Evo lives, as Sony and RTS announced the two companies now own the event. Co-founders Tony and Tom Cannon also issued a statement about the acquisition on Twitter, which confirmed a commitment to take a stand against abuse and harassment. Sony also announced Evo Online will be held August 6-8, 2021 and August 13-15, 2021.
Here’s Tony and Tom Cannon’s statement regarding the Sony and RTS Evo acquisition.
Evo would not be possible without the collective passion and collaboration of the fighting game community, and we’re deeply grateful for your dedication over the past 25 years. We know last year was challenging due to the pandemic, and the circumstances surrounding the cancellation of Evo Online involving a former team member who has been completely separated from our company.
We want to reaffirm that harassment or abuse of any kind has no place within Evo or any of our future events, and we’re taking every precaution to make sure members of our community will always be treated with the respect, dignity and decency you deserve.
In order to deliver on the trust you have all put in Evo, we realize that we need an experienced strategic partner who truly respects the spirit of the FGC. This is why we’re excited to announce that Evo has become part of the joint partnership of Sony Interactive Entertainment and RTS. The new partnership is committed to bringing amazing tournaments and competitive gaming experiences back to you this year and beyond.
We’re thrilled to work with the teams at PlayStation and RTS to bring you Evo 2021 Online this August. More information on the event will follow.
Back in 2020, Evo was canceled as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Evo Online was supposed to be held instead. However, after abuse and harassment allegations against Joey “Mr. Wizard” Cuellar, companies pulled their titles from the event and the entire Evo Online event was canceled as well.
As for Evo Online 2021, it will be a free event. Guilty Gear Strive, Street Fighter V: Champion Edition, and Tekken 7 will be available for all competitors worldwide. There will also be Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate competitions, but only people in North America, Europe, and Latin America will be able to compete.
Evo Online will be held August 6-8, 2021 and August 13-15, 2021.
Image Source: Robert Paul for Evo.
