A Week of Unease: Scrutinizing the Saudi Takeover of Evo and the Haunting Beauty of Ghost of Yotei

The gaming world often offers a kaleidoscope of news, from major acquisitions to dazzling new reveals. The week of September 8, 2025, has been no exception, delivering a significant, and in some cases, controversial, mix of stories. On one hand, the biggest fighting game tournament in the world has changed hands in a move that has sparked widespread debate. On the other, the latest gameplay footage for a highly anticipated samurai epic has proven that beauty and a sense of wonder are still alive and well in the industry. These two stories, though disparate, highlight the contrasting forces at play in modern gaming: one driven by the cold calculus of global finance, and the other by pure artistic vision.

Evo Under New Management: The Controversy of a Saudi Takeover

The biggest story of the week, and one that has sent shockwaves through the fighting game community (FGC), is the news that Saudi Arabia’s state-backed Public Investment Fund (PIF) has acquired full ownership of RTS, a co-owner of the Evolution Championship Series (Evo). The acquisition, which came just weeks after Sony sold its stake in Evo to Indian esports company NODWIN Gaming, means that one of the most prestigious and community-driven events in gaming is now partially owned by a government with a highly criticized human rights record. The news has been met with a mix of resignation, anger, and a call to action from players and fans.

The FGC has a long and storied history as a grassroots community, built on the passion of players and the dedication of small-time tournament organizers. The Saudi government’s incursion into the space, which has already seen significant investments in publishers like Capcom and SNK, is widely viewed as a “sportswashing” effort—a way to use the popularity of gaming to improve the country’s public image. While the new ownership promises more funding for larger prize pools, many are skeptical, believing that the money comes with a price. High-profile members of the community, including professional players and content creators, have taken to social media to voice their concerns. A number of players have stated they will boycott Evo, and there has been a significant push to support smaller, community-run tournaments as a form of protest. This situation has created a profound dilemma for many within the FGC: do they accept the money and the opportunities it brings, or do they stand by their principles and risk being left behind? The debate is ongoing and is likely to continue in the lead-up to the next Evo event.

The Awe-Inspiring Beauty of Ghost of Yotei

While the world of esports grapples with ethical dilemmas, the world of single-player, narrative-driven gaming has received a dose of pure, unadulterated beauty. A new gameplay deep dive for the highly anticipated sequel, Ghost of Yotei, has been released, and the consensus is that the game’s locales are nothing short of spectacular. The footage, which showcases the game’s new open world based on the real-world Mount Yotei in Japan, is a testament to the power of artistic direction and environmental storytelling.

The game is a visual feast, with players traversing through landscapes inspired by the rugged beauty of Hokkaido, Japan. The new trailer highlighted a number of stunning environments: moss-drenched ruins, serene bamboo forests, and a meticulously crafted traditional village nestled in the mountains. The game’s world feels alive, with dynamic weather and a sense of scale that is even more impressive than its predecessor, Ghost of Tsushima. The developers have managed to capture the melancholic beauty of the original while expanding the world and adding new elements that make it feel fresh and new. For many, the visual fidelity and breathtaking art direction are enough to warrant a purchase, proving that even as the industry moves towards more connected experiences, there is still a powerful demand for a game that allows players to simply get lost in a beautiful world. As the controversies of the esports world rage on, the quiet, artistic beauty of Ghost of Yotei serves as a welcome escape, and a powerful reminder of the simple joy of discovery and exploration.