Introducing the Team Capturing America’s Fighting Game Culture: Bars, Pizza Joints, and Hidden Gems

For a long time now, video games have served as a social bridge for many. This journey began back in the days of arcades, well before home consoles and flashy gaming PCs lured the gaming crowd into the comfort of their homes. Although places like LAN centers, gaming cafes, and tournaments are still around, their popularity seems to have dimmed over time. Remember Greg, who you used to see in person during intense Counter Strike Source or Street Fighter 2 matches? These days, Greg’s face lives behind a Clannad avatar on Discord. The age of face-to-face gaming interactions has taken a digital turn.

Yet, there are those intrepid few who venture out for authentic human connection. For them, gaming feels best when shared with fellow enthusiasts nearby. Even as these gaming havens vanish, a few passionate individuals have taken it upon themselves to capture these vibrant spaces in a grassroots video series, aptly named Locals Unknown. Their inaugural filming location? The basement of a pizza joint in a college town.

I was really intrigued by this concept, so I caught up with two key figures behind the project: Victeemo, a pro fighting game player, and Siam, owner of the esports team Kanme Esports. Together with Tekken player and King main Sol Naciente, this small yet dedicated team travels and records local gaming scenes. Think of it as a charming mashup of old-school YouTube vlogs and travel documentaries – a throwback to simpler internet days.

The initiative took off when Victeemo started playing for Kanme, as both he and Siam sought a creative endeavor beyond just attending events as brand representatives.
Siam shared her thoughts: “Discussing with Victeemo, our passion for our beginnings in the fighting game scene was so evident. Local scenes are pivotal; they’re where new enthusiasts often get their start. And they’re scattered across some truly unique settings.”
Victeemo added, “While wrapping up Tekken World Tour’s first season, I was scouting for sponsors and stumbled upon Kanme. It was a stroke of luck; both of us discovered Locals Unknown concurrently[…] After some brainstorming, Siam proposed, ‘What if we send you to local scenes and you document them?’ I thought it sounded fantastic — it’s close to my heart.”

“I’m a competitor at heart, ever since Tekken 7, but community is my next big focus. It’s thrilling to be in this venture, especially seeing how many people have tuned in.”

What’s heartening is seeing Victeemo evolve from having never touched a video camera to capturing vibrant local scenes. Supported by Siam and Sol Naciente, who expertly edit the footage back home, they’re driven by passion rather than corporate backing.

Both shared a deep connection, predictable perhaps, but their journeys also reflect the common experience of local gaming communities slowly disappearing. For instance, Xanadu Games in Maryland, a beloved spot for fighting game enthusiasts, closed down in December 2024. Siam and Victeemo were present for the farewell event.
Victeemo reminisced, “Our local, Xanadu, was a tiny spot in a business hub near Baltimore. When Tekken launched, we crammed 50 people into monthly events where breathing was almost a challenge (laughs). Those gatherings spurred my competitive drive and nurtured my love for our community.”

Siam elaborated, “Sadly, many venues are closing. Just recently, Xanadu Games joined that list. Both Victeemo and I attended its final event. This was a wake-up call; we need to highlight the places that persevere.”

This declining trend sparked the series, driven initially by Xanadu’s closure. Over years, many spaces that hosted long-loved titles like Street Fighter and Tekken have steadily closed, giving way to larger, less frequent events, or simply vanishing. Both Siam and Victeemo feel that the fighting game’s local scene is facing challenging times.

Siam reflected, “Local scenes are dwindling, especially post-2020 with the rise of online tournaments. Many venues couldn’t withstand the dwindling numbers. Right now, we’re on a downward slope.”

Victeemo observed, “Numerous locals are shutting down — shining a light on those that continue to foster community and friendship is vital, contrasting sharply with the online scene today.”

So, the question is, why does this series matter? Why does it deserve a spotlight like this article? For Siam and Victeemo, it’s about giving back to the communities that shaped them and highlighting spaces that hold such significance.

Victeemo shared, “My partner and I have been together for almost seven years, all thanks to meeting through the fighting game scene at Xanadu. I’ve forged lifelong bonds within this community, something I’d never trade.”

Siam added, “It’s about honoring the past. Players should recount their beginnings because it touches the heart. As players gain recognition, it’s essential to remind everyone, ‘I started just like you, at a local scene.’”

“I’m eager to share more human stories, beyond just the gaming sessions. It’s about the people who nurture these communities.”

The first episode of Locals Unknown is available on the Kanme channel, with more episodes in the works. If you appreciate their mission, show them some support. Celebrating these facets of gaming culture is crucial, especially those under threat of disappearing.