Anime streaming service Crunchyroll has revealed a collaboration with fighting game event Evolution Championship Series (EVO) for its upcoming edition.
Taking place August 4th to 6th in Las Vegas, Nevada, EVO 2023 showcases a range of esports competitions across various fighting titles, each boasting a minimum prize pool of $25,000 (⁓£19,100).
Crunchyroll and EVO 2023 are collaborating this year to curate customised experiences for attendees. This includes incorporating DJ performances, games, special guest appearances and more.
In addition, Crunchyroll will showcase its recently launched mobile RPG game Street Fighter: Duel. Crunchyroll will also introduce an all-new interactive digital photo booth and organise giveaways, providing attendees with the chance to win free rewards.
Earlier this year, EVO 2023 revealed its final lineup of games, which includes popular titles such as Street Fighter 6, Tekken 7, Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3, and Mortal Kombat 11, among others.
The tournament has a wide array of sponsors supporting it, including the likes of Sony and its gaming gear brand INZONE, American restaurant chain Chipotle, as well as PlayStation Tournaments.
Anime-inspired esports collaborations have surged in popularity recently. 100 Thieves collaborated on a limited Attack on Titan merchandise drop, while Naruto has partnered with Team Liquid, FaZe Clan, and HyperX in the past.
Crunchyroll has also ventured into esports-related collaborations before, teaming up with TSM in 2022 to launch My Hero Academia merchandise.
Rick Thiher, General Manager of EVO, commented: “Crunchyroll fans will join Evo’s core audience in being thrilled by Evo’s largest event ever as we continue to evolve our gaming convention with expanded activities like the 10,000 square foot retro arcade, Industry, and Community Showcases, artist alley, and new vendors and exhibitors alongside our internationally renowned, and once again record-breaking, tournaments.”
