This past weekend, EVO 2023 was held. EVO is an annual fighting game event for fans to watch the best players in the world compete head-to-head. The event is also filled to the brim with updates and announcements about the future of the fighting game franchise. Here is everything that was announced during EVO 2023.
Project L Adds Yasuo, the Unforgiven
The first major announcement over the weekend was the reveal that Yasuo will be added to Project L. Project L is an upcoming free-to-play fighting game set in the world of League of Legends. The game has an assist mechanic similar to Marvel vs. Capcom and features a unique 2v2 mode for those looking for a cooperative and competitive experience, unlike anything in the genre.
While a release date hasn’t yet been confirmed, expect to see more information about the game’s roster and imminent release over the next few months. Check out the official Yasuo trailer here.
UNDER NIGHT IN-BIRTH II [Sys:Celes] Revealed
![UNDER NIGHT IN-BIRTH II [Sys:Celes]](https://i0.wp.com/finalweapon.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/UNI2-screenshot-1.jpg?resize=696%2C392)
After months of speculation, Arc System Works announced the sequel to the beloved 2D fighter, Under Night In-Birth. Titled Under Night In-Birth II [Sys:Celes], the game features rollback netcode, new characters, and a wholly resigned art style. Further, new moves and battle systems have been added to reinvigorate the series’ gameplay.
Under Night In-Birth II [Sys:Celes] will release in Early 2024 on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Check out the official trailer here.
Killer Instinct 10th Anniversary Update Releasing This Fall
On Friday, Iron Galaxy announced that Killer Instinct will get its first update in over five years. The update will commemorate the game’s tenth anniversary. It will include improved matchmaking, 4k support for the Xbox Series X|S, and a balance update. Killer Instinct is one of the most beloved fighting games of the last twenty years. The new update will undoubtedly breathe new life into the ten-year-old game and serve as a great starting point for those who have been meaning to try the game.
Killer Instinct is available now on Xbox One and PC. You can also download the game if you have Game Pass. More information on the update is expected to release soon.
SNK Reveals City of the Wolves, KOFXV DLC, and More
SNK revealed several new pieces of information for their upcoming and now available games. First, they announced that Duo Lon from King of Fighters 2003 would come to King of Fighters XV in Autumn 2023 alongside a balance patch. They then revealed that the new version of King of Fighters XIII, titled Global Match, will release on Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 on November 16. Their last major announcement was that the new Fatal Fury game would be titled City of the Wolves and feature Terry Bogard and Rock Howard.
While a release date is unknown, expect more information about all the games mentioned above to be revealed in the next few months.
Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising Releasing November 30
Cygames finally confirmed that Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising will release on November 30. They also revealed that a second beta test will be available in Fall 2023, prior to the game’s launch. Finally, they announced a free edition alongside the premium version will also be available. The free edition will include four playable characters, part 1 of the story, online play, and lobby access.
Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising will be available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC. Check out the trailer released via Twitter here.
Raven and Newcomer Azucena Coming to Tekken 8
Bandai Namco revealed two new characters that will be part of Tekken 8‘s base roster. First, they announced that Raven would return for the first time since Tekken 6. His ninjutsu attacks will undoubtedly make him an exciting option for players desiring a fast and aggressive character. They also revealed Azucena, a newcomer from Peru whose obsessed with coffee. She has a unique stance that allows her to dodge the attacks of enemies. Azucena’s MMA-inspired techniques separate her from the other characters on the roster.
While Tekken 8 doesn’t yet have a release date, more information is set to be unveiled in the next few months on the game’s final roster and release.
Mortal Kombat 1 Will Include Reptile, Havik, and Ashrah
NetherRealm Studios has announced that Reptile, Havik, and Ashrah will return in Mortal Kombat 1. Reptile is a shapeshifting ninja who hasn’t been in the franchise since Mortal Kombat X. Both Havik and Ashrah are from the PlayStation 2 era and haven’t appeared since Mortal Kombat Armageddon. All three characters look incredible and cement that Mortal Kombat 1 may have the best roster in the franchise.
The game will release on September 19 for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Check out the new trailer here.
Guilty Gear Strive Season 3 Detailed
Another announcement that Arc System Works revealed is the first information for Guilty Gear Strive Season 3. The update will include a balance update, new offensive and defensive mechanics, and Johnny, one of the oldest characters in the series. The update is set to release on August 24. Over the next few months, they will also add three more playable characters, two new stages, and more colors for all the characters. More information will likely be revealed soon.
Guilty Gear Strive is available now on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S. Check out the trailer for Johnny here.
A.K.I and the TMNT Coming to Street Fighter 6
Capcom revealed the last major announcements at EVO 2023. First, they announced that a TMNT collab will be added to Street Fighter 6 on August 8. The update will feature new cosmetics, emotes, and titles. Finally, they showed off the first footage for A.K.I in Street Fighter 6, the next DLC character described as a “maniacal poison aficionado.” She will be added to the game in Autumn 2023. Street Fighter 6 is available now on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Stay tuned for more information about the game in the future.
Those were the most significant announcements revealed at EVO 2023. More will likely be shown about all the games mentioned above very soon. Be sure to check out our official tag here for more information on everything revealed at EVO 2023.
