« IPW TOPIC OF THE WEEK: How Do You Feel About Online Fighting Game Tournaments? »

This week's topic is disguised as somewhat of a survey, so take that as you will. That said, we're looking for everyone's thoughts and opinions on this topic so be sure to comment and let us know. 

Over the past six months to a year we've seen more and more online Fighting Game tournaments pop up. Everything from the iPW/AiF Tournament Series, GodsGarden Online in Japan and just recently EVO Online just to name a few. These online tournaments don't seem to receive as much publicity as traditional tournaments, but they are becoming more and more common place. 

As a player or even casual spectator, how do you feel about these online tournaments? Do you compete in them personally, and if so what improvements could be made to them more enjoyable? If you don't compete in them, what adjustments would have to be made for you to have a change of heart and jump into the action?

What sort of format do you feel is best for these types of tournaments? Do you prefer the standard 32-64 man brackets, double elimination, or do you prefer the GodGarden style, first to ten between two players?

Lag seems to be the number one issue when discussing online tournaments here in the states, thought it's not much of a problem for the Japanese. Does the lag from coast to coast bother you or are you willing to deal with it to advance in your bracket? Would you prefer an online tournament that was restricted to your region to reduce the affect of lag by playing people who are somewhat close to you?

What about entry fees? Would you be more inclined to enter an online tournament with an entry fee and some sort of prize payout, or does the lag and other factors make it too risky to put anything on the line?

These are just a few questions that come to mind as I write this up. Let us know what you think about points above, and if there are any other issues or ideas we seemed to miss in this topic, of course let us know in the comments!