It should do too. While it’s important to acknowledge many remain allegations at this point, it’s clear from those who have admitted to actual crimes<\/a>, severe wrongdoing has gone unchecked within a community which should be a safe, welcoming space for everyone. <\/p>\n Similar stories have unravelled in recent weeks across the gaming industry, but recent allegations have largely centered on Super Smash Bros. players and community members – ranging from sexual harassment, misconduct involving minors and paedophilia. <\/p>\n The severity of the allegations even prompted Nintendo to release a statement condemning the “impermissible” actions<\/a> – a company who have always shown reluctance to support<\/a>, and even acknowledge, the esports scene in any meaningful way. <\/p>\n It has plunged the Smash community’s already shaky reputation (crab throw attacks<\/a>) into darker, repulsive territory. Many have also questioned if this spells doom for the competitive scene altogether, which while overlooking its popularity as the biggest fighting game in the world, does spotlight the huge, justified concerns many young players might have about joining the scene moving forward.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Nobody should tolerate the accused criminal actions, but at the same time, it’s important to remember these individual actions don’t represent the values of an entire community who love watching a video game. This isn’t an issue tied to any one subculture but, as the MeToo movement has highlighted over recent years, is part of a larger problem about the abuse of power from influential figures the world over.<\/p>\n Why this has proliferated particularly amongst Smash pro players is unclear (although the FGC generally is far less policed and established than other esports), but it’s dangerous to dogpile this issue around one community. Many of the serious, criminal allegations have now bizarrely blurred with top players admitting they’ve cheated in a past relationship<\/a>, or confessions of very personal medical issues<\/a>, which have been dragged into the public space from false allegations and threatening rumours.<\/p>\n The reckless freedom of social media allows this to happen, but it’s important we remember questionable behaviour is very different from criminal actions. While it’s integral we listen to those coming forward, they too have a responsibility over what should be confronted in a public space, to the police, and what should be a private matter.<\/p>\n\n
\nWhere does the Smash scene go from here? (Picture: Nintendo)<\/span><\/p>\n