Sony Interactive Entertainment Transfers EVO Ownership to NODWIN Gaming, Confirms Sponsorship Through 2028

Sony Interactive Entertainment Sells Stake in EVO to NODWIN Gaming

Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) has officially divested its ownership stake in the renowned fighting tournament EVO, passing the reins to NODWIN Gaming. This company, while partially backed by Sony Group Corporation, is owned by Nazara Technologies. Despite the change in ownership, SIE will remain a global sponsor of the event up until 2028, with NODWIN Gaming sharing co-ownership responsibilities alongside RTS.

The transition was announced via a “Business Update” on EVO’s official website. The Evolution Championship Series described this development as “a major step forward”for the tournament, signifying a strong future for competitive fighting games.

Insights from Industry Leaders

Phil Rosenberg, SIE’s senior vice president and head of global partner development and relations, shared his thoughts on the transition: “When SIE acquired Evo alongside RTS in 2021, our goal was to enhance the Evo community’s growth and showcase the talents and passion of fighting game enthusiasts on an international scale. As we shift to our role as a sponsor, the momentum for Evo has never been stronger, following a successful event in Las Vegas and plans for expansion into new regions. We eagerly anticipate supporting Evo’s continued global growth.”

In response, Akshat Rathee, co-founder and managing director of NODWIN Gaming, stated, “Evo was founded by a team whose dedication and passion for the fighting game community are unparalleled. We intend to build upon SIE’s commendable efforts and respect the legacy of those who have contributed to Evo’s success, while simultaneously paving the way for a new generation to engage with the spirit of Evo.”

New Partnerships and Future Prospects

The recent announcement also introduced a fresh partner: Qiddiya has joined as a global partner of the tournament while investing in its co-owner, RTS. This partnership signifies a strategic move as EVO continues to evolve and expand its influence.

Although Sony Interactive Entertainment is no longer a part-owner, their role as a global sponsor ensures that attendees will continue to see PlayStation leveraging the tournament for promotional opportunities. This may include showcasing innovative products like the recently launched FlexStrike fight stick and offering playable demos of anticipated titles such as Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls, which participants had the opportunity to experience at this year’s event.

Source & Images