run a lot deeper than its draconian policies on third party software. If this anonymous list, which has been corroborated by several industry professionals, holds true, then Nintendo's problems with Super Smash Bros. circuit, turning down numerous details that could have helped the game grow into a viable eSports industry.
Shortly after the initial Big House cancellation, an anonymous Twitter user came forward with a long list of how Nintendo has actively harmed the professional Smash Bros. Nintendo has a considerably large fan movement on its hands, and it isn't looking good for the game company. And it was all organized overnight without Nintendo's help or oversight, with the core theme of criticizing Nintendo for its unfair treatment of the professional scene front and center. It was also the most-viewed grassroots Splatoon stream yet, at least in the western market. Twitter user SlimyQuagsire reported on just how successful this event was EndGameTV and its viewers were able to offer the largest prize pool the western Splatoon circuit has ever seen, topping anything Nintendo would have offered for a more compliant event. The tournament brought together the top four Splatoon 2 teams in America and crowdfunded its prize pool. EndGameTV picked up Nintendo's slack by hosting its own livestreamed tournament, which was dubbed The Squid House in an unsubtle reference to the tournament whose cancellation started this mess. The online community wasn't content to simply throw hashtags around, either. Related: Nintendo Comments On Smash Bros Tournament Cancellation Controversy Unfortunately, these antics just led to a new #FreeSplatoon movement trending as well. Nintendo cited "unexpected executional challenges" as the reason for this cancellation, but this vague excuse is widely considered to be a flimsy cover for the company refusing to air anything in support of #FreeMelee.
Nintendo cancelled its own livestream of the finals when 30% of the participating teams put messages in their usernames supporting the #FreeMelee movement, a Twitter hashtag formed by fans seeking to protest Nintendo's callous treatment of the Big House tournament. Most recently it set its sights on the Splatoon 2 North American Open tournament, a major event bringing in some of the top teams in the game. Nintendo's response to this backlash hasn't been much better than its initial response to the mod. This irrationally prohibitive behavior led to backlash from professional and casual fans alike.
tournament, for hosting an unofficial third-party mod which enabled online multiplayer in Super Smash Bros. The controversy began last month when Nintendo issued a cease and desist to The Big House, a massive Smash Bros.
Splatoon 2 fans have put together their own unofficial tournament to make up for and to protest Nintendo's recent cancellations.