How did obscure fighting game Under Night In-Birth make the Evo 2019 cut?

This reputation helped make Under Night In-Birth the biggest side tournament at Evo 2018 (plentiful space is provided in the venue for community organizers to hold their own competitions) with 210 entrants, but even dedicated fans thought an official spot was still a pipe dream.“Even with the swelling of passion and support the game had gained in the past year, it still felt way too small and niche to be considered,” Under Night In-Birth player and Michigan Masters tournament organizer Jay “Mr. u Suk” Gary told Polygon when asked if he thought the game had a chance to make Evo before the announcement. Also, French Bread is a much smaller company than Capcom or [NetherRealm Studios], so the idea of [them] being able to sink big esports money into getting Under Night In-Birth at Evo is outlandish.”Under Night In-Birth’s growing popularity in the fighting game community peaked with November 2018’s Climax of Night, a first-of-its-kind American tournament built around French Bread properties. Climax of Night’s head organizer, veteran fighting game player Ben “Shinobi!” Robinson, said the event was “long overdue” in a previous interview, and remains proud of the spotlight it placed on Under Night In-Birth outside the realm of Evo’s influence.“It shows that there are fighting game communities out there able to stand and mobilize for years without being under the prestige of Evo,” Robinson explained in an email. It’s their passion, drive, and love for the game that showed out through Climax’s platform.”It’s true that games are often capable of growing, as Under Night In-Birth has, without direct support from Evo, but there’s no doubt that getting an official nod from the world’s largest fighting game tournament has its benefits.