Are we esports yet?

My thoughts on the whole “grassroots vs esports” debate, monetization of the Smash scene, smash.gg / Beyond the Summit and so forth. Unscripted, and my first time making a video like this, so forgive the length/unpolished nature.

tl;dr, a couple key points:

– Smash’s greatest strength is the sheer volume of people we have who deeply care about playing the game and growing its scene, regardless of money.
– In order to continue to grow as a community, we have to find ways to empower people like Mango, Armada, GIMR, etc. to be able to make a living doing Smash stuff full-time.
– Smash is still very much grassroots in the grand scheme of video game communities. We’re beginning to scratch the surface of “eSports”, if anything.
– smash.gg (as a specific example) hasn’t pocketed a cent from their donation drives. But there will probably come a time when people building infrastructure and products for Smash need to be able to monetize. TOs and streamers are at this point; casters and infrastructure providers aren’t.
– It is imperative that, going forward, we as a community scrutinize organizations and entities looking to invest in Smash to make sure they’re doing things in our best interest & with a level of commitment, as opposed to trying to milk us for money and then getting out.

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