Tekken 7 publisher Bandai Namco esports has announced it will no longer with with WePlay. Mortal Kombat publisher NetherRealm also had a similar announcement. Why is the FGC suddenly turning on WePlay?
NetherRealm Studios and Bandai Namco Esports have issued statements that they will no longer work with WePlay! going forward. The developers have not stated the reason for this decision.
WePlay is a relatively new name in the Fighting Games Circuit. The tournament organizer hosted the WUFL that featured games such as Mortal Kombat 11, Soul Calibur VI and Tekken 7.
WePlay cannot use NetherRealm games in its events
NetherRealm Studios is an American video game developer, owned by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. The studio is popular for developing the Mortal Kombat and Injustice series of fighting games.
NetherRealm Studios is constantly striving to foster the best esports tournaments for our dedicated fans and community.
Due to differences in vision, we will no longer allow our games to be utilized in WePlay operated esports events.
In a statement on Friday, NetherRealm Studios announced it will no longer allow WePlay to host tournaments with their games.
Bandai Namco Esports won’t work with WePlay
Bandai NAMCO esports is constantly striving to deliver the best esports tournaments and events to please our players and fans.
Due to differences in vision and professional standards, we will no longer be working with WePlay as an esports tournament organizing partner.
At the same time, Bandai Namco esports also released a statement saying it will not work with WePlay going forward.
Why are publishers refusing to work with WePlay?
Both the announcements blame certain differences as the reason for the decisions. However, neither publisher has gone public with the real reason for refusing to work with WePlay.
The esports tournament organizer has come under heavy criticism recently due to its partnership with 1xBet. There have been numerous accusations against 1xbet, including the running of illegal casinos, promoting 'pornhub casinos', betting on children's sports and more.
WePlay organized the WUFL Season 1, but the organizer has faced massive criticism from the FGC community. 1xBet was suspended in the UK after a Sunday Times investigation exposed the site for taking bets on children's sports.
Edit: WePlay has released a statement in response to the actions.
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