Introducing the Team Capturing the Heart of America’s Fighting Game Scene: Bars, Pizza Parlors, and Hidden Gems

Video games have long been a wellspring of social interaction. Their roots dig back into the vibrant era of arcades, when players gathered around machines to enjoy games before retreating into the seclusion of living rooms and dimly lit gaming setups at home. While places like LAN centers, gaming cafes, and tournaments still exist, they lack the bustling energy they once held in the communal heart of gaming. Remember when you used to see Greg in the flesh, battling it out in Counter-Strike Source or Street Fighter 2 on a Friday night? Nowadays, he’s just an avatar, a Clannad profile picture you spot on Discord. The scene has evolved.

Yet, despite the shift, there are gamers who crave that genuine, face-to-face interaction. A dedicated subset for whom gaming is best enjoyed in the company of others physically nearby. These local havens might be disappearing, but there’s a dedicated effort to preserve their essence through a new video series, “Locals Unknown.” Their inaugural episode takes viewers to the basement of a pizza joint in a college town.

I’m all for this initiative, so I had a chat with two of the creative minds behind it. Meet Victeemo, a competitive fighting game player, and Siam, who heads Kanme Esports. With extra help from Sol Naciente, a Tekken competitor known for his King mains, this dynamic group is chronicling local gaming scenes across their travels. It’s got that charming DIY feel of early YouTube content, merging the rawness of old-school internet vlogging with the sophistication of travel documentaries.

This endeavor kicked off as soon as Victeemo joined Kanme as a sponsored player. Both he and Siam saw value in creating something distinct from simply attending events while representing the brand.

Siam shared, “Victeemo and I are both passionate about our origins in the fighting game realm—our local scenes. These places play a crucial role! They’re breeding grounds for gaming interest, and their settings are incredibly diverse.”

Victeemo added, “Once Tekken World Tour’s first season ended, I started seeking sponsors. That’s when Kanme came into the picture. It’s amusing because we stumbled upon the concept of Locals Unknown together. We were brainstorming when Siam suggested, ‘What if we send you to document local scenes?’ It was a brilliant idea that truly resonated with me.”

“Though my primary focus has always been competition since Tekken 7, community ranks as a close second. I’m thrilled to spotlight these local gems and to see how well it’s resonating with others.”

With zero prior videography skills, Victeemo now ventures out, capturing the essence of local gaming scenes. Siam and Sol_Naciente pitch in by handling the post-production. It’s all driven by passion rather than corporate dollars.

The pair shares a common lament familiar to many in the fighting game world: the closure of cherished local venues. Xanadu Games, once a Maryland mecca for fighting gamers, hosted its final event in December 2024. Both Siam and Victeemo were present to bid it farewell.

Recalling those days, Victeemo mentioned, “We had a local spot called Xanadu, tucked inside a small building near Baltimore. We packed it with 50 players during monthly locals, where the air was thick with energy (and heat). Those events fueled my competitive drive and deepened my love for the vibrant community.”

Siam chimed in, “So many venues have folded recently. It’s heartbreaking to see Xanadu go under. Victeemo and I attended its final event, which sparked the idea of highlighting surviving venues in our series.”

These closures serve as the catalyst for their series, but places like Xanadu aren’t the lone casualties. Numerous local scenes for games like Street Fighter and Tekken have faded, yielding to sprawling annual events—or sadly, nothing at all. For Siam and Victeemo, fighting game locals face a precarious state.

Siam remarked, “It’s tough on local scenes. Online conveniences surged post-2020, leaving fewer physical spots. Pre-2020, you could find places easily. Now, with dwindled numbers, it’s on the decline.”

Victeemo added, “With many locals shutting their doors, shedding light on those ne trying to foster community, friendship, and the in-person experience is crucial compared to today’s digital scene.”

Why undertake all this? What makes these locations worth a video series and this article spotlight? For the duo, it’s about honoring the places where they began and casting a spotlight on spaces that deeply impacted their lives.

Victeemo beamed, “I owe my seven-year-long relationship to this community; we met at Xanadu. My lifelong friendships here are irreplaceable.”

Siam reflected, “This is our way of giving back. Players should recount their beginnings, providing a grounded narrative. As stars rise, we idolize them, but it’s key to remind folks, ‘I started just like you, at a local scene.'”

“I’m eager to share more about the human side, the people build communities far beyond any venue or game.”

Catch the first episode of Locals Unknown on the Kanme channel. They’re already working on the next installment. If their project inspires you, show them some love. It’s vital to celebrate facets of gaming culture, especially those with uncertain futures.