Meet the Team Capturing the Heart of America’s Fighting Game Scene: Bars, Pizzerias, and Hidden Spaces

For many years, video games have served as a social haven for countless people. This journey began in the bustling arcades before the era of home consoles and LED-adorned gaming PCs lured gamers into their personal sanctuaries. Those public gaming spots still exist in the form of LAN parties, gaming cafes, and tournaments, yet they’ve significantly dwindled from their once central role in the gaming community. Back then, you’d find yourself meeting up with Greg in person to challenge him at Counter Strike Source or Street Fighter 2 around town. Nowadays, Greg’s presence has morphed into a Clannad profile picture on Discord—how times have shifted.

Still, some folks crave genuine social gaming experiences beyond the digital realm. For some enthusiasts, the joy of gaming is magnified when shared with nearby peers. Although these communal hubs are gradually disappearing, a dedicated few are choosing to preserve these venues through a grassroots fighting game tournament series aptly called Locals Unknown. Their journey begins in the cozy basement of a college town pizza joint.

Eager for insight, I had the opportunity to chat with two of the minds behind the project. Victeemo, a pro fighting game player, and Siam, owner of the esports group Kanme Esports, along with Tekken aficionado and King main Sol Naciente, have taken it upon themselves to chronicle these local scenes and venues in their travels. It’s reminiscent of classic YouTube days—a delightful mix of old-school internet vlogs and television travel documentaries.

The idea for this series was sparked at the onset of Victeemo’s journey as a player under Kanme’s banner. He and Siam realized that beyond merely attending events and representing the brand, they could create content that showcased their roots.

Siam shared their vision: “In our discussions, Victeemo and I reflected on the origins of our passion for the fighting game community, which ties back to our local scenes. These local communities are pivotal! They’re the initial hubs for folks diving into these games, and they pop up in the most unexpected places.”

Victeemo chimed in: “Once the first season of the Tekken World Tour wrapped up, I was scouting for sponsors when I found Kanme. It was serendipitous—we both stumbled upon the concept of Locals Unknown at the same time. We brainstormed a bit, and then Siam suggested, ‘What if we sent you to local spots to document them?’ That idea immediately resonated with me—it was something I genuinely wanted to pursue.”

“I’m a competitor at heart, dating back to the early days of Tekken 7, but community involvement is a close second for me. I’m thrilled to be embarking on this project, and it’s been fulfilling to see so much interest.”

Without prior experience behind a camera, Victeemo is now out in the field capturing the essence of local scenes. Supported by Siam and Sol Naciente, who handle editing duties at their home base, they’re fueled not by large-scale funding but by sheer enthusiasm and commitment to the community.

Their shared journey wasn’t without its losses, familiar to many within the fighting game circle. The very locals where they honed their skills, formed bonds, and matured had shut their doors. One such cherished venue was Xanadu Games, a beloved Maryland destination for fighting game enthusiasts, which hosted its farewell event in December 2024. Both Siam and Victeemo were present to bid it adieu.

Reflecting on those times, Victeemo recounted, “Xanadu was our local—a cozy spot tucked away in a business center near Baltimore. When the game launched, we crowded the place with 50 people for monthly gatherings where it was a challenge to breathe (laughs). That experience motivated me to compete at a higher level and nurtured my love for the community aspect.”

Siam added, “A lot of these locales are closing down. Even recently, another venue we frequented shuttered its doors—Xanadu Games. Victeemo and I were there for its final event. Witnessing that, we felt compelled to spotlight the venues that are still standing.”

This inspired the creation of the series, but the decline reaches beyond Xanadu. Over the years, numerous local scenes for games like Street Fighter and Tekken have gradually vanished, giving way to larger but less frequent yearly events, or sometimes disappearing entirely. For Siam and Victeemo, it’s a challenging era for fighting game locals.

Siam explained the struggle, “It’s undoubtedly a tough time for local scenes. With the rise of online play, especially post-2020, the convenience is undeniable. Before 2020, there were still accessible places. But after 2020, online tournaments became more popular. Our usual hangouts started closing as they weren’t drawing the same crowds as before. It’s on a decline right now.”

Victeemo emphasized the importance, “Many locals are shutting down their operations. So, highlighting the ones striving to draw people in, fostering new friendships and connections, is crucial, especially when compared to the current online landscape.”

So, why embark on documenting all this? What makes these venues worthy of a video series and an article? For the duo, it’s about honoring the locals that shaped them and spotlighting environments that held countless memories.

Victeemo shared, “My partner and I have been together for almost seven years, all thanks to our meeting in the fighting game community at Xanadu. I’ve formed lifelong friendships through this community, and I wouldn’t exchange that for anything.”

Siam agreed, adding, “In a sense, it’s about giving back. Players should share the tales of where it all began. It’s a grounded narrative that resonates. As their prominence grows, it’s vital to remember, ‘Hey, I’m a player too; I started out just like you.’ It always circles back to those grassroots beginnings.”

“I’m aiming to shed light on the human aspects, beyond just the building and the games. It’s about the individuals who unite to cultivate this community.”

You can catch the debut episode of Locals Unknown on the Kanme channel, with another one already in the works. If what these folks are doing resonates with you, show them your support. It’s vital to celebrate and preserve the facets of the gaming landscape, particularly those potentially facing an expiration date.