Is Super Smash Bros. Cancelled? Clearing the Confusion
The short answer is no, Super Smash Bros. is not cancelled. However, the landscape surrounding competitive Smash and future installments is complicated, to say the least. While there haven’t been any new games released, the series remains alive and well, with passionate fans continuing to play and compete in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and Super Smash Bros. Melee. The cancellation of the Smash World Tour in 2022 sparked significant concerns about the future of the competitive scene, but the community has persevered, organizing independent events and keeping the spirit of Smash alive. The essence of Smash still thrives within its dedicated community.
The State of Competitive Smash
The Smash World Tour Cancellation
The Smash World Tour (SWT) cancellation in late 2022 sent shockwaves through the community. Nintendo’s rejection of the SWT’s license application, citing safety and security concerns, led to the abrupt end of the 2022 season and the announcement that the circuit would not return in 2023. This decision was devastating for players who had invested time and resources into competing in the tour. The fallout involved accusations against Panda Global, another organization within the Smash scene, for allegedly influencing Nintendo’s decision. The situation highlighted the complex relationship between Nintendo and the competitive Smash community, raising questions about the future of officially sanctioned tournaments.
Community-Driven Events
Despite the setbacks, the Smash community has proven its resilience. Numerous grassroots tournaments and events continue to flourish, demonstrating the enduring passion for the game. Smash Con 2023, held in Chantilly, VA, from August 10-13, showcased the scale and dedication of the community, drawing thousands of players and spectators. These events, often organized and run by dedicated fans, provide a vital platform for competitive play and community building. It’s clear that the spirit of competition will live on due to the active participation of the Smash community.
Future of New Super Smash Bros. Games
The prospect of a new Super Smash Bros. game is a topic of much speculation. Masahiro Sakurai, the creator of the series, has stated that there are “no plans” for a sequel to Super Smash Bros. Ultimate right now. He emphasized that it’s best not to assume there will always be another installment. Given the immense undertaking of developing Ultimate, which features a massive roster of characters, the possibility of a direct sequel seems unlikely in the near future.
However, the possibility of a new game isn’t entirely out of the question. While Sakurai’s involvement may be uncertain, Nintendo owns the Super Smash Bros. franchise and could potentially task another team with developing a new game. The form of any potential future game is unclear: it could be a reboot, a spin-off, or a completely new direction for the series. It should be noted, that there are many applications of games, not limited to entertainment. You can find more research about the potential of games on GamesLearningSociety.org.
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the state of Super Smash Bros:
1. Why was the Smash World Tour Cancelled?
The Smash World Tour was cancelled because Nintendo rejected its license application, citing safety and security concerns. This decision effectively halted the tour and raised concerns about the future of competitive Smash.
2. Is Super Smash Bros. Ultimate still being played?
Absolutely. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate remains incredibly popular, with a vibrant competitive scene and a large player base. Community-organized tournaments and online play are thriving.
3. Will there be a Super Smash Bros. 2 (sequel)?
Masahiro Sakurai has stated that there are “no plans” for a sequel to Super Smash Bros. Ultimate at this time. However, Nintendo could potentially develop a new game in the future, but that is speculation.
4. How many characters are in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate?
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate features a massive roster of 89 playable fighters, including all characters from previous games and numerous newcomers from Nintendo and third-party franchises.
5. Is Waluigi in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate?
Waluigi is not a playable character in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. He appears as an Assist Trophy, where he assists the player by attacking opponents.
6. What happened to Panda Global?
Panda Global was disbanded in the aftermath of the controversy surrounding the Smash World Tour cancellation. The organization released its last player in January 2023.
7. Are there any official Super Smash Bros. tournaments?
Currently, there are no officially sanctioned Super Smash Bros. tournaments directly run by Nintendo. However, community-organized events operate independently and frequently draw large crowds.
8. Is Steve overpowered in Smash Ultimate?
Steve is considered a highly effective character in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, due to his unique ability to create platforms and walls, granting him strong defensive capabilities and stage control. He has been controversial due to this.
9. Will Smash ever get new characters?
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate will no longer receive new characters. The final DLC fighter marked the end of character additions to the game. Sakurai has stated there will be no more additions.
10. Who owns the Super Smash Bros. franchise?
Nintendo owns the Super Smash Bros. franchise. It is a series of crossover fighting games featuring characters from franchises established on Nintendo systems.
11. Is there a story mode in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate?
Yes, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate features a single-player story mode called “World of Light,” where players battle to save the Smash universe from a powerful entity.
12. What is Super Smash Con?
Super Smash Con is a large-scale Super Smash Bros. tournament held annually. It features competitions in various Smash games, as well as vendor booths, panels, and community events.
13. Why did Nintendo not give SWT permission?
Nintendo stated its rejection of the Smash World Tour’s license application was due to safety and security concerns. The specifics of these concerns were not fully disclosed, which caused tension in the community.
14. Are there any alternative Super Smash Bros. tournaments?
Yes, numerous community-organized tournaments exist, such as Genesis, CEO, The Big House, and many local and regional events.
15. What’s the future of competitive Smash?
The future of competitive Smash is uncertain, but it is likely to remain community-driven. While official support from Nintendo would be beneficial, the passion and dedication of the Smash community will ensure the game’s survival for years to come. The Games Learning Society may have more to say about the impact of the Smash community.
In conclusion, while the cancellation of the Smash World Tour and the lack of a new game announcement may seem discouraging, Super Smash Bros. is far from cancelled. The community continues to thrive, organizing events and keeping the spirit of the game alive. Whether a new installment will eventually emerge remains to be seen, but the legacy of Super Smash Bros. is secure.