Hey there. I grew up in the Virtua Fighter community and decided to meet people that play other fighting games. Glad I took the chance. Lately, I’ve experienced and participated in local, regional, national, and corporate facets of the Fighting Game Community. It’s exciting. I wouldn’t have the privilege without other people’s help and support. And it got me thinking…
So I did some reading about eSports and its history with the FGC. I see why they haven’t meshed. And I get why many players are OK with that. To me, the minute something looks fake or needs drama injected, I don’t like it. The minute that I can tell the organizers didn’t research, I don’t like it.
Because of this, I don’t think the FGC needs to be wholly adopted or accepted by eSports organizations. But I do think that much can be learned from how eSports leagues engage their target communities. eSports grew from what the FGC is doing right now: I see more and better content for players, fans, and spectators. I see more professionalism every day.
And, to me, professional does not mean sell-out. It does not mean fake.
To me, professionalism is intentional behavior. It’s having stake in something. It’s working hard to benefit everyone involved.
Here’s to the Professional Fighting Game Community. The PFGC. It’s already here. Everyone who works and dedicates their time should be recognized and thanked for this: Tournament Organizers, competitors, and game developers alike.
I think the best form of thanks is emulation and support.
I respect and promote those who put in their time before I was here. I stand behind people who do it now. I look forward to those who will do it after I’m long gone. I like being professional. I enjoy conducting myself in ways that people recognize as beneficial to their hard work and investment in the products they sell. I do my best to make sure the people in my life enjoy their time with me and because of me - that they benefit from having me in their lives.
This line of thinking expressed by individuals in their own unique ways will grow the PFGC. It will make it better than it already is. It will invite people in and make them proud to belong. It’s not limited. It’s not divided. It’s continuous aspiration to improve.
Thanks for reading. Long live the PFGC.