Yu-Gi-Oh can thrive, and unfortunately, it all hinges on yugitubers.
Unlike almost every major e-sport, Yu-Gi-Oh has few viewers of its YCS streams that are not players in some way, shape, or form: it is not a game for spectators. While this might be expected because of its complexity, there are many complex games that are loved by players and viewers alike, and chief among them is Super Smash Bros Melee. Melee benefits from a more streamlined tournament structure that aids in watchability, but where it really shines is in its culture.
In Melee, tournaments are treated as tournament arcs to the loyal fans of its cast of top players. Rivalries and ambition underscore the landscape of fierce competition, which adds tension and meaning to every individual match. This culture is by design. It has been built from the ground up on essays and documentaries delving into the game’s rich history.
Both games enjoyed immense popularity among zillennials, resulting in a whole generation of people familiar with their basic mechanics. This culture has pushed many a Melee player to return to their roots and pursue the game competitively. In this essay, I explore why I think the same can be done with Yu-Gi-Oh, since it has decades of stories to tell, and immense potential to rebound to its former prominence.
8 Comments
More algorithm-baiting gaping maw thumbnail reaction vids to ban lists will save ygo.
He has a point, to put more focus on the players during tournaments. After all, much of what made the anime entertaining was the interactions between the characters as well as their backstories.
I never watch livestreams, I watch replay so I can skip guess the card, intermission, and the boring player interviews. Literally Cuts an 11hr stream in half. Time wasting indeed.
Comparing Yu-gi-oh! to Melee is really weird and pointless – one is a text-heavy card game and other is a flashy action game – it’s very obvious which one will be more attractive for viewers that are not familiar with the game. Not sure what point of discussion can be made here – maybe that Konami should abandon card game format and move to arena fighters or MOBA?
Comparing Yugioh to other card games would make more sense but you shot down discussion about rule complexity in the first sentence despite this being an actual issue and something that Konami acknowledged by introduction of Rush Duels in Japan and (failed) introduction of Speed Duels in TCG. But it’s something that we already know is the largest flaw of Yugioh.
I’d play a Yugioh arena fighter, to be fair.
>acknowledged by introduction of Rush Duels in Japan and (failed) introduction of Speed Duels in TCG. But it’s something that we already know is the largest flaw of Yugioh
Confirmation bias in full swing
D.D I wouldn’t call something that ran for 5 years “failed”, but I’m giving your reading comprehension the benefit of the doubt
which playerbase smells the worst though?