this is literally smash history in the making. not good history, but history nonetheless. we are living through this surreal smash incident right now. all this, everything, is just so insane.
While Nintendo's decision is still nigh paramount to SWT shutting down, the fact that Panda (chiefly, Alan) chose to stroke their ego and harm an already teetering community is, for me, infuriating. They could've been pillars of Smash, at least ones who tried to prop us up despite Nintendo's constant barrage to bring us down. Instead, they just damned it all. It's so... disheartening.
@@Gordakiprime thats not true. They've been trying to kill melee since 2013 when they tried to stop melee from apearing at EVO. They killed PM's online presence in the same way they tried to kill melee by stopping a tournament for using slippie. Reggie was good at branding, and he knew how to keep Nintendo's "We are a developer and gamer first Company" to be seen as a fact. The only difference now is the current head figures of Nintendo don't try to hide they are a buisness first.
The most important thing here is that yall realize panda didn't harm shit. Panda is small compared to other esports organizations and Nintendo is the only one with power to shut anything down. What more then likely happened is that Alan heard from Nintendo that Panda was going to be the only org with licenses and he tried to use that knowledge to boost his own org by strong arming people into the Panda cup. Is it scummy? Yeah. But did Panda actually do anything to shut down any tournaments? I doubt it. Nintendo has a long history of shutting down tournaments themselves and getting tournaments shut down hurts the Panda cup because of less places to host said tournaments. If anything this is going to hurt the smash community more because now not only do you have Nintendo shutting down unlicensed tournaments, the only licensed tournament EVER for smash is also shutting down. I'm worried about any tournaments in 2023 and am hoping we get some good news soon. Hopefully Nintendo will backtrack and license another org.
I just wish all of the former pandas actually join a single company. Their chemistry was great and the content they did together was great. It would be sad to loose those videos and content. 😢
It always makes me so happy when I’m watching a tournament commentated by Coney, TK, and EE. All three of them are brilliant at what they do and I sincerely hope to see them still casting long into the future.
I get more excited when I see that tkbreezy is commentating than any single player actually playing. Obviously, I watch for the overall collection of talent, but the amount that is added by the word people is tremendous. Tremendous is my biggest word.
Really sad. I feel like there was a chance for Panda to be saved, if they gave a more serious apology, more honestly addressed what Allen did, and removed him from the company. Most people didn't want Panda to die and we're holding out from making statements or resignations until their response, because they had that shred of hope. I really believe there was a way for them to show that the org as a whole was going to do better going forward and was not going to be led by Allen anymore as the first step. Their decision to try and downplay what happened and protect Allen just means that now Allen will have to get a new job anyways because the whole org will be shuttered. They showed that even if there are plenty of amazing people at Panda, the people in charge at the top weren't taking this situation as serious as they should've and made clear what kind of leadership the org is being run by. No one will go to their events, no one will sign with them, sponsors will drop because of unpopular events and no players repping their brand. That is the death of an esports company. Their heart can't keep beating if they've been bled dry. That blood is on Panda management's hands. They wouldn't make the right call, so now all their talent is forced to instead.
One sacrifice was all that was required to save an entire company that had *everything* going for them. But unfortunately, companies only exist to serve those at the top.
Totally agree. If Alan had just come out and owned up to his actions or if multiple executives all owned up to certain things I would have been so ready to let Panda live on under the people that had no choice in this situation. The fact that people are still leaving tells me that even those on the inside don't see a light in the company anymore...
This pure speculation, but I wonder if Alan refused to leave Panda, this is very similar to how Lab Zero Games (Studio behind Skullgirls and Indivisible) went under
@@jac_238 Seeing as how Alan has not made any statement or apology of his own, and the most we've seen was a message from Panda with no author, that heavily downplayed what he did (using the term "miscommunications") he clearly is trying to distance himself from any responsibility. Since he's the head of the company if he wanted to take responsibility he likely could have done so quite easily. Unfortunately the same mentality that lead to him strong arming TOs is likely the same mentality that made him think he could ride out the storm with minimal consequence.
Not only did Alan destroy the Smash World Tour, but in the process destroyed their own business. Not many people can match the greed and stupidty of Allan and he deserves everything that is taken from his organization as he took everything from the competitive scene.
This sucks. They were so wholesome as a team and one person ruined it. I just pray all the former Pandas stay in contact with each other and keep that friendship going to the very end of their lives, regardless of if they start their own company together, are on different teams or even free agents…They were special, they had a bit of everything you wanted in an org too. Hopefully things pick up for them soon, especially the ones that might be in debt.
My favorite Esports team died. It pisses me off so much that Alan did sus stuff and killed the good vibes everyone was having. Their UA-cam channels were great. Whether it be PGStats, Panda Channel, or the Panda Fighting Games Channel. Their players and staff are entertaining and fun personalities. It’s horrible man. Truly unfortunate
I have been an Hbox fan for the last 3 years and I can confidently say that this was probably his best video yet. Not because of humor or because of an earthshattering pop-off, but for the sheer love of the community that he has helped to build and encourage. To all those at panda who were blindsided, I hope you find a place that really appreciates everything you do. Long live competitive smash.
I am (was?) one of Panda’s editors. If you have seen one of their quiz videos or their trials videos in the FGC side, chances are you’ve seen my videos. HB is 100% right, all of these people are amazing. Hope we all can find a place ❤
To see TkBreezy so hurt really dialed it in for me. That's when it really hit me. For so many of us, the melee and smash community have been life changing, creating lifelong friendships, connections, and memories. As a grassroots community, the community always used themselves and each other to get where they are now. This is a family, and although we may sometimes not think about it, we can confidently say it's ride or die together situation for so many of us, whether still active in the community or not. To see, the organization you're working for and that was supposed to do so much for their workers, players, commentators, and community suddenly pulling strings to betray and undermine the grassroots community? That's like seeing your boss try to secretly attack your family or take advantage of your brother, your sister, your uncle, your childhood friends... It's a stab in the back, and it's personal. You don't do that to a person, especially not for a dollar. It just comes to show that these greedy, shitstain capitalist companies will always throw the grassroots under the bus. Fuck all these companies that see us as faceless wallets, we await the day that they're not needed anymore. The real heroes are those commentators, viewers, and players that always showed up or tuned in to cheer with the crowd and made of events attending such a pleasant experience. The real heroes are those who are so committed to develop, work, and distribute all sorts of FOSS/FOSH platforms, tools, and technology like Slippi or the PhobGCC to keep the game alive and to bring it to new levels. But especially, the REAL heroes are those TO's who spent day and night organizing, managing, and working to host 5-6 entrant events at their dorm rooms and houses, contacting venues, renting locations, and doing all that is possible for the community to have a place to thrive and exist in the first place. Much love to all the TO's affected by this, as well as to our players, all the well-meaning folk at Panda, our fgc brothers like hook, punk, jwong, and everyone has thrown love our way that will be inevitably caught in the middle of this. You people all make my life better.
Ah yes, blame capitalism. It'd all be much better under the auspices of the state. Why you stop digging gulag moat komrade? No youtooz for you, state is only media you need.
It wouldn't suprise me if Marss, Esam, and Little Z also left they haven't announced it yet but it seems like that's were theyre headed. Marss has just stayed off social media for this whole thing, Esam said he had to take a break from social media because of this and Little Z has been very critical of panda. because of that I wouldn't be suprised if all of them left.
Yeah, Little Z left Panda too. He made a little YT community post about him leaving. He’s hoping people still stick with him just because he’s no longer a Panda and don’t blame him for ever being one despite not knowing all of what was happening. He says he’s just “a silly YT content creator” lol people got his back though. From what I’ve seen recently, Marss and Esam haven’t officially stated anything yet, but Esam has definitely expressed his discontent and need to get off social media to clear his mind if this fuckery
@@carlospolk5033 the only mention from marss was in one of his recent live streams from a few days with no mic/cam. His stream title "was terrible week outside of Panda stuff". Clearly something else is going on in his life at the moment so we gotta give him time
@@carlospolk5033 little z did not say he’s leaving panda wtf are you talking about?!?! All he said in that post is that he wasn’t aware of what was going on within panda and that he’s holding off on making a decision until more information comes out.
@@freedfg6694 scary if that's the case for him too. He will definitely need time to make any decisions and we should respect his privacy till he's ready.
The worst part about all of this is that INVARIABLY, we're seeing the same sentiment pop up over and over again- people loved working for this org. The things they did for Melee, with PG Stats, the circuit itself, and the pure love given to the people under their umbrella is so beautiful- and it was all crushed because a CEO forgot where he was, forgot where he came from. Among all of the disgusting things that have happened, dozens of people just lost somewhere that they felt like was a home for them, a legitimate, caring place they can work and enjoy the things they love most. I hope these good people manage to stay together and form something beautiful in it's wake. Pay your respects to Panda, and piss on Alan's grave while you're there.
Seeing Panda’s downfall is both satisfying but also kinda sad Now all these talented individuals are without an org, all because of an asshole CEO’s greed
It honestly surprises me how someone can be so blinded by greed to the point of harming the same community that brought your org up and believe it's not going to come around and bite you in the ass. A move like this could've been swept under the rug in pre social media times, but nowadays you can't hide something like this, especially from a grassroots community.
I hope Team Liquid picks up some folks and ramps up their content. But overall this is tragic and I am extremely heartbroken for the scene and everyone at Panda that is essentially forced through their conscious to do the right thing and leave. Best wishes to everyone and hope they're all successful in the next chapter
This is a very sad situation. I’ve loved the Panda players and commentators for a long time and their content. It’s crazy that it’s all falling apart so suddenly. I hope for the best for all of them.
Good for the scene in the long run. It might not be noticable for a year or two. But this is how you build a community; by firmly drawing a line in the sand and not allowing anyone to cross it.
u the man brotha! Mad Respect! My best wishes going out to the (Smash) community! I'm wishing everybody good fortune in the (unknown) times to come. Chins up y'all!
I remember being so excited for Panda to be partnering with Nintendo last year because they would be the ones to help Nintendo finally embrace the Smash scene fully. So sad that it had to be like this but at the same time they really deserved it. I still can't believe all this is happening. What a timeline we are all living in right now.
The interesting thing about all this that hbox started at his house, as the situation progressed with the situation, he then moved to stream it at an office, and now thing have progressed so far that he had to get into a conference room. I wanna see things keep developing so when next time he covers this topic he is in a whole ass Auditorium LMAO 😂
Hbox and Mang0 are the last of the old guard ❤️ #GOATS! Glad they’re both still here and making waves. I’ve been a big fan of both of them since 2012 and I gotta say it’s great that they’re both still active, I especially love how both have not been afraid to call out Nintendo or other parties whenever they’ve messed up. Just know we’ll always rally behind the melee pros, if hbox or mango say don’t buy the switch 2.0 or whatever it’s called best believe I’m buying 20 Xboxes and 20 PSwhatevers
Audio on this video is quite low. Then it ends almost abruptly with a loud ad. Wish UA-cam could help boost the audio when editors forget to balance the audio.
I hope every person affected by this recovers, except Alan and whoever else in the upper management who played a part in this. Players, casters, and support who are still with Panda are NOT the enemy, and we as the FGC need to make sure everyone who is a victim is treated respectfully and given help wherever we can.
Panda brought so many interesting people together for such fun and stupid content that highlighted their personalities so well I will always remember the smash golf, the who is the most blank, the smash quizzes, the pictionary, and the 1v1's. It feels... So weird to not be seeing panda videos anymore something I made a priority for in my week... Rip panda you will be missed, and the poor people who have been sacrificed for this. There aren't many creators I watch all the videos from my ADHD don't allow it but panda was always a constant
It's going to feel so weird to have the whole panda team scattered abroad after having them together in a group together for so long, and watching them make content together for years. It just doesn't feel right... Praying that everything goes well with all the players finding new teams, and maybe a few will end up together on their new ones in the end.
Even PANDA FGC players are considering leaving. The first one the leave was HookGangGod and all the others are in the talks of it, according to their twitter
As someone who really suports panda and what they do, this was a really big shock to me and i dont know if i will be able to look at the team the same way again.
Such a shame these kind of things have to happen. I will miss those little quizzes they did on their UA-cam channel, as well as seeing all of their players talking together and having fun.
Gotta admit I’m really gonna miss Panda content. They had a lot of great series and the chemistry between their talent was great. Wadi and Marss especially
There are a lot of employees at Panda that are not involved in the decision making process for this whole debacle that will be negatively affected by everything that's transpired, and they do need to be supported in whatever steps they choose to take next. Just because Alan has taken a lot of controversial stances doesn't mean that everyone within Panda is a bad person. It's very upsetting that two corporations have just taken action to kill a gaming community for the purpose of their own corporate greed, instead of fostering and growing a community that includes some of the most talented players and creators in the world.
Recently this morning, I've unsubscribed from the official Panda UA-cam channel as well as the Panda fighting gaming channel in support for all of the guys who are deciding to leave Panda.
This is a pretty big thing to be happening, but I wonder if this is making any kind of waves on an international level. I know that has almost no practical relation, but I'm always curious to see communities react to stuff happening to the "same" community in a different nation.
It's called Panda Global, after all. The Panda Cup, as well as Smash World Tour, were just that: worldwide events. This is gonna have ripple effects across the planet, everywhere people play Smash at the highest level. By Thanksgiving it had already impacted people around the world, and now we don't know what this will mean for majors going forward.. its gonna be a bit before we see if they're gonna try and license another event or revert completely to their old ways of shutting down every event they catch wind of.
What does this say about Smash in general? Since Panda and Nintendo are gatekeeping the license, does that mean other games like Multiverse and NASB will have a push in tournaments? I'm sorry for the dumb question but this looks like a huge opportunity for those games.
Both sides are in such a both spot but I thought about it yesterday the fighting game side just got so screwed for the side of panda they don’t even deal with I love every panda memeber truly was my favorite batch of members I will continue to support all of them
Yo if there’s anything we know about the smash community is that we perceiver and are here for each other. I finally thought I found and org that I could really back but it will never feel the same after this all happens. Support your creators and tune in to help raise money for VGBC.
Considering I watched a decent amount of videos on Panda's youtube channel I hope that those that have left will still make content together now and then. Marss and Wadi on Little Z's smash golf courses are some pretty amusing videos for example.
Man sad to see PgStats go, it was one of a kinda content, hopefully other orgs start doing that style of content and the people who were writing for Pgstats. Sadly, cause the higher ups at Panda are so nasty, it has to happen. I’m hoping Pgstats is revived in another form under another org.
Appreciate Hbox bringing attention to the poor souls who had nothing to do with this yet are suffering from it. I know there’s a few players I’ll be supporting on patreon until they get picked up elsewhere
this is a golden opportunity for new or existing but non-smash esports organizations to pick up a fresh slough of talent who all already know how to work together. it would be dope to see "faze smash" or "clg smash" or "denial smash", or even something fully new rising from the ashes, hiring all of these folks, offering them better working conditions and pay. they would instantly become the hot new org in the smash scene. here's hoping we can see a "CLG SmashStats" youtube channel to fill the void that will be left by the rapid dissolution of PGstats. good riddance to panda global, but I'm very bummed to see so much talent that will likely not be working together anytime soon.
We’ve yet to hear anything from Marss or Little Z but I’m hoping that they come to a decision based on how they personally feel and not to appease other members of the community. I’m assuming that ESAM will be staying with panda and that’s perfectly fine
Little Z made a statement on a YT community post “I know I’m just a silly UA-camr who is not very involved with the competitive smash community, but I am sponsored by Panda as a content creator and would like to be transparent…” (fluff text in between about feeling blindsided) “…My position at Panda revolves strictly around content creation has nothing to do with the organization…” (fluff text about how sad he feels) “… I’m holding off just in case there is more information so I can make a concrete decision about my position at Panda…” So yeah, he feels hurt from it but is hesitant due to the suspicious lack of information. Which tbf, there is a lot not being said (probably covered by NDAs). So my guess is he will quit Panda soon, but wants to make plans first just in case so he’s off on good footing. But he knows he’ll always have the Underdogs community too
@@carlospolk5033 His own channel has 1+ million subs, and he'll get a bit of cash from his share of the Underdogs too. His minor involvement with Panda must have been a tiny percentage of his income.
WaDi announced his departure from Panda too, if Alan doesn't either resign or put something actually meaningful out, I don't see a future for Panda tbh.
If they have to show up to the Panda cup it doesn't mean they have to put on their best performance. What if players just self-stocked through the tournament or SD'ed offstage and the winner is just chance of who won the endscreen?
That "forever gratefull" part is basically the same bullshit actors are saying in promo interviews for movies. "yeah, best director I've ever worked with blaa" and then after some years, the truth comes out.
Wish the players the best And hope the higher ups responsible learned their lesson and stay out of smash community leadership roles from this point forward
Isn't this just a move to save face? If Panda Global will no longer have anyone to participate in. Will there be a smash event to look forward to at the end of the year?
You can’t break these guys up. Leave Panda, start a new team. Their chemistry is infectious and I’m sure they will receive enough support from the community to build their own.
Panda deserves all of this and I hope all the people leaving get picked up by teams that actually care about esports
fr even faze would be good
can someone summarize what Panda did again?
@@Jords250 the ceo went around strong arming TOs threatening to get their events cancelled if they didn’t join panda cup.
@@Jords250 the smash world cup was going to happen but the owner of panda threatened them and forced them to stop the tourny
I want Liquid Coney and WaDi
"Everyone is Leaving"
Smash 6 confirmed?
Everyone Was Here!
@@actuallynotsteve Now Everyone is Gone!
[Everybody disliked that.]
Wow... that was... incredibly brilliant
At this rate, Panda is seriously risking the extinction...
Just like the animal they are represented by
@@Blas0330 OH SHIT
Ok that’s funny as hell
@@Blas0330 Yeah, the pun was intended XD
@Mikro Angel 10/10 wordplay
@@mikroangel1922 Yeah it seemed obvious to me, Blas had that "reddit explaining the joke" energy....
this is literally smash history in the making. not good history, but history nonetheless. we are living through this surreal smash incident right now. all this, everything, is just so insane.
Alongside yoshi winning majors. It's definitely surreal.
Don’t worry something good will happen in the end this moment will be remembered after we went through it and we will win
@@ssjayy9103 I hope the Yoshis are not commuting Tax Fraud
The great panda'ing of 2022
smash has been dead for over a decade. a major barely getting 50k views is a dead game
While Nintendo's decision is still nigh paramount to SWT shutting down, the fact that Panda (chiefly, Alan) chose to stroke their ego and harm an already teetering community is, for me, infuriating. They could've been pillars of Smash, at least ones who tried to prop us up despite Nintendo's constant barrage to bring us down. Instead, they just damned it all. It's so... disheartening.
We've been shit on by Nintendo for decades and of course we'd have to get shit on by the only major tournament they've partnered with.
@@Xelief yeah but it didn’t get that bad until Reggie left that’s when everything got 100 times worse
@@Gordakiprime thats not true. They've been trying to kill melee since 2013 when they tried to stop melee from apearing at EVO. They killed PM's online presence in the same way they tried to kill melee by stopping a tournament for using slippie. Reggie was good at branding, and he knew how to keep Nintendo's "We are a developer and gamer first Company" to be seen as a fact. The only difference now is the current head figures of Nintendo don't try to hide they are a buisness first.
The pillars of Smash have always been corrupt, whether it be well known players or Nintendo itself
The most important thing here is that yall realize panda didn't harm shit. Panda is small compared to other esports organizations and Nintendo is the only one with power to shut anything down. What more then likely happened is that Alan heard from Nintendo that Panda was going to be the only org with licenses and he tried to use that knowledge to boost his own org by strong arming people into the Panda cup. Is it scummy? Yeah. But did Panda actually do anything to shut down any tournaments? I doubt it. Nintendo has a long history of shutting down tournaments themselves and getting tournaments shut down hurts the Panda cup because of less places to host said tournaments. If anything this is going to hurt the smash community more because now not only do you have Nintendo shutting down unlicensed tournaments, the only licensed tournament EVER for smash is also shutting down. I'm worried about any tournaments in 2023 and am hoping we get some good news soon. Hopefully Nintendo will backtrack and license another org.
I just wish all of the former pandas actually join a single company. Their chemistry was great and the content they did together was great. It would be sad to loose those videos and content. 😢
Except for ESAM
@@Chillaccino1 whatd esam do?
@@cxrrupted522 nothing he’s just not funny and tries too hard to be
@@cxrrupted522 he's bald
@@cxrrupted522 what didnt he do
The funniest thing was TK applying to jobs on stream
It always makes me so happy when I’m watching a tournament commentated by Coney, TK, and EE. All three of them are brilliant at what they do and I sincerely hope to see them still casting long into the future.
The blast zone
yep
Man this is just brutal to hear, so many players, content creators, staff have to leave because of the poor decisions of the higher ups.
Panda really did a Speedrun on how to kill your org the fastest
Artisian Builds in a close second
I get more excited when I see that tkbreezy is commentating than any single player actually playing. Obviously, I watch for the overall collection of talent, but the amount that is added by the word people is tremendous. Tremendous is my biggest word.
Your English is really good
no, “commentating” is your biggest word - 12 letters, tremendous is only 10
This is written like an old man, losing his mind.
@@krusher181 Yeah seriously am I missing something because I felt like I was having a stroke trying to read that
he'sth trasth sthough.
Really sad. I feel like there was a chance for Panda to be saved, if they gave a more serious apology, more honestly addressed what Allen did, and removed him from the company. Most people didn't want Panda to die and we're holding out from making statements or resignations until their response, because they had that shred of hope. I really believe there was a way for them to show that the org as a whole was going to do better going forward and was not going to be led by Allen anymore as the first step.
Their decision to try and downplay what happened and protect Allen just means that now Allen will have to get a new job anyways because the whole org will be shuttered. They showed that even if there are plenty of amazing people at Panda, the people in charge at the top weren't taking this situation as serious as they should've and made clear what kind of leadership the org is being run by. No one will go to their events, no one will sign with them, sponsors will drop because of unpopular events and no players repping their brand. That is the death of an esports company. Their heart can't keep beating if they've been bled dry. That blood is on Panda management's hands. They wouldn't make the right call, so now all their talent is forced to instead.
One sacrifice was all that was required to save an entire company that had *everything* going for them. But unfortunately, companies only exist to serve those at the top.
@@Xelief and now they'll have no one to serve. That's the *true* cost of "unfettered growth at any cost."
Totally agree. If Alan had just come out and owned up to his actions or if multiple executives all owned up to certain things I would have been so ready to let Panda live on under the people that had no choice in this situation. The fact that people are still leaving tells me that even those on the inside don't see a light in the company anymore...
This pure speculation, but I wonder if Alan refused to leave Panda, this is very similar to how Lab Zero Games (Studio behind Skullgirls and Indivisible) went under
@@jac_238 Seeing as how Alan has not made any statement or apology of his own, and the most we've seen was a message from Panda with no author, that heavily downplayed what he did (using the term "miscommunications") he clearly is trying to distance himself from any responsibility. Since he's the head of the company if he wanted to take responsibility he likely could have done so quite easily. Unfortunately the same mentality that lead to him strong arming TOs is likely the same mentality that made him think he could ride out the storm with minimal consequence.
Not only did Alan destroy the Smash World Tour, but in the process destroyed their own business. Not many people can match the greed and stupidty of Allan and he deserves everything that is taken from his organization as he took everything from the competitive scene.
You'd be surprised by how many people could match his greed, and either do or don't have the tools
I just saw everyone resigning, totally understandable but also very heartbreaking as a long time panda Fan...
When I was a kid I liked pandas, but then I grew up and got more into tigers. Feel for ya tho
Moist ESports gonna become the strongest smash org after these events 😅
XD
i hope that crit picks up either ibdw or plup, would be cool to see. plup's from florida so i wouldn't be surprised if he went with that option.
My heart goes out to Josh he is such a great host for the UA-cam vids. Hope they all find success in something new
Trust is something hardly won and easily lost.
Panda learned that the hard way.
This sucks. They were so wholesome as a team and one person ruined it. I just pray all the former Pandas stay in contact with each other and keep that friendship going to the very end of their lives, regardless of if they start their own company together, are on different teams or even free agents…They were special, they had a bit of everything you wanted in an org too. Hopefully things pick up for them soon, especially the ones that might be in debt.
My favorite Esports team died. It pisses me off so much that Alan did sus stuff and killed the good vibes everyone was having. Their UA-cam channels were great. Whether it be PGStats, Panda Channel, or the Panda Fighting Games Channel. Their players and staff are entertaining and fun personalities. It’s horrible man. Truly unfortunate
Doesn't matter, you're property.
I have been an Hbox fan for the last 3 years and I can confidently say that this was probably his best video yet. Not because of humor or because of an earthshattering pop-off, but for the sheer love of the community that he has helped to build and encourage. To all those at panda who were blindsided, I hope you find a place that really appreciates everything you do. Long live competitive smash.
I am (was?) one of Panda’s editors. If you have seen one of their quiz videos or their trials videos in the FGC side, chances are you’ve seen my videos.
HB is 100% right, all of these people are amazing. Hope we all can find a place ❤
Wishing you and everyone else the best of luck going forward
To see TkBreezy so hurt really dialed it in for me. That's when it really hit me. For so many of us, the melee and smash community have been life changing, creating lifelong friendships, connections, and memories. As a grassroots community, the community always used themselves and each other to get where they are now. This is a family, and although we may sometimes not think about it, we can confidently say it's ride or die together situation for so many of us, whether still active in the community or not.
To see, the organization you're working for and that was supposed to do so much for their workers, players, commentators, and community suddenly pulling strings to betray and undermine the grassroots community? That's like seeing your boss try to secretly attack your family or take advantage of your brother, your sister, your uncle, your childhood friends... It's a stab in the back, and it's personal. You don't do that to a person, especially not for a dollar.
It just comes to show that these greedy, shitstain capitalist companies will always throw the grassroots under the bus. Fuck all these companies that see us as faceless wallets, we await the day that they're not needed anymore. The real heroes are those commentators, viewers, and players that always showed up or tuned in to cheer with the crowd and made of events attending such a pleasant experience. The real heroes are those who are so committed to develop, work, and distribute all sorts of FOSS/FOSH platforms, tools, and technology like Slippi or the PhobGCC to keep the game alive and to bring it to new levels. But especially, the REAL heroes are those TO's who spent day and night organizing, managing, and working to host 5-6 entrant events at their dorm rooms and houses, contacting venues, renting locations, and doing all that is possible for the community to have a place to thrive and exist in the first place.
Much love to all the TO's affected by this, as well as to our players, all the well-meaning folk at Panda, our fgc brothers like hook, punk, jwong, and everyone has thrown love our way that will be inevitably caught in the middle of this. You people all make my life better.
Couldn’t have said it better myself lol
Ah yes, blame capitalism. It'd all be much better under the auspices of the state. Why you stop digging gulag moat komrade? No youtooz for you, state is only media you need.
Hope that Marss, Wadi, and Esam still make videos together
Yeah them 3 together can be gold
If Esam and Marss leave Panda it would be STUPID for someone to not pick them up as a package. Talk about free UA-cam channel growth.
Also all three of them have great chemistry and I would hate to see that go.
@@freedfg6694 Don’t forget our favorite Mew2 main!
Those 3 with little Z make gold
Kudos for them for resigning it definitely was a difficult decision to do wishing them well
It wouldn't suprise me if Marss, Esam, and Little Z also left they haven't announced it yet but it seems like that's were theyre headed. Marss has just stayed off social media for this whole thing, Esam said he had to take a break from social media because of this and Little Z has been very critical of panda. because of that I wouldn't be suprised if all of them left.
Yeah, Little Z left Panda too. He made a little YT community post about him leaving. He’s hoping people still stick with him just because he’s no longer a Panda and don’t blame him for ever being one despite not knowing all of what was happening. He says he’s just “a silly YT content creator” lol people got his back though.
From what I’ve seen recently, Marss and Esam haven’t officially stated anything yet, but Esam has definitely expressed his discontent and need to get off social media to clear his mind if this fuckery
@@carlospolk5033 the only mention from marss was in one of his recent live streams from a few days with no mic/cam. His stream title "was terrible week outside of Panda stuff". Clearly something else is going on in his life at the moment so we gotta give him time
@@CMRandall669 I believe his girlfriend got in a very scary car accident. So he also might be looking at financial loss right now
@@carlospolk5033 little z did not say he’s leaving panda wtf are you talking about?!?! All he said in that post is that he wasn’t aware of what was going on within panda and that he’s holding off on making a decision until more information comes out.
@@freedfg6694 scary if that's the case for him too. He will definitely need time to make any decisions and we should respect his privacy till he's ready.
The worst part about all of this is that INVARIABLY, we're seeing the same sentiment pop up over and over again- people loved working for this org. The things they did for Melee, with PG Stats, the circuit itself, and the pure love given to the people under their umbrella is so beautiful- and it was all crushed because a CEO forgot where he was, forgot where he came from.
Among all of the disgusting things that have happened, dozens of people just lost somewhere that they felt like was a home for them, a legitimate, caring place they can work and enjoy the things they love most.
I hope these good people manage to stay together and form something beautiful in it's wake. Pay your respects to Panda, and piss on Alan's grave while you're there.
Bro this is so crazy, I never imagined this could happen, we love all of u guys man please stay up and stay apart of the community
I teared up at the end. we'll get through this like a family. nobody will be left behind.
Seeing Panda’s downfall is both satisfying but also kinda sad
Now all these talented individuals are without an org, all because of an asshole CEO’s greed
It honestly surprises me how someone can be so blinded by greed to the point of harming the same community that brought your org up and believe it's not going to come around and bite you in the ass.
A move like this could've been swept under the rug in pre social media times, but nowadays you can't hide something like this, especially from a grassroots community.
I hope Team Liquid picks up some folks and ramps up their content. But overall this is tragic and I am extremely heartbroken for the scene and everyone at Panda that is essentially forced through their conscious to do the right thing and leave. Best wishes to everyone and hope they're all successful in the next chapter
Really love everyone vouching for Pandas members for new positions. i dont think many will struggle finding a new home
Smash community really said "Fuck this shit" and left panda
Might as well, smash and panda isn't even a thing.
Say what you will about their BO, at least they have standards
@@rafael502 No they don't lmfao
From what I'm hearing it's not just smash players bailing from Panda
@@rafael502 lmaoooooooo
Got home from church just to see this. Man oh man. History has been so nuts for the Esports community as of late. Man...
This is a very sad situation. I’ve loved the Panda players and commentators for a long time and their content. It’s crazy that it’s all falling apart so suddenly. I hope for the best for all of them.
Damn honestly props to the scene for this example of effective collective action
Good for the scene in the long run. It might not be noticable for a year or two. But this is how you build a community; by firmly drawing a line in the sand and not allowing anyone to cross it.
Outside of Smash, some big names have left Panda as well
- HookGangGod (Dragon Ball FighterZ)
- Saint Cola (Commentator)
Wow
This has all been the saddest thing ever...
u the man brotha! Mad Respect! My best wishes going out to the (Smash) community! I'm wishing everybody good fortune in the (unknown) times to come. Chins up y'all!
I remember being so excited for Panda to be partnering with Nintendo last year because they would be the ones to help Nintendo finally embrace the Smash scene fully. So sad that it had to be like this but at the same time they really deserved it.
I still can't believe all this is happening. What a timeline we are all living in right now.
I'm happy to be a part of this community
The interesting thing about all this that hbox started at his house, as the situation progressed with the situation, he then moved to stream it at an office, and now thing have progressed so far that he had to get into a conference room. I wanna see things keep developing so when next time he covers this topic he is in a whole ass Auditorium LMAO 😂
Culminating in a stadium. Lights like Bo Burnham's Can't Handle This monolog
Hbox and Mang0 are the last of the old guard ❤️ #GOATS! Glad they’re both still here and making waves. I’ve been a big fan of both of them since 2012 and I gotta say it’s great that they’re both still active, I especially love how both have not been afraid to call out Nintendo or other parties whenever they’ve messed up. Just know we’ll always rally behind the melee pros, if hbox or mango say don’t buy the switch 2.0 or whatever it’s called best believe I’m buying 20 Xboxes and 20 PSwhatevers
Congratulations! You've made it to the end.
Thoughts and prayers are with them, hope they can find an Esport team that’ll support them even more than Panda.
I wish the best for TK. That's really tough for him to lose his sponsor after fighting so long to get one
Audio on this video is quite low. Then it ends almost abruptly with a loud ad.
Wish UA-cam could help boost the audio when editors forget to balance the audio.
I hope every person affected by this recovers, except Alan and whoever else in the upper management who played a part in this. Players, casters, and support who are still with Panda are NOT the enemy, and we as the FGC need to make sure everyone who is a victim is treated respectfully and given help wherever we can.
Panda brought so many interesting people together for such fun and stupid content that highlighted their personalities so well I will always remember the smash golf, the who is the most blank, the smash quizzes, the pictionary, and the 1v1's. It feels... So weird to not be seeing panda videos anymore something I made a priority for in my week... Rip panda you will be missed, and the poor people who have been sacrificed for this. There aren't many creators I watch all the videos from my ADHD don't allow it but panda was always a constant
It's going to feel so weird to have the whole panda team scattered abroad after having them together in a group together for so long, and watching them make content together for years. It just doesn't feel right...
Praying that everything goes well with all the players finding new teams, and maybe a few will end up together on their new ones in the end.
Even PANDA FGC players are considering leaving. The first one the leave was HookGangGod and all the others are in the talks of it, according to their twitter
Man, F in the chat for the Panda controller, that shit will never come out now
As someone who really suports panda and what they do, this was a really big shock to me and i dont know if i will be able to look at the team the same way again.
Well, this could be the end of Panda's Smash division (both Melee and Ultimate) or even Panda as an organization itself.
No, not _could be_
It is.
@@jar4lifeo-o69 In hindsight, I agree; This is pretty much the end of Panda Global as Dr. Alan has given his resignation as Panda Global's CEO.
Such a shame these kind of things have to happen. I will miss those little quizzes they did on their UA-cam channel, as well as seeing all of their players talking together and having fun.
Gotta admit I’m really gonna miss Panda content. They had a lot of great series and the chemistry between their talent was great. Wadi and Marss especially
It sounds like the mic isn't used.
I am gonna miss the PGstats channel. But as a Ult and Melee lover Melee still has turndownforwalt 😁
There are a lot of employees at Panda that are not involved in the decision making process for this whole debacle that will be negatively affected by everything that's transpired, and they do need to be supported in whatever steps they choose to take next. Just because Alan has taken a lot of controversial stances doesn't mean that everyone within Panda is a bad person.
It's very upsetting that two corporations have just taken action to kill a gaming community for the purpose of their own corporate greed, instead of fostering and growing a community that includes some of the most talented players and creators in the world.
Zains recent comment on Panda was the most well articulated statement ever made.
So much clarity from Zain’s stream.
So what are marss and esam going to do did they resign?
This Outcome was Inevitable
Recently this morning, I've unsubscribed from the official Panda UA-cam channel as well as the Panda fighting gaming channel in support for all of the guys who are deciding to leave Panda.
I did that a few days ago. I can't stand Panda.
I like most of their talents but I've always found most of the content on the various Panda channels pretty cringe. Good on em for bailing.
This is a pretty big thing to be happening, but I wonder if this is making any kind of waves on an international level.
I know that has almost no practical relation, but I'm always curious to see communities react to stuff happening to the "same" community in a different nation.
It's called Panda Global, after all. The Panda Cup, as well as Smash World Tour, were just that: worldwide events. This is gonna have ripple effects across the planet, everywhere people play Smash at the highest level. By Thanksgiving it had already impacted people around the world, and now we don't know what this will mean for majors going forward.. its gonna be a bit before we see if they're gonna try and license another event or revert completely to their old ways of shutting down every event they catch wind of.
@@GeebusCrust I thought so, but I typically only see their operations in the US so I wasn't sure.
What does this say about Smash in general? Since Panda and Nintendo are gatekeeping the license, does that mean other games like Multiverse and NASB will have a push in tournaments? I'm sorry for the dumb question but this looks like a huge opportunity for those games.
To any non-smash event that competes with Panda, they can do this to you too.
Both sides are in such a both spot but I thought about it yesterday the fighting game side just got so screwed for the side of panda they don’t even deal with I love every panda memeber truly was my favorite batch of members I will continue to support all of them
Time for a New Years resolution and our best efforts for a better new year.
Love the video format hbox, looks very professional 👏
Yo if there’s anything we know about the smash community is that we perceiver and are here for each other. I finally thought I found and org that I could really back but it will never feel the same after this all happens. Support your creators and tune in to help raise money for VGBC.
Panda really pulled a:
“You either die a hero…
or live long enough to see yourself become the villain.”
Considering I watched a decent amount of videos on Panda's youtube channel I hope that those that have left will still make content together now and then. Marss and Wadi on Little Z's smash golf courses are some pretty amusing videos for example.
The drawing ones are great too.
it took the one guy at the top, the head guy, to screw things up this bad. appreciate you hbox
Man sad to see PgStats go, it was one of a kinda content, hopefully other orgs start doing that style of content and the people who were writing for Pgstats. Sadly, cause the higher ups at Panda are so nasty, it has to happen. I’m hoping Pgstats is revived in another form under another org.
I will really miss the panda stats UA-cam channel and hope they rename themselves like “smash stats” and continue the coentent.
I'm gonna miss the panda vids ft Wadi, Marss and ESAM
Hopefully someday, someone can convince Nintendo to give this one more chance. If they blow it too, we must sadly abandon all hope.
H-Box makes a great point. The Fallout of CEO/Director decisions to the people working in the company.
Thanks for getting the word out there!
Appreciate Hbox bringing attention to the poor souls who had nothing to do with this yet are suffering from it. I know there’s a few players I’ll be supporting on patreon until they get picked up elsewhere
6:37 What if Liquid picks up iBDW so that Cody can show Hbox his reverse popoff tech? It would be the perfect time!
Yea
Any word on ESAM, Marss and LittleZ?
"Everyone
Is
Gone"
The smash community is strong! Let’s go smashers!!!!! We will not fold!
this is a golden opportunity for new or existing but non-smash esports organizations to pick up a fresh slough of talent who all already know how to work together.
it would be dope to see "faze smash" or "clg smash" or "denial smash", or even something fully new rising from the ashes, hiring all of these folks, offering them better working conditions and pay.
they would instantly become the hot new org in the smash scene.
here's hoping we can see a "CLG SmashStats" youtube channel to fill the void that will be left by the rapid dissolution of PGstats.
good riddance to panda global, but I'm very bummed to see so much talent that will likely not be working together anytime soon.
Charlie, hire these men!
We’ve yet to hear anything from Marss or Little Z but I’m hoping that they come to a decision based on how they personally feel and not to appease other members of the community. I’m assuming that ESAM will be staying with panda and that’s perfectly fine
Little Z made a statement on a YT community post “I know I’m just a silly UA-camr who is not very involved with the competitive smash community, but I am sponsored by Panda as a content creator and would like to be transparent…” (fluff text in between about feeling blindsided) “…My position at Panda revolves strictly around content creation has nothing to do with the organization…” (fluff text about how sad he feels) “… I’m holding off just in case there is more information so I can make a concrete decision about my position at Panda…”
So yeah, he feels hurt from it but is hesitant due to the suspicious lack of information. Which tbf, there is a lot not being said (probably covered by NDAs). So my guess is he will quit Panda soon, but wants to make plans first just in case so he’s off on good footing. But he knows he’ll always have the Underdogs community too
@@carlospolk5033 His own channel has 1+ million subs, and he'll get a bit of cash from his share of the Underdogs too.
His minor involvement with Panda must have been a tiny percentage of his income.
@@Jackaljkljkl yeah, I agree. It’s most likely is the case.
This seems very difficult for these people, I hope other orgs pick them up quick.
WaDi announced his departure from Panda too, if Alan doesn't either resign or put something actually meaningful out, I don't see a future for Panda tbh.
If they have to show up to the Panda cup it doesn't mean they have to put on their best performance.
What if players just self-stocked through the tournament or SD'ed offstage and the winner is just chance of who won the endscreen?
That "forever gratefull" part is basically the same bullshit actors are saying in promo interviews for movies. "yeah, best director I've ever worked with blaa" and then after some years, the truth comes out.
Wish the players the best
And hope the higher ups responsible learned their lesson and stay out of smash community leadership roles from this point forward
I just hope panda makes major changes in their organization so that I can still have my PG Stats.
Ye i hope pg stats will continue to exist
Good guy hbox. You may stall in tournament, but you will never stall in the journey to win our hearts.
Isn't this just a move to save face?
If Panda Global will no longer have anyone to participate in.
Will there be a smash event to look forward to at the end of the year?
You can’t break these guys up. Leave Panda, start a new team. Their chemistry is infectious and I’m sure they will receive enough support from the community to build their own.
They shouldn't say they're leaving, leaving the company to think that stuff is going to get done when it is not. It will hurt the company even more.
hey it's that Hbox guy I've heard of in rage videos from years ago that I've seen. didn't know he had a channel. cool.
Honestly the solidarity of the smash community has been so impressive through this.