We’re less than two weeks away from the world’s largest fighting game event, EVO 2019. Through EVO’s official Twitter account, a major partnership with console giant PlayStation 4 was announced. As always, assumptions and speculations are making rounds on the internet, with most coming to the conclusion that this partnership may finally mean the reveal of long-awaited Street Fighter VI.
We are excited to partner with @PlayStation for #EVO2019! 8 of the 9 main event titles are presented by PS4. Don’t miss any of the action and stay tuned for more news from PlayStation at EVO! #EVOPS4 pic.twitter.com/BTWlWmGdPB
The partnership between EVO and PlayStation will see eight of the nine main event games played on the PlayStation 4, with the only exception being Super Smash Bros: Ultimate, as it is a Nintendo Switch exclusive. Aside from the possible announcement of Street Fighter VI, others have also speculated that this partnership may lead to a revival of crossover fighting game PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale, which was released in 2012.
Either way, both scenarios are in the realm of possibilities. Street Fighter V, although a solid fighting game in its own right, was plagued by an unorganized launch resulting in a very lukewarm reception from its fans. Also, no new content has been released for it lately, so it seems likely that Capcom does have something in the works.
As for the other scenario, Super Smash Bros: Ultimate’s success despite its exclusivity may seem tempting for PlayStation to pass up reviving its previous attempt at a crossover fighting game. In conclusion, both possibilities are feasible, although some speculators with their tinfoil hats are saying that this might be an announcement of a PlayStation character to be included in the Smash Bros game. This seems very, very unlikely given Nintendo and PlayStation’s history, and the internet would probably implode if that happened.
With the days inching closer to EVO 2019, its already shaping up to be a very interesting and memorable event. The tournament will be headlined by Super Smash Bros: Ultimate. The remaining eight fighting games that will be featured are Street Fighter V: Arcade Edition, Tekken 7, Mortal Kombat 11, Soul Calibur VI, Under Night In-Birth Exe:Late, Dragon Ball FighterZ, BlazBlue Cross Tag Battle, and Samurai Shodown.
EVO 2019 will take place at the iconic Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas from August 2 to August 4.
