Introducing the Team Chronicling the Bars, Pizza Parlors, and Hidden Corners of the American Fighting Game Scene

For years, video games have brought people together. Think back to the era of arcades, when gaming was a communal activity before home consoles and fancy gaming PCs took over. It was a time when you could hang out with friends face-to-face, duking it out in games like Counter Strike Source or Street Fighter 2. Those social hubs have dwindled, now replaced by virtual gatherings on platforms like Discord, where you’re more likely to see Greg’s avatar instead of his real face. Times have changed, indeed.

Yet, there are those who still seek out that genuine social connection. For some, the joy of gaming is amplified when shared with others who are just a short drive or walk away. Although these physical meeting spots, once vibrant with activity, are disappearing, a dedicated few have taken it upon themselves to document these places one grassroots fighting game tournament at a time. Enter “Locals Unknown,” a fresh video series that kicks off in the basement of a college town pizza joint.

In this project, I had the pleasure of chatting with key figures involved: Victeemo, a pro fighting game player, and Siam, owner of Kanme Esports. Alongside Tekken player Sol Naciente, the trio is capturing the essence of local gaming scenes in a style reminiscent of classic YouTube vlogs combined with TV travel documentaries.

Victeemo and Siam’s partnership blossomed when Victeemo joined Kanme as a player. Together, they brainstormed creative ways to contribute to the community beyond just attending events. Their mutual passion for local gaming scenes fueled the birth of “Locals Unknown.”

Siam shared, “Talking with Victeemo, we both have immense love for where we began—our local scenes. These places are crucial! They’re the starting points for enthusiasts, each with its own unique charm.”

Victeemo reminisced, “After the first Tekken World Tour season, I was on the lookout for sponsors and found Kanme. It all came together when we said, ‘Why not document local scenes?’ It was an exciting idea—something I was eager to explore.”

“As a competitor since Tekken 7 launched, my priority has always been community. It’s so fulfilling to do this and see how many people are interested.”

I love how the series unfolds, showing the prep before events, the journey to venues, and more. It’s a nostalgic nod to simpler times.

With no prior experience in videography, Victeemo has embraced this journey with gusto, documenting local gaming at its finest with support from Siam and Sol Naciente, who handle editing duties back home. Their project isn’t backed by corporate sponsors—just fueled by pure passion and commitment to the community.

Siam and Victeemo’s shared experiences of seeing cherished local spots shut down brought them closer. They witnessed the last hurrah at Xanadu Games, a beloved Maryland venue, at its final event in December 2024.

Victeemo recounted, “Xanadu was a snug spot outside Baltimore packed with gaming enthusiasts. Those times sparked my competitive spirit and cemented my love for community.”

Siam added, “Many venues have closed, like Xanadu. We attended their closure, which drove us to spotlight the locals that still persevere.”

These closures inspired the series, not only due to Xanadu but because many long-standing local scenes have faced a similar fate, giving way to large, infrequent events or fading away altogether. It’s been tough for those who cherish these local gatherings.

Siam observed, “Local scenes are struggling. Post-2020, online tournaments became the norm, and physical venues lost traffic. Sadly, this decline continues.”

Victeemo emphasized, “It’s crucial to focus on these local spots that bring people together, fostering friendships and lasting bonds, unlike the purely digital interactions.”

Why highlight these places? For Siam and Victeemo, it’s about honoring the locales that shaped them and showcasing environments rich with history and camaraderie.

Victeemo reflected, “I met my partner of seven years through the fighting game community at Xanadu. The friendships I’ve built are invaluable.”

Siam explained, “It’s about giving back—sharing the journey from humble beginnings to inspire others.”

“Above all, it’s about capturing the human stories that make these communities thrive.”

If you’re intrigued, check out the first episode of “Locals Unknown” on the Kanme channel. The next installment is in the works, so if you appreciate their efforts, show some support. Celebrating these facets of the gaming world is vital, especially as some fade into the past.