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Nintendo on Arms: We won't do esports like others do

We talked with producer Kosuke Yabuki about esports.

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During our recent talk with Arms producer Kosuke Yabuki, the full version of which you can read here, we got the chance to ask him not only about the game in general, but also about esports, and where it's future lies in that capacity. Here's what he said.

Do you think that motion controls can make a difference and stand out in the esports scene?

Yes, indeed. Motion controls in esports is actually unique to Arms, and that's what makes all the difference and its flavour. For players who would have too much trouble using motion controls, they can still use a classic controller. But I would really like to see more tournaments where people use their bodies rather than their controller.

Are there any guarantees from Nintendo to support esports in relation to Arms?

Nintendo has always done things differently from others. And so we do not want to do esports like the others do, with big tournaments. We do not intend to do them with big cash prizes that would go only to professional players. On the other hand, online or offline tournaments that many people from all walks of life can participate in, that's more like what we want to do.

We take it that you don't agree with the current esports system in place then?

It's not that you like it or don't like it, but it's not what we want to organise. For example, the ESL has already integrated Splatoon tournaments, so why not make them on Arms too. But in any case, Nintendo won't organise tournaments for pro-players only.

Do you enjoy esports on a personal level?

Personally, the tournaments I saw, such as the EVO or those offered by the ESL really interested me. I find it really great to see all these players coming together and I love seeing this kind of event. But I do not think it's the role of Nintendo to organise a tournament with only professionals to give them a big prize at the end.

Do you think Arms has a future as an esport?

Arms