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This past Friday, the folks running EVO Japan had to cut off their live broadcast over a promotional advertisement featuring two popular Japanese models.
The models (Yuka Kuromochi and Saki Yoshida) were hired as part of the Dead or Alive 6 demonstrations along Shimbori demonstrating the game’s features. Between matches they would attempt to recreate the game’s jiggle physics by slapping each other’s buttocks and bouncing up and down.
In addition, Shimbori showed off the game’s free camera mode. During which time he zoomed in on female character’s butts while they were wearing swimsuits. In addition he paused the game while a female character was in the middle of being thrown; the freeze-frame giving allusion to the male character performing oral sex on her.
This resulted in the livestream suddenly being cut. Upon returning, one of the commentators apologized, stating the game “does not reflect the content or intention of EVO” and apologized if anyone was offended.
Later, Evo President Joey Cuellar (a.k.a. Mr. Wizard) took to Twitter to apologize further.
“The DOA ad that aired on our stream does not reflect the core values of Evo or the FGC. We ended the stream temporarily to protect the integrity of our brand. We sincerely apologize to our fans.”
Several fans of the tournament showed their disagreement with the decision by sharing the clips of the event online, and using the phrase “core values” in a mocking and derisive way.
Twitch clips also feature many clips of the aforementioned segments, some of which were made after the shutdown. These could also be an act of protest, or simply users highlighting segments they enjoyed, or they feel they have been told they should not enjoy.
The protests may also have arisen due to Dead or Alive 6 initially toning down its franchise-famous jiggle physics and alluring female costumes. A decision which would later be reversed, some speculate due to fan outcry.
In other news, this same tournament is where new information about Dead or Alive 6 was confirmed, including the reveal of Mai Shiranui (from The King of Fighters series) being a DLC character and a new world championship tournament.
Dead or Alive 6 is launching for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC on March 1st.