Tag Genres

Fighting Game Community

The FGC

The Fighting Game Community developed from arcade competition into a global grassroots movement with its own culture, terminology, and major tournament circuit.

arcadePlayStationxboxpc communitycompetitiveesports 1991–present

Overview

Born in arcades, sustained by passion. The FGC emerged from quarters on cabinets and local competition, developing distinct culture separate from broader esports. Players gathered at arcades, then tournaments, building community through shared competition. The grassroots ethos persisted even as events grew—EVO filled arenas while maintaining the energy of arcade grudge matches.

Fast facts

  • Origins: Arcade competition (1990s).
  • Culture: Grassroots, player-driven.
  • Peak event: EVO Championship Series.
  • Terminology: Distinct vocabulary.

Cultural characteristics

TraitExpression
GrassrootsPlayer-organised events
HypeCrowd reactions
RespectSkill acknowledgment
Trash talkMind games accepted

Tournament structure

LevelScale
LocalsWeekly gatherings
RegionalsArea championships
MajorsNational events
SupermajorsEVO, CEO, Combo Breaker

Community terminology

TermMeaning
MixupAmbiguous offense
Frame dataMove properties
FootsiesNeutral game spacing
SaltyFrustrated from losing
Pop offVictory celebration

Key games

TitleScene status
Street FighterFoundation
TekkenGlobal reach
Guilty GearTechnical depth
Mortal KombatMainstream crossover

Evolution

EraChange
ArcadeLocal scenes
OnlineNetplay expansion
StreamingGlobal viewership
Esports integrationCorporate interest

See also