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Tag Archives: esports

Fun Things

Fighting Game Titans Street Fighter x Mortal Kombat Unite in Unprecedented Crossover Event

Posted on by Owen

A landmark collaboration is set to reshape the gaming landscape as three of the industry’s most celebrated franchises converge. Developers have today announced a crossover event that will merge the worlds of Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat, and Fortnite, offering fans the opportunity to see their favourite fighters share a screen for the first time.

Credit: Fortnite

Epic Games has remained tight-lipped on the full scope, but a spokesperson hinted at the vision: “We’re bringing together these beloved universes to create something fresh yet respectful of their legacies. Expect gameplay that celebrates their histories while pushing what’s possible in Fortnite.” The crossover aligns with the season’s “Lawless” theme, featuring a criminal underworld aesthetic that complements the ninja personas of Sub-Zero and Scorpion, alongside Street Fighter’s martial arts icons.

The collaboration promises more than just skins. Leaks suggest limited-time challenges and possibly new points of interest tied to Mortal Kombat, enhancing the battle royale experience with nods to its brutal roots—albeit toned down for Fortnite’s broader audience. While a unified narrative remains speculative, the inclusion of such iconic characters hints at a loose storyline bridging these worlds, a tactic Fortnite has mastered with past crossovers like Marvel and Star Wars.

Analysts see this as a bold step in gaming’s evolution, merging the nostalgia of 1990s fighting games with today’s dominant battle royale format. “This is a landmark moment,” said Trent Murray, a veteran esports writer for Sports Illustrated. “It’s not just about skins—it’s about uniting communities across genres and generations.” The move reflects a growing trend of leveraging intellectual properties to create hybrid experiences, a strategy Epic has honed since Fortnite’s rise to cultural phenomenon status.

With the season now live as of February 21, 2025, excitement is palpable across gaming forums and social media. Posts on X highlight fans’ enthusiasm, with some calling it the closest they’ll get to a Street Fighter vs. Mortal Kombat showdown—a dream matchup long desired but never realized in a traditional fighting game. Ed Boon, Mortal Kombat’s co-creator, even acknowledged the crossover’s significance online, fuelling speculation about future additions like Mileena or Raiden.

This pioneering event not only celebrates decades of gaming heritage but also signals a future where cross-genre collaborations could become the norm. As players dive into Fortnite’s latest season, the stage is set for an unforgettable clash of titans—one that’s already shaping up to be a milestone in interactive entertainment.

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Modern Retro Games

Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves – Leaked Roster Details Ignite Fan Fervour

Posted on by Owen

In a development that has captivated the fighting game community, fresh details of the base roster and planned DLC characters for Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves have reportedly leaked online. Reliable sources close to the development team suggest that the leak reveals not only the complete line-up of core fighters but also a selection of surprise characters set to join as downloadable content.

Credit: Monstervine

According to Reddit user MistressMello, a recent data mine of Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves has unveiled both launch and DLC characters. The data indicates that several fighters anticipated by fans – including Terry, Rock, Hotaru Futaba, and Gato – are confirmed, alongside well-known favourites such as Mai Shiranui and Tizoc. Additionally, the data mine reveals that some names remain unannounced, including Kim Jae Hoon, Freeman, and Hokutomaru, noted as the young protégé of Andy Bogard. It is also significant that three spots remain available in the launch roster. These additional characters have previously appeared in Mark of The Wolves, and Marco Rodrigues is also confirmed as a member of the City of the Wolves lineup.

The new entry in the iconic Fatal Fury series promises to blend the classic, hard-hitting mechanics of its predecessors with modern graphical enhancements and innovative character designs. According to the leaked information, the base roster appears meticulously balanced, featuring veteran fighters alongside newcomers engineered to bring fresh strategic dynamics to the gameplay. The anticipated DLC is expected to expand the narrative and offer players additional customization options, further deepening the game’s competitive appeal.

Industry insiders have noted that the leak provides intriguing insights into the developers’ approach, highlighting their commitment to honouring the series’ heritage while embracing contemporary design trends. The details have sparked vigorous discussion on social media and dedicated gaming forums, where fans are eagerly speculating on potential match-ups and storyline developments. Despite the excitement, the development team has yet to issue an official confirmation, leaving many questions unanswered.

As anticipation builds for the official release, we wonder what other announcements or leaks might emerge. The leak, while unofficial, has undoubtedly reinvigorated interest in Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves as one of the most promising entries in the fighting game genre in recent years.

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Retro Gaming News

Speedrunning Community Faces Challenges as Twitch Limits Video Storage

Posted on by Owen

The speedrunning community is grappling with a major shift as Twitch introduces new restrictions on video storage, impacting highlights and past broadcasts. This change has sparked frustration among gamers who rely on archived footage for records, analysis, and historical documentation.

Under the new policy, Twitch will limit how long highlights and uploads are stored, meaning that many of the platform’s most iconic speedruns could be at risk of deletion. Speedrunners frequently use Twitch’s video-on-demand (VOD) feature to review gameplay, verify world records, and share their runs with the broader gaming community. With these limitations, there’s growing concern that valuable content could be lost if not backed up elsewhere.

Prominent figures in the speedrunning scene have voiced their disappointment, noting that Twitch has long been the preferred platform for streaming live gameplay and maintaining archives. While alternatives like YouTube exist, many speedrunners prefer Twitch for its built-in community features and integration with leaderboards. The change forces players and organizers to rethink how they preserve past achievements and share content going forward.

Some speedrunning groups are now urging players to manually save and re-upload their runs to more permanent platforms. Others are looking into external solutions for archiving, such as community-driven projects that aim to store records outside of Twitch’s ecosystem. Despite the frustration, speedrunners remain determined to adapt, as preserving the history of gaming achievements remains a priority.

For now, the Twitch update serves as a reminder of the importance of digital preservation. Whether the community finds a sustainable long-term solution remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—speedrunning will continue to thrive, even if it means adjusting to new challenges.

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Fun Things

E3 Organisers ESA Unveils IICON: A New Summit for Gaming’s Future

Posted on by Owen

The Entertainment Software Association (ESA), known for organizing E3, has announced IICON, a new gaming-focused thought leadership summit set to debut in 2024. Positioned as an industry-defining event, IICON aims to bring together influential voices from gaming, business, technology, and culture to explore how interactive entertainment is shaping the world.

According to the ESA, IICON will differ from traditional gaming expos by focusing on high-level discussions, networking, and cross-industry collaboration rather than product showcases. The summit is expected to feature speakers from major game studios, tech giants, and creative industries, discussing topics such as artificial intelligence, game monetization, and the evolving role of gaming in social and economic trends.

The move comes after the ESA officially cancelled E3 for good in 2023, following years of declining interest and the rise of publisher-led showcases like Sony’s State of Play and Nintendo Direct. Many in the industry view IICON as a strategic pivot for the ESA, allowing it to remain relevant in a gaming landscape where digital-first events have become the norm.

While details on IICON’s first edition are still limited, the ESA’s ambitions are clear: to position the summit as a must-attend event for leaders looking to understand and shape the future of gaming. Whether IICON can fill the gap left by E3 or carve out a new niche remains to be seen, but it’s clear that the ESA is betting big on the growing influence of interactive entertainment beyond just gaming.

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Fun Things, Modern Retro Games, Nintendo

Sakurai Teases Real-Life Characters in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate – But Should They Join the Fight?

Posted on by Owen

When it comes to gaming legends, few names command as much respect as Masahiro Sakurai. The creative genius behind Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (SSBU) has built a legacy by uniting iconic fictional characters under one roof. From Mario to Solid Snake, SSBU celebrates gaming history like no other. But Sakurai’s recent comments about real-life characters entering the fray have sparked a fresh wave of curiosity – and controversy.

Masahiro Sakurai

The Legacy of Super Smash Bros.

Since its debut in 1999, Super Smash Bros. has been a celebration of fictional heroes. The series takes fan-favourite characters from across the gaming universe and pits them against each other in chaotic, joyous brawls. Sakurai has always been the mastermind of this incredible roster, ensuring that every character represents its source material authentically while blending seamlessly into the game’s mechanics.

The OG – 1999 Super Smash Bros.

So why mention real-life characters now?

Fiction Meets Reality

In a recent discussion, Sakurai mused about the idea of adding real-life characters to SSBU. While this is far from a concrete plan, it’s enough to get fans talking. Imagine iconic figures from history, esports legends, or even developers themselves standing shoulder-to-shoulder with gaming titans. It’s a thought-provoking idea, but it raises an important question: Does reality have a place in a game that celebrates fantasy?

The Challenges of Real-Life Characters

While some games, like Assassin’s Creed, weave historical figures into their narratives, SSBU’s core identity is rooted in fictional escapism. Introducing real people might feel jarring. There are also practical concerns: How do you balance a real-life character’s abilities in a universe with dragons, electric rodents, and intergalactic bounty hunters? And what about the cultural or ethical implications?

Fans Weigh In

The community has been buzzing with mixed reactions. Some fans love the idea of including real-life figures like esports icons or legendary creators, while others argue it would disrupt the game’s harmony. Would it be thrilling or cringe-inducing to see someone like Shigeru Miyamoto wielding a Master Sword?

Cultural and Ethical Questions

Adding real-life characters also invites scrutiny. Would their inclusion overshadow the fictional heroes? Would the game risk offending audiences by misrepresenting real people? Sakurai has always been a stickler for detail, so if anyone could pull it off, it’s him. But even he admits this idea is purely speculative – for now.

The complete canon roster – credit: Reddit

What’s Next for Smash?

Sakurai’s comments, while hypothetical, are a testament to his ever-evolving creativity. Whether or not real-life characters ever join the SSBU roster, one thing is certain: Sakurai knows how to spark a conversation.

Would you want to see real-life figures in SSBU? Or should the series stick to celebrating the worlds of fantasy and fiction? Let us know what you think – and in the meantime, keep your retro gaming treasures safe with a RetroShell premium protector.

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