In an exciting announcement, Hitbox.tv has announced it will be hiring Giuseppe "Messi" Messina as their Ambassador of Smash. This is part of a plan to help expand those streaming Smash on the Hitbox platform and help the community further thrive as it grows. "This is my chance to start bridging a gap that maybe should have never been there not only in the Smash community, but in the FGC," said Messi on the announcement. "I grew up a competitor, that's probably how I'll go out too."
This isn't the first time Hitbox has reached out to help the Smash community. Through their efforts, a local New Jersey event, Hitbox Arena, was able to increase their production values. Hitbox has also shown support for various other events, such as Big Balc and Final Boss, by writing blogs on the events and supporting with marketing and pot bonuses. They have also announced at the upcoming tournament Do or DI pot bonuses of $6,500 to be spread out to every Smash title at the event.
When Nebulous was forced to find a new venue, the Smash scene in New York took a heavy blow. A Kickstarter campaign had to be created just to help find another venue. Hitbox's first major outreaching moment to the Smash community is to do something no other streaming service has done before: sponsor a full-time venue so that Smash in NYC can continue without fear of being shut down yet again. Also because of this, Nebulous has not only able to run their Super Nebs series but also has Super Nova for Project M and is in the planning stages for Smash 4 and Smash 64.
Speaking of Project M, as Hitbox expands to help with the entirety of the Smash community, they are also dedicated to its continued support. "We want to grow and expand into the other smash games, but I want to always make sure that the staff we have dealing with the game knows PM is where we started, and that those communities and events will be the priority." said Hawkeye, Head of Community at Hitbox.tv.
As other streaming services shunned the community in the past, Hitbox invited those who streamed the game with open arms. When Paragon Los Angeles had to change streams at the last minute, Hitbox made sure to give it all the support possible, and PMTV has had its home there now for quite some time to great success.
These are only two of the current plans for community outreach. Hitbox intends to be at more events and to interact with the community further, and part of Messi's job is to help people see the opportunities they can have on the platform. "My job isn't to pressure people or force them onto the platform at Hitbox, the platform speaks for itself," he told us. "I don't care if someone streams once a week or full time, Hitbox is a place for everyone. My job is to expand and grow a community that already feels like a giant family."
He also spoke of the many tools Hitbox offers to those just starting out. "Hitbox offers a sub-button for all streams, including brand new ones, and has an easy to use dashboard that allows access to all social media pages and your sticky, polls, or giveaways all on a single page with no add-ons needed."
It will be interesting to see what Hitbox.tv has to offer Smashers in the future. To hear more about these new opportunities or learn more about streaming on the platform, be sure to contact Messi @MessiNYC on Twitter. Excited to see Hitbox expanding even more within the Smash community? Tell us in the comments section below and stay tuned for future updates on Hitbox's involvement with Smash.
