Mortal Kombat 11 and Street Fighter 5 pulled from EVO Online entirely following abuse allegations

After many top players expressed they would no longer take part in EVO Online, developers NetherRealm Studios and Capcom have now pulled their titles from the tournament. 

EVO organiser Joey “Mr. Wizard” Cuellar was put on “administrative leave” by the company after sexual misconduct allegations emerged which involved minors.

After the likes of Dominique “SonicFox” McLean and Jordan “VideoGamezYo” James decided not to take part in light of the allegations, game developers are now distancing themselves from the event in solidarity. 

In a post on Twitter, NetherRealm Studios who created Mortal Kombat 11, wrote: “We stand in solidarity with those who have spoken out against abuse. 

“We will be pulling MK11 from EVO Online.”

Shortly after their announcement, Capcom pulled their Street Fighter V exhibition event from the line-up. 

In a statement, Capcom wrote: “In light of the recent accusations of misconduct made against EVO organiser Joey Cuellar, Capcom will no longer be participating in EVO 2020. 

“Out of respect to those who have been affected and to the current investigation, we felt this was the appropriate course of action. We apologise to the players and fans who were looking forward to these tournaments.”

The main titles on the EVO Online line-up included Mortal Kombat 11, Skullgirls, Them Fightin’ Herds and Killer Instinct - while a number of other titles were set to receive special exhibition events.

Mortal Kombat has been pulled from EVO Online (Picture: NetherRealm Studios) 

It remains to be seen whether more developers will follow suit in pulling their titles from the event, or if EVO could cancel the tournament entirely. 

It’ll be very short notice if the latter happens, with EVO Online scheduled to begin on Saturday 4th July.