Introducing the Team Capturing the Heart of America’s Fighting Game Scene: Bars, Pizza Parlors, and Back Rooms

For many years, video games have been more than just a pastime—they’ve been a way for people to connect with each other. This sense of community traces back to the days of bustling arcades, long before gaming enthusiasts retreated to their living rooms, thanks to home consoles and tricked-out gaming PCs. While LANs, gaming cafes, and competitive tournaments still provide social hubs, they’ve become a shadow of their former selves, fading from the spotlight once brightened by face-to-face encounters over Counter Strike Source or Street Fighter 2. Greg, once a familiar face in the gaming crowd, now presents as a Clannad profile picture on Discord. Times, indeed, have changed.

Yet, there’s a dedicated group of players who crave that genuine social interaction that gaming used to offer—a rare breed who feel gaming is most satisfying when shared with friends nearby. Even as digital gatherings decline, a few enthusiasts are capturing the essence of these venues through a fresh video series: “Locals Unknown.” Their journey begins in an unassuming college town pizza parlor basement.

I was instantly drawn to this concept and took the opportunity to chat with two driving forces behind the project, Victeemo, a professional fighting game player, and Siam, owner of Kanme Esports. They, along with Tekken player and King main Sol Naciente, are putting their passion into capturing the heart of local gaming communities. It’s a throwback to early YouTube, blending the spontaneity of old-school vlogging with the depth of travel documentaries.

The series originated when Victeemo began representing Kanme. He and Siam wanted to create something beyond the typical appearances at events wearing branded merch. Siam explained, “Talking with Victeemo, we were both deeply passionate about how we got our start in the fighting game community, through local meetups. These places are crucial—they’re not just entry points but vary wildly depending on where you find them.”

Victeemo added, “After the first season of the Tekken World Tour, I was searching for sponsors and found Kanme. We both discovered ‘Locals Unknown’ together […] Inspired by a brainstorming session, Siam suggested I explore local scenes and document them. It felt like a natural step for me.” Enthusiastically, he noted, “I’m firstly a competitor, starting with Tekken 7. Yet, community has always been my second passion, and it’s thrilling to see this series gaining traction.”

Victeemo might have picked up a video camera for the first time with “Locals Unknown,” but he’s quickly immersing himself in capturing these vibrant communities. With guidance and editing support from Siam and Sol Naciente, the project resonates with heartfelt dedication, not corporate influence.

Their shared experience of loss, familiar in the shrinking fighting game community, fuels their mission. Earlier local hotspots like Xanadu Games—a cherished Maryland venue—closed, leaving a void announced by its final event in December 2024, both Siam and Victeemo were present to bid farewell. “Xanadu was this tiny place where we packed 50 people for monthly meetups, inspiring both high-level competition and a love for community,” Victeemo reminisces.

Siam notes a broader trend, “Many venues have shut down, even recently. Me and Vic were there for Xanadu’s final event. This sparked our desire to highlight the remaining spaces—those keepers of community spirit.”

Reflecting on the decline of local scenes that once buzzed with games like Street Fighter and Tekken, they see this project as vital. Siam observes, “Online gaming’s convenience skyrocketed post-2020, leaving once bustling venues struggling as their in-person numbers dwindled—it’s a challenging era for locals.”

Victeemo stresses the importance: “It’s about spotlighting the disappearing local scenes, encouraging people to connect, make friendships in real life, beyond the online world.”

What keeps them moving forward with such dedication? It’s about homage—giving back to the roots they cherish—and casting light onto those invaluable community spaces.

Victeemo shares a personal anecdote, “I’ve built lifelong friendships and even met my partner of seven years through Xanadu and the fighting game community. It’s a part of my life I hold dear.”

Siam emphasizes, “It’s a story worth telling—how these seemingly small beginnings at local venues forge such significant pathways. As players achieve recognition, it’s grounding to remember and share their origins, connecting with fans at that foundational level.”

Telling the human stories that flourish within these community buildings is their goal. The premiere episode of “Locals Unknown” is available on the Kanme channel, and more episodes are coming soon. If you appreciate their work, show your support, because valuing these fading facets of gaming culture is crucial.