Timed with the release of the game, Capcom has announced theirfirst high-profile tournament series for Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite. Unlike the currently Street Fighter-exclusive Capcom Cup, however, Battle for the Stones introduces some quirks to the traditional competitive environment in the hopes of making real-world decisions as crazy as what players can pull off in-game.
In addition to providing special invitations for the Evolution Championship Seriesā seven Marvel vs. Capcom 3 champions, Capcom has selected six community events as Infinity Stone tournaments. The winners of these competitions will be added to the Battle for the Stonesā 16-player bracket, equipped with the specific stone granted to their respective tournament. Much like the Infinity Stones in Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite, these prizes are apparently game-changers, and āwill grant actual abilities that can be used outside of the typical āin-gameā competition to give players an advantage over their opponent.ā
The specifics of how each Infinity Stone functions within the confines of the tournament have yet to be revealed, but Capcomās basic information explains their effects will only be active for a single match. Furthermore, fellow competitors will be able to steal these powerful gems from the Stone Bearers by defeating them at the main event.
Capcom also plans to host three online tournaments to fill out the final bracket, though the netplay champions wonāt be given anything special to make their time easier.
Battle for the Stones is scheduled for December 9-10 in Anaheim, California, and will likely run alongsidethe Capcom Cup finals at PlayStation Experience. While this is no doubt a gimmick event, Capcom is providing a $30,000 prize pool, and the presence of every previous Evo champion means competition should be fierce.
Ian Walker loves fighting games and writing about them. You can find him on Twitter at @iantothemax
