Nintendo Cracks Down on Super Smash Bros. Melee Tournament
Nintendo has issued a “baby cease and desist” letter to Ludwig regarding his Super Smash Bros. Melee tournament, the Ludwig Ahgren Championship Series 5. The company took issue with Ludwig’s intention to use a mod that would remove the transformation of Pokémon Stadium, making the stage more fair for all players.
Unfair Stage Transformations in Pokémon Stadium
Ludwig wanted to eliminate the stage hazards in Pokémon Stadium, as certain transformations can benefit some characters more than others. This imbalance can shift the momentum of a match, favoring the losing player if their character benefits from the stage transformation. However, Nintendo opposed this idea and made it clear that they would not allow the mod to be used.
Stage Transformation Determines Tournament Winner
Ironically, it was a Pokémon Stadium transformation that ultimately decided the winner of LACS 5. In a Game 5 set between Leffen and Cody Schwab, Cody was in a commanding lead and only needed a few more hits to secure victory. However, when the stage transformed, Leffen seized the opportunity to use a wall in the middle of the stage to combo Cody and claim the tournament win.
Unfair Treatment of Melee Players
While Leffen skillfully utilized the stage to his advantage, it is worth noting that Smash Ultimate offers the option to remove hazards. This discrepancy creates an unfair playing field for Melee players who are unable to make similar adjustments.
Nintendo’s Guidelines for Smash Tournaments
Ludwig highlighted this incident in light of Nintendo’s recent release of guidelines for Smash tournaments in various regions. These guidelines explicitly prohibit modifying the game, which explains why Ludwig received the cease and desist letter during LACS 5.
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Source: DOTESPORTS
