekend passes to Evo can now cost over $250, plus additional fees to enter specific tournaments. When factoring in travel, lodging, and other expenses, the total cost becomes prohibitive for many players, especially those without sponsorships. As a result, even long-time community members are finding it increasingly difficult to attend. The issue extends beyond just Evo - many other major fighting game events have also become very expensive. This threatens to shut out talented players from less privileged backgrounds, who have historically been a core part of the fighting game community. The article suggests potential solutions, such as publisher-sponsored local events, scholarship funds, and discounted passes, to help make these events more accessible. Overall, the rapid commercialization of fighting game tournaments risks excluding the very community that built and sustained the genre's popularity.