OUR RESPONSE TO THE STATE OF THINGS
Hello,
Last week was a lot, and it all happened very fast. We’d like to take the time to expand our thoughts on what’s happened (and is still happening) in the fighting game community at large, and how we plan to help.
On Thursday we made a statement announcing our decision to pull Them’s Fightin’ Herds out of EVO Online 2020 in response to serious allegations of misconduct levied against EVO cofounder Joey Cuellar. The EVO team shortly thereafter decided to cancel the event. Since then, they announced the removal of Joey from the organization and a commitment to change. We’re glad to see that they’re listening and steps are being taken, but there will be a long road ahead. We wish EVO’s new leadership well in their efforts to earn the community’s trust again.
As for other ongoing situations, we will respect decisions made by community leaders in related games and events. Things seem rough right now, but despite all that’s happened, we believe it will all lead to a safer and more accepting community.
Them’s Fightin’ Herds was built in part with the idea that fighting games can, and should, be enjoyed by everyone. We were excited for EVO Online and how it brought many fighting game fans into our community, and vice versa. With over 1300 entrants worldwide for TFH, we know all of you were just as excited to play as we were to watch. We want to keep that excitement going and give everyone a place to come together to help the larger fighting game community heal.
That’s why we’re hosting an event of our own. We’re going to make it the largest online TFH tournament to date, and to help us pull it off, we’ve assembled a team of top community organizers who are already laying the groundwork.
Another announcement is coming with more info, including when this event will be, how to sign up, which regions will be able to sign up, and y’know… what the event will be called.
Please take care of yourselves out there. We’ll share more soon.
Love,
Mane6