EVO Enters New Era as Sony Sells Stake to NODWIN Gaming
It sure is some big business change for EVO. Sony Interactive Entertainment has now sold its stake in the premier fighting game tournament to NODWIN Gaming. NODWIN will now co-own and manage EVO together with RTS, while SIE will take on the role of global sponsor of the event until 2028.
A Shift in Leadership for this "Major Step Forward"
The transition was described as a major step for the tournament series in a Business Update on the official EVO website. Nazara Technologies-supported NODWIN Gaming, which is also backed by Sony Group Corporation, is to carry on the legacy of the event.
Phil Rosenberg, the head of global partner development at SIE, commented on the transition:
"When SIE acquired Evo alongside RTS in 2021, our goal was to help the Evo community grow... As SIE transitions to become an Evo sponsor, the momentum for Evo has never been stronger."
Akshat Rathee, co-founder of NODWIN Gaming, confirmed on the record:
"We shall continue SIE's great work and honor the legacy of everyone who has made it what it is today, while opening doors for a new generation to experience the spirit of Evo."
What This Means for the Future of EVO
While SIE is no longer a part-owner, its continuing presence as a global sponsor all but guarantees that the PlayStation brand will continue to be a major component of the tournament experience. Fans can expect to see SIE and PlayStation continue their historic tradition of directly showcasing new products and in-development games at the events.
This was already seen at this year's event, where attendees could participate in:
- The recently launched FlexStrike fight stick.
- Playtesting of in-development fighting games, including Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls.
The announcement also introduced a new global partner for the tournament in Qiddiya, which is also an investor in co-owner RTS. This signals an approach for growth and global expansion of the Evolution Championship Series under its newly formed leadership structure.
