A Decade of Approachability in Fighting Games

Explore the evolution of fighting games' accessibility in this 2019 GDC talk by Iron Galaxy Studios' Noah Sasso. Survey the various approaches developers have taken to broaden the audience for one of gaming's oldest and most exciting genres over a decade. Gain insights into design strategies, user interface improvements, and gameplay mechanics that have made fighting games more approachable without compromising their competitive depth. Discover how developers have balanced the needs of hardcore fans with those of newcomers, and learn about the successes and challenges faced in making this traditionally complex genre more welcoming to a wider player base.