For years, video games have been more than just a solo activity; they’ve been a way to connect with others. This all goes back to the time of arcades, long before personal consoles and PCs full of flashy LED lights drew gamers into the comfort of their living rooms. Though today’s social gaming venues, like LAN parties, gaming cafes, and tournaments, are still around, they don’t hold the same place in our hearts. Remember the days when you’d meet Greg in person playing Counter-Strike or Street Fighter? Now, Greg is just an icon on Discord with a Clannad profile picture. How times have shifted.
Yet, some folks still crave real-life interaction in their gaming experiences. These people believe that gaming is at its best when shared with others who share the same passion, whether they’re just a short walk or drive away. Although it’s becoming rare to find these digital hangouts, a dedicated group is on a mission to capture the essence of grassroots fighting game tournaments with a new video series called Locals Unknown. Their journey begins in an unexpected spot: the basement of a pizza joint in a college town.
Intrigued by this ambitious project, I caught up with two of the folks behind it. Victeemo, a seasoned fighting game competitor, and Siam, owner of Kanme Esports, are teaming up with Tekken player Sol Naciente to document local gaming scenes during their travels. It’s a blend of classic YouTube, mixing the grassroots feel of old-school vlogging with the adventurous spirit of travel documentaries.
The idea sparked during the early days of Victeemo’s representation under Kanme. Both he and Siam felt that creating engaging content could be a refreshing change from simply showing up at events in team gear.
Siam shared, “When discussing with Victeemo, we realized our deep-rooted connection to the local fighting game community. These scenes hold significant value as they ignite interest in the hobby. Plus, they appear in all sorts of unique locales.”
Victeemo added, “After Tekken World Tour season 1, I was on the hunt for sponsors and came across Kanme. Together, we came up with the concept of Locals Unknown… Siam suggested, ‘what if we send you out to locals to document them?’ It immediately felt like a brilliant idea, something I wanted to delve into.”
“While my primary role is as a competitor since Tekken 7, I have a strong passion for nurturing the community,” he continued. “I’m thrilled by the project and delighted by the attention it’s garnering.”
One of my favorite aspects of the series is its lead-up to each event, capturing everything from setting up to traveling to the local scene. It has that charming DIY vibe, supported by Siam and Sol Naciente’s editing skills. They’re driven purely by their love for the community, without any backing from big corporations.
The duo has shared both triumphs and challenges familiar to many in the gaming world. Their beloved locals have faced closures, exemplified in the closure of Maryland’s well-known Xanadu Games. Both Siam and Victeemo were present for its last hurrah in December 2024.
Recalling their past, Victeemo said, “We had this spot called Xanadu in a snug business center outside Baltimore. When the game launched, the place was packed with fans. That experience fueled my competitive drive while deepening my love for the community aspect.”
Siam commented, “Many venues are shutting their doors, like our old haunt Xanadu. We attended its farewell event, and it deeply resonated with us. This makes us want to spotlight the venues that are still standing.”
In recent times, venues for games like Street Fighter and Tekken have dwindled, replaced by larger, less frequent events or disappearing altogether. Siam and Victeemo believe it’s a tough period for local fighting game communities.
Siam expressed, “Post-2020, online gaming became the norm. Before then, there were accessible local spots. But post-2020, as attendance declined, many shut down, leading to a downward spiral.”
Victeemo chimed in, “With many locals closing, it’s crucial to highlight those maintaining communal ties and providing spaces for forming new friendships, especially compared to today’s online scene.”
So, what’s the driving force behind this project? For the duo, it’s about honoring the local scenes that fostered their growth and shining a light on the powerful impact these environments have had.
Victeemo reflected, “My partner and I met through Xanadu’s fighting game community. That place gave me friendships for life—something irreplaceable.”
Siam added, “In a way, it’s about giving back. It’s crucial for players to share their beginnings, emphasizing a relatable journey that stems from these local scenes.”
“I’m aiming to unveil the human side of gaming communities, beyond just the games and locations. It’s the people who bring the community together.”
You can catch the first episode of Locals Unknown on the Kanme channel, and the next one is already in the works. If you appreciate their efforts, support them. It’s essential to celebrate elements of video game culture, especially those that might fade away.
