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Organizers of the Evo 2013 fighting game championships have pulled back on plans to livestream Nintendo's Super Smash Bros. Melee from this weekend's event, saying Nintendo of America denied the tournament holders permission to broadcast the game online.
"Regrettably, we've just been informed by Nintendo of America Inc. that we do not have permission to broadcast Super Smash Bros. Melee for Evo 2013," wrote Evo co-founder Tom "inkblot" Cannon on Shoryuken.com.
The removal of Melee from the preeminent fighting game tournament's livestreaming schedule has resulted in a change in Evo's previously announced programming plans. Replacing Super Smash Bros. Melee on the Twitch-hosted livestream will be "a mix" of Persona 4 Arena and King of Fighters 13, according to Cannon.
A detailed viewing guide recently posted to Shoryuken contains a full rundown on how to watch the three-day tournament online.
Super Smash Bros. Melee was added to this year's Evo fighting game championships as part of a fan-funded donation drive, with proceeds going toward breast cancer research. Melee was confirmed as one of Evo's featured fighting games after fans raised more than $94,000 in a competitive fundraising drive.
When contacted, Tom Cannon declined to comment further on the situation regarding Melee streaming plans. Polygon has reached out to Nintendo of America seeking comment and clarification on the matter.
Evo 2013 will be held at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel and Casino from July 12 to 14. This year's tournament will feature nine games: Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3, Super Street Fighter 4 Arcade Edition Ver. 2012, Tekken Tag Tournament 2, Mortal Kombat, Street Fighter X Tekken 2013 Edition, Super Smash Bros. Melee, The King of Fighters 13, Persona 4 Arena and Injustice: Gods Among Us.
Update: According to an update from Cannon, Nintendo has allowed the Melee stream from Evo 2013 to proceed.
"We will be restoring the original stream and tournament schedules," Cannon wrote on Shoryuken. "Obviously this is a huge [relief] for all of us here and we're thrilled that the world will get to see the best Smash players fight it out this weekend. Thanks to everyone online who supported both Evo and Smash."
