https://www.wired.com/story/super-smash-bros-sexual-misconduct/
From the most celebrated Smash Twitch streamers to longtime tournament champions and local heroes, the Smash community is reeling from a series of dark revelations. Dozens have come forward on Twitter to describe alleged grooming, sexual assault, and statutory rape they’ve experienced from Smash pros and commentators, some of whom have hundreds of thousands of followers on Twitch and YouTube.
The allegations come amid a broader reckoning over sexual misconduct in the videogame industry. But in interviews with WIRED, competitive Smash players and fans say the community’s informal structure, egalitarian ideals, and multigenerational appeal have all inadvertently contributed to an unsafe environment. Others say a culture of hero worship and a fear of social repercussions have allowed misconduct to fly under the radar for years. As the Smash esports #MeToo moment persists, those closest to the game are taking a biopsy of its rotten tissue.
The rabbit hole goes deep, deep, deep.
Smash bros. is the absolute pinnacle of depravity. The players aren't great, but the commentators and fans... they are impressively toxic, even in Twitter standards.
Anything tailored for children has been compromised by twisted, and frankly smelly, individuals -- all confused in their gender. They're the first to say something overtly racist while also being the first to interpret something factually not racist as racist.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TiOcz8ebyws
Anyways, I just thought I'd shed light on a decrepit part of the internet MAGA folks might not realize exists with such large backing.
I was a competitive Smasher and played with some of these guys. Many were weird, but it blew me away when I found out about all this grooming.
I used to practice fighting games when I came home from school everyday, pre-internet. I wanted to go to those competitions I read about in video game magazines when I could drive. My goal was to become the human incarnation of SNK Boss Syndrome. (Back then, there was no such lingo. I simply said I wanted to be as good as an SNK Boss).
Judging from the reactions of my irate friends when I play locally, I think I achieved that. 😁 Nowadays, I have to go online to find competition.
Smash was one of my favorite games when it came out. So I've always looked forward to it. When I think about it, it was always a way for me and my little brothers generation to be on a more level playing field because the learning curve of 2d fighters is pretty high. Most people can learn Smash rather quickly because the moves are streamlined comparatively, and there isn't a set life bar like in traditional fighters.
Its sad to see something I love get corrupted. 😔 I hated SonicFox and how Nintendo of America propped him up as an influencer. I didn't care about his sexuality, or his fursuit, he was just a trash human being outside of all that.