Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 feels as if it’s fallen off a bit since Evo 2014. Was there any discussion about cutting it to make room or was it always considered a lock?
Mr. Wizard: It was always considered a lock. Last year Marvel has the highest viewership at Evo, and it was super exciting top eight.
What is it about [Xrd and Persona 4] that caused you to break the tradition [or more than one anime game]?
Mr. Wizard: ... BlazBlue had a version update that not to many players were fond of, and *we rarely put a title in Evo based on the previous year’s top eight.*
Killer Instinct is an interesting title in that it’s seeing frequent updating in the form of new characters, balance patches, etc. Would it have returned to Evo if that wasn’t the case?
Mr. Wizard: No, it would not be in Evo if the game wasn’t updated with fresh content. Keeping players coming back for updates and new characters is what every game needs, and it definitely contributed to Killer Instinct coming back a second year.
Super Smash Bros. Melee continues to enjoy an incredible resurgence, thanks in part to its inclusion at Evo 2014. Do you think it has the ability to pull off a feat like Marvel vs. Capcom 2’s nine straight appearances before throwing in the towel?
Mr. Wizard: It very well could. You have to remember this game is 15 years old, and it’s getting record numbers.
At this point in time, Tekken 7’s launch in March is confined to Japan. Do you expect other regions to have good showings if this remains the same or can we look forward to an all-Japan top eight?
Mr. Wizard: A lot of these are the stronger players, and will have no problem picking up Tekken 7 fast, and I think the United States will have several players that place high at Evo.
Evo 2015 is shaping up to be one of the most inclusive installments the tournament series has ever seen in terms of community representation. Any advice for folks out there who feel they’ve been left out in the cold that would help their game’s chances of making Evo 2016?
Mr. Wizard: The easiest way is to show up to tournaments year round. Just because you have a big side tournament at Evo, don’t expect a free pass into Evo next year. Players need to be excited and playing the game year round for consideration into Evo. Keeping up with your local scene and supporting it there will go a long way into showing support for your favorite game.