Following the cancelation of Smash World Tour and an official statement by Nintendo, Panda Global addressed its relationship with Dr. Alan and removed him as the company CEO. As a result, a committee has been established to act as the new CEO for the time being. Smash World Tour's cancelation and the removal of Alan as Panda Global CEO could have lasting effects on the company going forward with the Super Smash Bros. franchise and Esports.Previously, Nintendo informed Smash World Tour that its 2022 World Championships event must be canceled alongside all operations for SWT tournaments in 2023. According to SWT, Nintendo's decision to shut down SWT came without warning the night before Thanksgiving, and the company cited Panda Global's Alan as a contributing factor toward the cancelation. Alan allegedly sabotaged many Super Smash Bros. tournaments and organizations including SWT, and the gaming community responded with widespread criticism toward the Panda Global CEO. Nintendo's recent statement claims the company's decision was not influenced by Panda Global or Alan, but Panda Global's silence on the matter fueled more criticism and speculation in the Smash community. This week, Panda Global finally released a statement addressing the future of the company and Alan.Panda Global issued a new statement, confirming the removal of Alan as CEO effective immediately. In the interim, Panda Global employees have formed the Interim Management Committee (IMC) to fulfill the duties of the CEO position temporarily. The identity of IMC members will be kept private due to concerns over harassment and safety according to Panda Global. The company will focus on working with Esports team members that desire to resign and support those feeling displaced by the recent events. Additionally, the company's premier Esports tournament for Super Smash Bros. has been postponed for the time being.
Panda Global's statement confirms the Panda Cup Finale, which was originally dated for December 16 to 18, is postponed due to security concerns involving staff and contractors. Panda Cup Finale refunds will be issued in the coming weeks to all who registered. Once more, the company commits to an internal restructuring and dedication toward the Super Smash Bros. community around the world.
The SWT cancelation, Nintendo's stance, and Alan's removal as Panda Global CEO have negative ramifications involving the future of Super Smash Bros. competitive play and tournaments. The divide between Nintendo and its gaming community appears to have grown even wider as the company values protection of its intellectual properties to the highest degree.
Super Smash Bros. tournament organizers, competitive players, and viewers alike are affected by the cancelation of SWT and the current perception around Panda Global. If the Super Smash Bros. community hopes to thrive once more, Nintendo must embrace competitive play. The endeavor appears to be a tall task for Nintendo at the current juncture, but Ludwig's Super Smash Bros. tournament may spread positivity regarding the community and competitive play.