How MultiVersus’ $100K esports investment is winning over Smash players frustrated by Nintendo’s approach
The Great Platform Fighter Shift
Super Smash Bros Ultimate enthusiasts are rapidly migrating toward Warner Bros’ emerging platform fighter MultiVersus, drawn by its substantial competitive gaming support that stands in stark contrast to Nintendo’s traditional approach.
Warner Bros’ innovative platform brawler MultiVersus has captured the Smash community’s admiration by delivering the robust esports infrastructure Nintendo consistently avoided, highlighted by a groundbreaking $100,000 EVO championship prize.
Following the conclusion of Super Smash Bros Ultimate development with Kingdom Hearts’ Sora as the final DLC addition, numerous game studios have attempted to create the next dominant mascot platform fighting experience.
While Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl maintains momentum through consistent character releases and gameplay adjustments, Warner Bros positions MultiVersus for launch with an impressive character roster including DC Comics’ Batman and Superman, Looney Tunes’ Bugs Bunny, Game of Thrones’ Arya Stark, and Scooby-Doo’s Shaggy among others.
Warner Bros recently disclosed their team-based 2v2 fighter will feature a massive $100,000 tournament prize pool at EVO – the premier global fighting game competition that Nintendo deliberately excluded themselves from during 2022.
Community Backlash Against Nintendo
Nintendo distributes merchandise as rewards while Warner Bros establishes a $100,000 prize pool for their inaugural tournament during the alpha testing phase. Warner Bros accomplishes what Nintendo will not.
— Joe Biden 🥵 (@Taccm7) May 12, 2022
Immediately following the MultiVersus announcement, community members began criticizing Nintendo, repeatedly targeting the Japanese gaming giant for its historical reluctance to support competitive gaming ecosystems.
“Nintendo provides merchandise items as tournament rewards, while Warner Bros commits a $100,000 prize pool for their first competitive event during alpha testing. Warner Bros achieves what Nintendo avoids,” one commentator jested.
witness the inaugural Smash competitor that genuinely threatens to dethrone the champion 🙏
— – (@verge2pogenos) May 12, 2022
“Observe the first legitimate contender capable of actually challenging Smash’s dominance,” remarked another community member.
Concurrently, professional Super Smash Bros Ultimate competitors applauded the decision. Maister, renowned for his Mr. Game & Watch mastery, described the tournament as “impressive,” particularly noteworthy given its alpha stage status. “If only another company I’m familiar with would adopt similar practices…” he supplemented.
Not attending EVO personally, but observing Developer Support remains consistently impressive. $100,000 with the game still in development is remarkable.
If only a particular company I’m acquainted with would implement comparable initiatives… https://t.co/sa1AQ82aWQ
— LG | Maister (@Maister_SSB) May 12, 2022
The revelation even captured the interest of Evil Geniuses’ fighting game legend SonicFox, who indicated MultiVersus would represent the first platform fighter he intends to approach with “competitive seriousness.”
What Makes MultiVersus Different
While previous platform fighters have attempted to claim Smash’s throne, none have managed to unseat the reigning champion permanently, typically receding into relative obscurity over time. Can MultiVersus break this pattern? The answer will reveal itself gradually.
Strategic Advantages for Competitive Players:
The 2v2 team dynamic introduces unique strategic depth absent from traditional 1v1 platform fighters. Players must master character synergies, coordinated attack patterns, and team composition strategies that reward communication and practiced coordination.
Avoiding Common Platform Fighter Pitfalls:
Many Smash competitors fail because they approach new platform fighters with identical strategies. MultiVersus demands adaptation—the dedicated server infrastructure reduces input lag issues, while the perk system enables customizable loadouts that counter specific matchups.
Advanced Optimization Techniques:
High-level MultiVersus play requires mastering movement cancel techniques, understanding hitbox priority systems, and learning character-specific combo routes that maximize damage during team assist opportunities. The game’s floatier physics compared to Smash necessitate adjusted timing for aerial follow-ups.
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