Squirtle Squad get nixed, a controller gets thrown, and a statue gets busted. Here’s everything in Esports.gg’s articles of the week.
The month of January is coming to a close but that doesn't mean the news is over. The start of 2023 was rife with news, notes, and projectile video game controllers, with this past week being especially lively. Copyright infringement, an end to Blizzard games in China, or a hack attack against one of the biggest developers in the world--the Esports.gg articles of the week for Jan. 21 through 26 has it all.
Let's take a look at the week that was and highlight all the news you can use!
Nintendo puts Squirtle Squad back in its Poké Ball
We suppose is was inevitable that the IP hammer would come down on an esports team name as blatant as "Squirtle Squad." It appears the House of Mario is once again a no fun zone, as the VALORANT team recently making waves in the VCL was forced to change its name. Considering Nintendo's litigious history when it comes to IP protection, we suppose this isn't a shock. However, it is 'Super Effective' at being news.
RIP Squirtle Squad.
Smash Bros. pro throws controller, yo
The fighting game community has a history of theatrics and aggression. But throwing your controller after losing may be up there in the salt mines hall of fame. Pro Smash player Michael "Riddles" Kim is under fire for a heated gamer moment during a tournament, caught on camera for all the web to see.
Was this a one-time outburst? What do his peers think? Be sure to check out the full report to get the deets and see the video.
Blizzard and China go through a conscious uncoupling
Players of Blizzard games in Mainland China have been left out in the cold. Announced late last year, the relationship between Chinese publisher Netease and Blizzard officially came to a close. With it came the shutdown of World of Warcraft, Overwatch 2, Hearthstone, and more. And if you're wondering if the split was amicable, maybe consider that Netease live-streamed the destruction of Warcraft orc statue at its Hangzhou headquarters.
Clearly, the two did not stay together for the kids.
New series: Dragonflight Endgame
Looking to get into World of Warcraft endgame content but don't know where to start? Our new series covering the basics of raiding, Mythic+ dungeons, and more is in full swing. If you've ever wanted to play like one of the hardcore kids but don't know where to start then this guide will get you up to speed!
Keep an eye for the final part of the series before the end of the month.
The full Esports.gg articles of the week
Below you'll find the most interesting and surprising Esports.gg articles this week. Be sure to give them all a read and keep up on every game and square inch of the esports world.
Sentinels are set to re-enter Apex Legends according to Esports.gg sources. They will be picking up the current SSG roster ahead of the ALGS Split 1 Playoff LAN.
Players in higher ranks have been calling on the developers to address Distributed Denial of Service (DDOS) attacks by cheaters and have gotten their wish... Kinda.
SypherPK shares with the world his first reveal of Oni Studios, his $10 million streaming studio.
The biggest esports and gaming festival worldwide, Gamers8: The Land of Heroes, is returning in 2023 with double the prize pool.
Riot Games informed fans about the cyber attack and that the group who conducted the attack has requested a ransom… it’s been a rough start to the year for Riot.
Would you pay for a Hearthstone subscription? Do you want in-game cosmetics that reference k-pop and anime? A new survey is asking players for their thoughts.
One of Melee’s top players, Mango, has decided to take a break from the game after struggling to care about Genesis 9.
The Valve FPS CS:GO grew its audience by more than 8% last year and became the second most watched esports of the year, staying behind only League of Legends.
And as always, stay tuned to Esports.gg for all your news, notes, guides, and more.