I Love Fighting Games (Not Playing Them)

I bought Smash Bros, Tekken, Street Fighter, Skullgirls, and a joystick at the beginning of Lockdown. I was sure FGC (fight game community) was going to be where I made my home in my late thirties.

Unfortunately, I discovered I hated the process of losing and honing my skills. I didn't like thinking about frames or strategy. I couldn't keep up with the speed. And regular tea baggings just didn't feel great at my age.

I stopped playing.

I continued to watch content. EVO*¹, Combo Breaker*², Frosty Faustings*³ became my big game weekends. Maximilian Dood*⁴, NihongoGamer*⁵, and Core-A Gaming*⁶ became my regular Youtube channels. Post-Lockdown, my interest dwindled.

I'm no longer obsessed with watching great game moments, but I'll dive into some history when it comes up. I love learning about choices made with games and characters, the levels of passion that were needed to bring companies together, the everyday people putting on tournaments.

It's all silly but serious and you can see why video games are so special.