#### EVO 2023: The Biggest Moments and Game Announcements
The biggest fighting tournament in the world, EVO 2023, made a triumphant return this year, showcasing not only thrilling matches but also some exciting game announcements. With new characters, crossovers, and even the revival of a beloved franchise, EVO 2023 had something for everyone.
Street Fighter 6 made waves with its upcoming Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles crossover. Fans can expect TMNT gear, emotes, titles, stamps, and costumes in Street Fighter 6, allowing players to transform into their favorite turtle. This collaboration is set to launch on August 8, and fans are eagerly counting down the days.
Adding to the excitement, a new DLC character for Street Fighter 6 was teased at EVO 2023. A.K.I., a “maniacal poison aficionado,” got a teaser trailer, showcasing her creepy and ruthless fighting style. Street Fighter fans can expect A.K.I. to join the roster in Autumn 2023.
Mortal Kombat 1 also had its moment at EVO 2023, introducing three new fighters to its roster: Reptile, Ashrah, and Havik. Additionally, Sareena will be joining MK1 as a Kameo fighter. Fans got a sneak peek at the characters’ abilities and combat moves in a thrilling reveal trailer. Mortal Kombat 1 is set to release on September 19, 2023.
Tekken 8 enthusiasts were delighted to hear that Raven, a fan-favorite character from Tekken 5, would return in the upcoming iteration. Accompanying Raven is Azucena, known as the Peruvian Coffee Queen, who flaunts her coffee-loving personality while effortlessly countering and attacking opponents. Although a release date for Tekken 8 is yet to be announced, players can anticipate another thrilling installment in the beloved fighting series.
SNK made a significant announcement at EVO 2023 with the revelation of Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves. This game marks the first new Fatal Fury title since 1999, exciting long-time fans of the series. Although details and a release date are scarce, a teaser trailer showcased a fierce face-off between Terry Bogard and Rock Howard. Fans are eager to uncover which other characters will join the cast.
In addition to the game announcements, Guilty Gear Strive’s third season details were unveiled. Johnny, the Jellyfish Pirates captain, was confirmed as the next DLC fighter, scheduled to join the game on August 24th. Moreover, Guilty Gear Strive achieved a remarkable milestone, surpassing 2.5 million players worldwide, solidifying its popularity within the fighting game community.
Riot Games unveiled Project L’s fourth character, Yasuo, known for his mastery of the sword and wind manipulation. With versatile stances and significant normal attacks, Yasuo promises to be a formidable addition to the game. Project L, a fighting game based on League of Legends, continues to build excitement among fans.
Finally, Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 had its own surprise, revealing Plankton from SpongeBob SquarePants as a playable character. Presented in a mech suit with ketchup-based attacks and accompanied by his computer wife Karen, Plankton offers a unique addition to the already diverse roster. Fans of Nickelodeon’s beloved characters can’t wait to try out this new installment.
EVO 2023 delivered an incredible showcase of fighting games, featuring thrilling moments and exciting game announcements. Whether it was the TMNT crossover in Street Fighter 6, the addition of new characters to Mortal Kombat 1 and Tekken 8, the return of Fatal Fury, or the impressive milestones achieved by Guilty Gear Strive, there was something for every fighting game enthusiast. Stay tuned for further updates and get ready to jump into the intense battles these games have to offer!
What was your favorite reveal? Share your thoughts and favorite moments from EVO 2023 in the comments below!
*This article was written by Adam Bankhurst for IGN. For any tips or story suggestions, please email [email protected]. Follow Adam Bankhurst on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on Twitch.*