Introducing the Team Capturing the Heart of the Local Fighting Game Scene: Bars, Pizzerias, and Hidden Gems

For countless years, video games have served as a social cornerstone for many enthusiasts. Long before gaming became a household staple through consoles and flashy gaming PCs, the buzz of the arcade brought people together. While places like LAN centers, gaming cafes, and tournaments still exist, they’ve faded significantly from their former glory. Gone are the days when you’d meet a friend like Greg at an arcade for a game of Counter Strike Source or Street Fighter 2; now, Greg is behind a Clannad profile pic on Discord. Clearly, the times have shifted.

However, not everyone has turned solely to online interactions. A unique community still craves that face-to-face gaming experience, relishing the camaraderie of battling it out with like-minded individuals nearby. As the number of these physical gaming havens dwindles, a passionate team has taken it upon themselves to document these spaces. Their innovative project? A video series called “Locals Unknown,” which starts its journey in the basement of a college town pizza joint.

I absolutely love where they’re going with this concept, so I caught up with two of the project’s key figures. Meet Victeemo, a seasoned professional in the fighting game circuit, and Siam, who manages the esports team Kanme Esports. Joined by Tekken aficionado and King loyalist Sol Naciente, they set out to capture and share localized gaming scenes through their travels. With its blend of classic YouTube vlogging and traditional travel documentary vibes, it’s a nostalgic dive back to the early days of internet content.

This journey began when Victeemo joined Kanme as a representative. Both he and Siam were keen on creating something that went beyond mere event appearances for the brand’s sake. They wanted creativity.

Siam reflects, “When brainstorming with Victeemo, we realized just how important our roots in the local fighting game scene were. These places are essential! They introduce newcomers to the games, and you find them just about anywhere.”

Victeemo adds, “Towards the end of Tekken World Tour’s first season, I was scouting for sponsors and stumbled upon Kanme. Out of a mutual discovery was born ‘Locals Unknown.’ We thought, ‘Why not have me visit these locals and share their stories?’ It was not only an appealing idea, but something I truly wanted to explore.”

Although primarily a competitor since the dawn of Tekken 7, Victeemo is driven by community. It’s exhilarating to pursue this project and see its growing impact.

One of my favorite aspects of the series is the buildup to events, showcasing every step—from preparations to the drive there. It’s raw and authentic, capturing the essence of the moment.

Despite never wielding a camera before this, Victeemo has taken to visiting local events, filming vibrant scenes supported by Siam and Sol_Naciente, who handle the editing back home. There’s no big-budget backing here, just sheer passion for the community.

Common ground and a shared history of venue closures connect them deeply. As competitors in the fighting game realm, they faced the closing of cherished locals like the renowned Xanadu Games in Maryland. It marked an era’s end in December 2024 with both Siam and Victeemo bidding goodbye.

Victeemo recalls, “Xanadu was our local haven, nestled in a modest space right outside Baltimore. Monthly locals were packed tight with 50 players, barely room to breathe—it really fueled my competitive spirit and community love.”

Siam adds, “Lots of these places are shutting down. Just recently, one of our old spots, Xanadu, closed its doors. Witnessing that motivated us to spotlight venues that remain.”

While Xanadu’s closure ignited this series, it’s part of a broader trend. Over the years, scenes for games like Street Fighter and Tekken have waned, replaced by sparse annual events or vanished entirely. For Siam and Victeemo, it’s indeed a challenging period for local fighting games.

Siam notes the downturn: “The online convenience, especially post-2020, has contributed. Pre-2020, we still had accessible venues, but now they’re dwindling. Locals are declining.”

Victeemo stresses the importance of recognition: “Many locals are shutting down, which is why highlighting those trying to foster community and friendships is crucial compared to the current online landscape.”

And so, one might wonder, why this effort? What’s so compelling about these spaces to merit a video series? For Siam and Victeemo, it’s about honoring their roots, paying homage to the locales that shaped them.

Victeemo shares, “I’ve been with my partner for almost seven years, and we met in the community at Xanadu. The friendships formed in this community are invaluable—truly irreplaceable.”

Siam concludes, “It’s about giving back, sharing the origin story of every player. As players rise to prominence, it’s crucial to remember and honor where they started—at their local scenes.”

“Beyond the venue and games, it’s about the people who build the community.”

Catch the first episode of “Locals Unknown” on the Kanme channel. With more episodes in the pipeline, if you’re moved by their mission, show them some support. It’s vital to preserve and celebrate these treasured gaming cultures, especially as their futures hang in the balance.