Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Leffen wins at Get on My LevelMelee redefines the rules of competitive fighting games and competitive video games as a whole. As a fighting game, its meta-game is constantly shifting, while outside the game the Melee community has demonstrated the power of its passion. When Nintendo stepped in to block Melee at Evo 2013 from happening, the community rallied and Nintendo ultimately allowed it to go ahead, something that the community is ever grateful for. Leffen was blocked from entry to the USA for months after his competitive video games visa was denied. The Melee community came together once more and generated more than 100,000 petition signatures—enough to elevate the issue to the White House. He was also granted a temporary visa for the summer of 2016.Melee has survived and emerged as the breakout star of fighting games largely due to the unbridled passion of its grassroots community. It's exhilarating to watch, frustratingly addictive to play and emotional to be part of. If you've played it for years and never attended or watched a tournament, I urge you to start now. Otherwise, you're missing out. It might be 15 years old, star a cast of cuddly cartoon characters, and not be as visually arresting as the modern competition, but for me, Melee is without a doubt the most exciting eSport to watch in 2016, and anyone tuning into Evo 2016 would do well to prioritize it over the alternative fighters on offer.Follow Robby Gee on Twitter.