'Super Smash Bros.' Events to Show on ESPN, Says Channel's Esports Editor
Fans of Nintendo's "Super Smash Bros." will be seeing more of the title in major sports channel ESPN. The channel's esports editor has confirmed that Nintendo's crossover fighting game series will be included in ESPN's upcoming esports offerings.
ESPN Esports Editor Darin Kwilinski posted a couple of tweets regarding the game's inclusion in the channel's esports lineup. The decision to feature "Super Smash Bros." and more games and events was based on "a lot of good feedback."
"Seeing a lot of good feedback on the @ESPN_Esports calendar - thanks! We'll be adding more games and events soon, including Smash!" Kwilinski tweeted on Friday, Jan. 15.
Several hours later, he tweeted a confirmation, saying: "You wanted Smash on @ESPN_Esports, so we got Smash on ESPN Esports. Via @progducto - Smash Evolution and #G3 preview."
Kwilinski, however, has not elaborated or hinted at the specific title or titles that will be included in ESPN's esports calendar. Melee and Wii U are the most likely candidates for inclusion, according to Nintendo Life. ESPN's esports catalogue currently features three games, "League of Legends," "Dota 2," and "Hearthstone," but more are expected to be added in the future.
The ESPN Esports vertical is new and was launched just last week. ESPN Esports aims to "deliver comprehensive coverage" in the field of competitive gaming. Kwilinski leads ESPN Esports and is joined by writers Rod Breslau and Tyler Erzberger. The channel's esports hub has its own dedicated site and Twitter handle.
The addition of esports to the major sports channel's offerings is considered to be a big step forward to taking the competitive gaming scene to mainstream or public consciousness. Still some, like Wii U Daily, feel that the major sports channel is "just riding a wave here," instead of actually breaking new ground. The publication cites Twitch and other streaming platforms as popular alternatives to live TV broadcasts of esports tournaments.
