Why I Stopped Melee

For quite a while now people have been asking why I've been away from smash and esp Melee, I made this short vid to answer that. Too much negativity in the community really got to me in terms of mentality/happiness/motivation, so I have been trying other things. There's a chance I'll return based on if I feel differently in the future, but I don't want to make promises or guarantees on that. I loved coaching and helping others etc and streaming and have interest in next Smash (if there's another one) in terms of playing/streaming/content/coaching., I am really sorry for those that liked my Marth and wanted to see it more but the negativity for years has been really bad for me, more than people probably know.

[@GR.]

You're a legend, and always will be. I wish you nothing but the best in life

[@mayowith4ohs]

Where you at my friend I love your smash compilations

[@StealthNinja4577]

Social media is trash. Leaving it and getting back to that 2003 local vibe is way better.

[@amadora48]

legit put ur phone down then

[@Leny1777]

The 2000s was bad with online trolling but it did not happen on KZbin days till 2007 or so... Several Online games in 2000s was much worse than today about throwing threats,etc. Mew2king might of been happy to stay away from online pc games.But phones and social media is making things worse.

[@nathanlevesque7812]

human + anonymity = garbage 90% of the time

[@noahanderson984]

​we can all be addicted together 😊

[@RTU130]

Yea

[@bluescheep]

Dont feel bad about, you left a lasting legacy!

[@OberynTheRedViper]

By tryharding a party game. Y’all idolize this dude for literally just being really good at pin the tail on the donkey. Bet you guys think it’s the peak of hype to break open a piñata. Try hard in an actual competitive game. Y’all are the laughing stock of the gaming community. Also, stop kiddie diddling, Smash players.

[@deadfr0g]

Writing “Don’t feel bad about ____” is like handing someone a blank cheque for positive vibes, and I think this is the kind of energy we need more of in the world. 🤣

[@luigi64gamer19]

Says who

[@wieran35000vr]

@@luigi64gamer19 weak bait this will be your only reply

[@joey5745]

FACTS,

[@drifter1063]

Uncut and straight to the point with no filler. You a real one Mking

[@krusher181]

He’s the truth.

[@Frog7609]

"uncut" lol

[@SufferDYT]

@@Frog7609 he wishes

[@toiletseat777]

@@SufferDYT And you wish you weren't a fat loser.

[@RealMephres]

​@@Frog7609probably in the sense of that he says it how it is

[@sonyslyer9946]

My main man, you don’t need to ever feel bad! You have inspired many and you have inspired me as a Marth main. Thank you for everything but I understand the bs of Melee, you do you M2K

[@Nacil_54]

The best thing for you to do, is what makes you happy.

[@deadfr0g]

1. Makes a difficult-yet-positive personal decision for good health. 2. Elaborates. *KINGLY BEHAVIOUR* 👑

[@sablesoul]

M2K is absolutely correct. The negativity on the internet is getting insane. I'm sure the algorithm has a huge part in this, that engagement is just stronger when people are fighting and negative to each other, but it is absolutely a part of the culture now. It was not like this in the late 2000s and early 2010s. People just want to tear down others. People desperately look for a reason to hate some popular person or thing.

[@mohamedchehab1505]

It was always bad, people are assholes. Internet gives people the opportunity to be an asshole without consequence, an outlet for their assholeness. It doesn't help that people enable this by saying stuff like the internet isn't real life which makes no sense. (And never has made sense)

[@cookster69]

​@@mohamedchehab1505I saw a good video by Kurzgesagt, they argued people are actually exposed to too many different opinions from their own on the internet, and it leads to people being furious. The algorithm doesn't help either, nor does the anonymity. It's definitely something we should work out as a species before we seriously consider the whole globalisation deal

[@Nesdude42]

I agree that there have always been assholes but back then I don't feel like it was in our faces as much as it is now. The algorithms reward people for being toxic - encouraging the bad behaviors for clicks. It's horrible and over the years I have been more and more disengaged from social media specifically because of it.

[@PedroPwnsYou]

The people who comment on the internet are literally the 0.1% of people who are the assholes, arguing against the 0.1% of people who take the bait of the assholes. Its the 1% vs the 1%, and normal people don't care enough to comment. The algorithm absolutely is a part of this. So read what's online with a grain of salt, and PAY FOR YOUR NEWS. Get a good ol' fashioned news subscription, that way you are the customer, not the advertiser. Totally agree bro.

[@ulysses5439]

@@cookster69 kurzgesagt is unironically ¶®Ø¶@G@l\lD@

[@reverie_sm]

You're an iconic player and whether or not you return, that never changes. Negativity has always been popular and loud, so I definitely understand where you're coming from. I myself have had times where I wish the community would just have fun with the game and have better sportsmanship. I know if I ever play Melee again myself, I'll go right back to playing my Marth that was shaped by hours of watching you compete. Whatever you do, I hope you never forget the impact you've had on players all over the world. Good luck with everything!

[@jeromehahaha118]

Well he said it was not always like that. its def worse recently :)

[@nathanlevesque7812]

internet @@jeromehahaha118

[@sagestearns6888]

I really think M2K is referring to how quickly people are to cancel anyone for anything in melee while a lot of top players are extremely negative but as long as you have the bigger following most of the time their wrong doings get thrown under the rug. And the timeline he's referring to I think is post me too melee era. Remember what happened to him..

[@moodycxnt]

Jason has surpassed being a professional gamer. He is a beloved icon just like you said. I hope he reads this post in particular. For all that he has done for all Smash games everyone who knows the name M2K wants nothing but the best for him.

[@fluidexpressions6856]

ive always seen you in a positive light, and think you are an amazing smash player. i remember you coming to our local tourney way back when and everyone was so thrilled to have you there. I remember the community being very helpful and everyone wanting everyone to get better etc. i think the chronically online type vibe makes people forget people are people not invincible statues with no feeling. much love M2K - every time i play mewtwo i think of you and some of the crazy stuff you can pull off. youve been inspiration to me for sure. thank you for it all, and if you do come back to play i hope everyone relaxes a bit and become a little more compassionate with eachother.

[@suico778]

👌 Good on you, man. Being able to try new stuff frequently has to be one of the best skills someone can acquire as they grow. Of all the "smash gods", I honestly think you're the most real and trustworthy. Not throwing shade to the other guys or whatever, but you're just relentlessly straight up. It's seriously admirable. Keep it up, brotha.

[@HoboBob24]

There's nothing more important than your health. Be where you feel you should be, man. I promise that doing what's best for you isn't making anyone feel let down.

[@deadfr0g]

Right?? I, for one, enjoy seeing when people I like are flourishing and happy in whatever path they’ve selected for themselves. Now imagine the opposite. Imagine wanting someone you like to just stay doing something that’s making them feel miserable. Yikes lmao 💀

[@ohalohuntero]

You gave the community so much dude all the best to you in whatever you pursue

[@grdfhrghrggrtwqqu]

He made a lot of money from COACHING, and now he stopped melee to chase profits. Mew2king is my favorite florida man, say hello to rolando for me.

[@MarMaxGaming]

@@grdfhrghrggrtwqquchase profits? Like actually make some money, oh dear, please don’t rip on him for wanting a house one day…

[@laurinschwarzmayr]

You made Smash History and nobody can take that away from you. Love Hbox, love Mang0, love Armada, but nobody did it like you. You're the Smash GOAT. To witness your story, it was a privilege.

[@fizz9698]

Armada 😭😭😭

[@docholiday2795]

Absolutely agree. You will always be the KING. Do what makes you happy, you brought us plenty of happiness for a lifetime. You owe no one anything. Thanks brother.

[@simenhartford7206]

And he's the only Melee God and smash player period to be the best player in the world in two different smash titles.

[@11DowningStreet]

hbox > Mew2Trash

[@gaysfortrump2024]

armada still my goat haha

[@MexicanCat999]

Jason you are an amazingly kind, genuine, and positive person and we all love you dude! Thanks you so much for sharing your thoughts, super happy to hear that things are going well and you should absolutely do what makes you the happiest, it makes us happy to see you happy too! Whether that includes melee or not :) your incredible legacy will always be remembered, and stoked to see what you do next!!

[@domenicdefusco6328]

Jason, you are the REASON I got in to Melee competitively. I would go to our local venue Digital Mayhem in Wallingford CT to play every week. I remember when the fabled Mew2King showed up for a local. PC Chris, Cort and many other NE and Tristate powerhouses showed up. It was the local of a life time. You guys continued to come and here I am 18 years later having the staple game series of my life all thanks to a smashboards post of yours talking about frame data analysis. Screw the negativity, you rock man., I hope whatever life brings your way it's only good. Much love.

[@BigDeepz]

Dude, nothing but love for you my friend. Thank you for everything you have contributed. Love that you are pursuing new things! I think that's the beauty of life.

[@ClimbingKeen]

We love you Jason. You’ve been an amazing person in the community for so long and we have nothing but love and respect for you. Be well brother.

[@sef0917]

I have played smash since the game came out in the late 90’s and I started playing more competitively because of you. I also began maining marth originally because of you and he’s been my main in all of them (yes even in ultimate) ever since. Take as much time as you need man. You’re a freakin LEGEND

[@DasGoodSoup]

01'

[@yean4573]

64 came out in '99

[@theletterjoth]

All love Jason, we’re just happy to see you’re doing well and are finding outlets that make you happy ❤

[@king_eziel]

Love that you are doing what's best for you M2K! Hope you find joy.

[@dissect123]

Totally get you. Stepping out of negative environments from your life is one of the best choices anyone can (and probably should) make. Glad to hear it worked out well for you.

[@KIJHK]

You've been a huge inspiration, M2K. Thank you for everything you've done for us.

[@Bones0]

Zimmerman from Cinnaminson! The King of the Mews!!! Getting to play you as a lowly noob at Pound 5, which was my first major, and the occasional fests years later are some of my favorite Melee experiences. I'm glad to hear you're doing well even if that means distancing from Melee.

[@stompknee]

You are one of my favorite players and contributed in getting me to start playing and streaming! Thanks for your legacy and all the awesome, inspiring moments you gave me over the years. Hope you achieve all you want to in this next stage of life! ❤

[@josiejams9018]

M2K you were a big reason I got into melee, loved watching your stuff way back in the day and getting into melee gave me and all my friends countless fond memories. I've always said, especially with esports, that I would rather see big names and competitors finish strong and move on to other things than burn themselves into the ground trying to keep up the grind. Others may say differently, but in my mind you left a great legacy and deciding to move on and preserve that legacy while trying to build new legacies in other endeavors is a really bold and mature move. Keep it up homie.

[@Hogwheels]

I haven’t played the game in years, and part of it is because I no longer wanted to associate with the community, so I feel you. It’s nice that you can do what makes you happy, your legacy will always remain regardless.

[@TMFisms]

Same reason I stopped playing. The community for all it's pros has so many flaws and people are way too negative these days

[@cubaisdeath]

me too. I'll randomly hop on slippi and play with old friends but as far as attending events goes, yeah nah I'm good

[@DongKEKong]

nah, m2k. You are right. The state of the community is bad.

[@augustdahlkvist3998]

I think the community is in the best place it has been ever. I have been playing for a while and I actually disagree with M2K here, the community used to be way more toxic. Especially towards women and LGBT people. The language and level of trash talk has gone down a lot and I think the events I have gone to are more inclusive than ever. Many more people feel welcome than back in the day.

[@rheawelsh4142]

​@@augustdahlkvist3998I think the in person community has gotten better but the online community can be pretty garbage, and unfortunately as sort of a figurehead Jason probably had to deal with that a lot

[@svsv1191]

What a trash post@@augustdahlkvist3998

[@mapperize]

@@augustdahlkvist3998 the amount of negativity from twitter and a bigger a community looks worse imo

[@vietnamsemonky4082]

@@augustdahlkvist3998 I would rather have that back then daily witch hunts, doxxing people for perceived bigotry, the large amount of pdfiles and their defenders, etc. Its nice to include more people, but the trolling and ripping on people gatekept the crazies, and now the crazies run the asylum lmao.

[@orangeflare2662]

love you jason, and huge respect for sharing what's on your mind

[@handmetheparachute]

I support you for protecting your well being and looking after yourself, M2K! I'm happy that things are looking up for you in your life, and wish you thr best wherever things take you!

[@shisuithepantyteleporter7744]

Don't feel bad Jason! I've noticed alot more negativity in the greater smash community just social media and the anonymity of online smash in general have created this negative vacuum imo that wasn't there when it was all in person events people are alot kinder and understanding when your sitting right next to them ( most of the time lol) but you've built a legacy and have tasted pretty much everything smash had to offer and all of the positive sides too so I definitely wouldn't feel bad about your decisions best luck in all your future endeavors many of us are rooting for you and can't wait to see what that future holds for you!

[@SuperLemonfish]

you are a legendary player. My favorite to watch play, because of your unique story, personality and playstyle. You really inspired me, so thank you! You are the smash goat and im really sorry it doesn't bring you happiness anymore. Hopefully one day it can. Especially if you just turn off most social media or something like that.

[@LeHeartly]

I'm one of the people that's definitely missed you a ton too. I'm not even a Smasher, but I'm also a FL FGC gamer, and going to events like CEOs and TNSs and seeing you there doing your thing was always a highlight for me. Even though I am like many others that would love to see you get back to competing, I still feel that first and foremost your health and happiness matters most. Keep taking care of yourself and choosing the things that bring you the most joy. And we'll we delighted for you to return when you feel the time is right and that you can fully enjoy it!

[@AbsentmindedGCN]

This struck a chord with me. I quit late last year for my own safety and mental health (to avoid potential altercations with a very abusive player in my local scene). I got the itch to play a little bit again, but trying to get back into things I was astounded by how unhinged and toxic things were in the Melee scene compared to how genuine and supportive other scenes out there are. Melee's scene just isn't as supportive and grassroots as it used to be. People used to make really awesome projects and things together like everyone was working towards a common goal of making Melee into an eSport and showing how awesome the game was. Now it feels like people are stepping on each other and pushing others down just to get further/ahead in the game and community. It's really hard to stay motivated when people are constantly shitting on each other. I'm glad things are on the upswing, Jason. Keep following what makes you happy and don't let anything hold you back man. (Also you probably don't remember me but we met at LTC2, sorry for waking you up when you were sleeping under the table, you had a match lol)

[@5gods]

Ur Icies are sick

[@DreamTerrorist]

Wokeness/forced progressive politics being shoved down your throat killed Melee.

[@Icky34]

@@DreamTerrorist bro he's talkin about you rn

[@nj8833]

please report that player in your local scene for everyone else's sake as well

[@TJlolbagger]

Nah, the Melee scene used to be way more competitive and "toxic." We were just tougher back then and could dish it out as well as we took it.

[@typhlosion7872]

I already looked up to you because your success despite the troubles of aspergers and autism helping me through my own troubles, but this just makes me look up to you even more. You didn't just stick with it because you were successful at it, you quit and moved on because it started to make you miserable where everyone else would've just kept doing it. I know it's incredibly cheesy, but it really is awe inspiring and inspirational to me as someone who has had the struggles with autism throughout my whole life. I'll always be a fan no matter what you decide to do with your career. I'll try to catch a Twitch stream in the next few days, sorry I've been gone for so long

[@JacoDoD]

M2K thank you for being such a wholesome pillar and role model in not just Melee but all of esports. Generations of gamers have known and respected the King. Truly a class act! Thank you thank you thank you! PS that is a really nice view behind you, and some awesome looking green space PPS if you're feeling down something that works for me is letting my beard grow. Mine doesn't come in perfectly fast but if I let it be for months or half a year+ then I get some magic to work with. Off-the-wall suggestion I know but I've found that there are some simple pleasures in life (like taking walks barefoot) that help re-center a man.

[@helentriantafillou6352]

You are right Jason. It does feel like something about the smash community has changed over the past 5 years or so. Much less homie like and way more toxic. I am glad you are exploring what life has to offer you.

[@davidvkimball]

Thank you for making this video. I hope you get showered with positivity and encouragement! Happy to see you trying new things and being successful. Cheers.

[@bdc_ky]

You’re always one of the best inspirations and I totally get that feeling about toxicity. Live your best life! You’re still one of the all time greats and one of the peoples champ!

[@alanraymundo]

Ive been following you for ages and I dont follow the competitive scene anymore but I check up on you every now and then and I just really wish you a full filing, healthy life. You are the man m2k

[@TheTozotube]

Jason you are one of the good few that have prevailed since the beginning, we love you bro, I haven’t followed smash in years but it makes me very happy that things are going up for you. Wishing ya the best. Much love. Ignore the negativity the best you can, I know it sucks so bad, but there is always positivity out there. We got this bro! Have fun exploring life!

[@sagestearns6888]

M2K you speaking this truth is so admirable and is very needed. Thank you!

[@pawouapproval984]

You do you bro! Best of luck for the future!!!

[@deadfr0g]

He could’ve titled this video “Why I stopped _playing_ Melee,” but he chose to name it “Why I _stopped_ Melee,” which implies that Melee was an oncoming, malevolent force that he single-handedly halted in its tracks. Thank you for protecting our families from Melee, sir!

[@thisisapc5676]

He only stopped melee, it's still coming

[@coma_39]

monkaS

[@kyrntheharpooner4150]

Ok redditor

[@gianlucatartaro1335]

You were the reason I started playing Melee in 2019, and while I was sad for a while when you left, I’ve since come to appreciate the amazing legacy you left on the game and have nothing but happiness knowing that you are on top of the world right now :) Cheers Jason, Smash series GOAT!

[@Bacchus325]

Nobody can do something forever especially when they're dealing with bums being jerks. You were a gift to this community and always will be. Enjoy the life you've built for yourself and never feel guilty about choosing your own sanity.

[@dylanbennett9992]

Much love bro.

[@Garymaster4321]

Jason you are still my fav Melee player of all time and of course I want to see you come back. But what I want to see way more is you being happy! I am super proud of you surrounding yourself with the right people and getting yourself away from negativity. Keep going man, you are on the right track, mental health is something very important.

[@n1njahawkssecondchannel84]

Perfect job 👍

[@TriforceMaster64]

Great to hear you're doing better! Even as a big fan of your Melee playing (especially Marth), I'm glad you're prioritizing your health, and as much as I'd love to see you play again, I wouldn't want you to play if it just feeds you negativity. I'm only disappointed I missed your Street Fighter 6 arc, gonna have to look back for that.

[@beardalaxy]

I feel ya M2K, I still play Smash with my buddies and I still watch tournaments every now and then, but I left the scene around 2019 because it felt pretty toxic for several reasons. Of course, what happened the next year sort of proved me right in that regard, unfortunately :( I only really got into competitive Smash in 2015 with PM, and through it I forged some really good relationships so I'm happy for the time I spent TOing, playing, and streaming. You'll always be one of my favorite players of all time man, and I hope you're doing well and just livin' your life to the fullest!

[@indigo5577]

Thank you, Jason! You showed the world the limits that we can push Smash and ourselves with enough dedication, passion, and creativity. I hope life has more in store for you!

[@WholesomeCureShow]

We love you, whatever makes you happy makes us happy, happy days king ❤

[@DJPRS]

Hey Jason you may not remember me but I was close to Gregg when you guys lived out here in AZ. I lost touch with him but when we used to chat I would ALWAYS ask how you were doing and just made sure you and everyone else on the team was doing well. I'm glad you made this video letting us know how you feel, I applaud you on your new endeavors and I cant wait for you to finish your book when the time is right! Much love to the King

[@tredar22able]

Glad you are focusing on you and I'm sorry for the negativity you experienced. Wishing the best on your new journey 🙏

[@theanti-star7151]

Glad you're open about the situation, hope you're going to feel better in a bit too ❤

[@MccDannGG]

I really hope whatever comes next for you is greater than you could imagine! Blessings on the journey!

[@jaredvoelker6448]

Thanks for being honest, hopefully hearing this helps the community grow in a better direction!

[@voden574]

I truly understand your sentiment and struggle. A lot of other gaming communities tend to bring out the worst out of some people. The initial atmosphere starts off strong but with time, certain folks turn their long-term investment by becoming righteous sour muppets. The hardest thing is to mentally ignore it when you know deep down that the kind of toxicity is not necessary and that it can be better. And now with the internet, it's easier to see those things, and a lot of it. For me, "ignorance is bliss" is really starting to become more used when I think of any social platforms. It's good you are finding the right people to be around that can make you divert your attention to more positive things. Stay strong you absolute unit, you are a good man.

[@MartyrLoserKing]

Love you Jason. You’ll always be the GOAT in my eyes. Bet your hands are happier.

[@76Hog]

“Things have been going upwards. Things are looking better for me finally. I’m really sorry I haven’t been competing” Don’t apologize bro! ❤

[@towenaar7422]

love you m2k, so glad you're experiencing life and trying more things! I've been doing the same and it's been so great to discover myself and the world outside of me a bit more. wish you well with your journey!

[@middyjohn]

Your marth/sheik sets with spacies will always get me hyped and smiling whenever I'm feeling down, I literally binged your sets earlier this year. I assume you've been dealing with this ever since the 2010s era and we never seen that insane motivated2k from 2007-08 ever again. Return or not, we love you all the same yayson and I wish you all the best this year

[@michaelpohl9077]

Your Highness, no worries. Best wishes from Germany. Your Marth and Sheik gameplay have been an inspiration for me. That was more than 10 years ago, now I am father and uncle and I am still able to impress my nephews with my edgeguard skills in SSBU, all because you kinda had tought me the concept of gimping. Thanks, bless you!

[@broor]

This is the sweetest thing ever :)

[@grdfhrghrggrtwqqu]

did you just call him your highness. ?????????? and he taught you gimping? bro. what else did he teach you...

[@Johndavidson4]

The king. I appreciate you’re genuinely here. I know I’d love to see your marth or even sheik/fox return. Keep it pushing

[@VexedRS]

You don't owe the community anything Jason. This video explaining was a really nice thing for you to do, I'm very grateful for it. Super happy to see you're feeling better and life is going well for you. Do what makes you happy & Melee will always be thankful to you for everything you gave it. Plus! For as long as Melee is alive, the community will always welcome you back to it, should you ever wanna come say hey.

[@coolguyc4sey]

You are the goat dude and i completely agree with your sentiments towards the community, its felt different for me too which made me want to leave. Im so happy you are doing well and wish you the best of luck on your future endeavours

[@KalebSDay]

Good luck out there with whatever you're striving towards man. We'll never forget the Mew2King :)

[@igoldenknight2169]

You’re more than a Smash Melee legend, there’s many more adventures to be had and legends to make! What a wonderful time to discover them!

[@eldra2179]

you're pretty much the main reason/person that really made me take the step to get back into smash bros 9 years ago and oh man has it been awesome in so many cool ways! nomatter what you do i'm sure you will continue to inspire and create ripples of positivity wherever you go!

[@Ducksen]

Feel like it might just be a greater internet problem honestly. I only ever watched comp Melee, but I remember early Smash 4 was not nearly as negative as current day Ultimate. Either way, good on you for looking out for your mental health first.

[@zachstarattack7320]

sorry to hear that. Sorry for the negativity. Either way, happy to see you on other things... its krazy how much u played and stuff. Ur always the robot with heart

[@supesdude8095]

You will forever be a legend Mew2King. You Marth will never be dethroned. You rock

[@ssbMekk]

God bless you and enjoy whatever you choose to spend time on. You’re not the only one noticing this.

[@TheBeggies95]

Hey man! I just want you to know that a lot of people agree with you. They are being silenced by the fear of being cancelled

[@ssbMekk]

@@TheBeggies95 I know.

[@kona7014]

my fault i be gettin u mixed up with that Other ganon player

[@ssbMekk]

didn't even see what you said, all g@@kona7014

[@Farkonso]

Live what you love and what makes you happy. Legend. U don't owe it to anyone to play or do what you don't want to

[@PrestoJacobson]

Gotta do what you wanna do! Don't give up!!

[@brandonTHEshiados]

Jason, I've never known you, as many of us never will. But I've followed your journey since the early 2000s when KZbin first started. It's been an honor and a pleasure to watch you play. I'm my opinion, you are, and always will be one of the GOATS of Melee, and you, along with others brought a lot of of joy and excitement to my life when I was extremely depressed and down. Thank you for being you! You're such a memorable character in which you feel like you've personally known a while and get along with. You're awesome man. I'm sorry about the negativity from others, I'm not sure what they say, but keep on being you man. You rock M2K. 🤜🤛

[@creed2516]

I literally got into competitive smash bros because of you dude. You're an idol to me dude, you taught me that games had so much more depth than what they have on the surface, and that they are so much better enjoyed together as well. All I can hope is that as a member of the smash community myself, we can all acknowledge the problems that have been ignored and make it so that you feel like you can come back. To you, from me, personally, I'm sorry, and thank you for all the work you put into this game and community.

[@JoroTheSpaz]

just glad to see you're starting to do better! your impact on the history of smash can't be overstated and the most important thing is to make sure you can still do you! you're someone that's inspired me throughout the years and i want to keep being inspired by whatever you decide to do next!

[@TWISKED]

You’ll always be a Smash God, and you’ll definitely excel at whatever you’re gonna be tryin’ out next. ❤

[@aaronrobertson8334]

The wokeness of the smash communities really killed it for me.

[@ErikSnus-h6l]

Yeah they went woke extremist way to far.

[@doctorpebba]

As someone who's watched you compete since I was 15 years old (im now 24) I completely understand and I'm glad you're doing what's right for you. However, I'm a little sad. I will probably be rewatching old melee tournaments until I die. That shit was awesome and there will never be anything like it again.

[@ModelCitizen2]

I'm super glad to hear you've been seeking out different experiences that give you more happiness, you deserve that. It can be really easy to get stuck doing things that aren't making you happy anymore just because that's what people expect of you, so I'm really glad you aren't forcing yourself into situations that make you unhappy!

[@Forged4War206]

It's definitely a generational thing I feel... I also don't remember people being nearly as negative or cynical back when the internet was younger and people didn't live on it 24/7. Depression is at an all time high, and everywhere you go people just seem to always be wanting to make you feel as miserable as them. It's definitely a good thing to distance yourself away from that as much as possible and find outlets that make you happy, otherwise you just sink further and further into that hole, especially when you're also surrounded by other people with the same negative mentality.

[@LendinSwiftbolt]

Honestly, fair. Thanks for your honesty. I quit Smash myself b/c of the community, but regardless with what you do going forward, we wish the best for you.

[@zetsun0]

What Jason says coincides with the fact that the smash community ruined itself and its competitive scene in the past 2-3 years lol

[@Endershock1678]

I can honestly understand where you are coming from a lot. When I started playing Smash, especially Ultimate, I loved the game, but as I got better at the game and reached the point where I wanted to start interacting with other players and the community, I noticed there was so much negativity towards the games and the characters and just an overall very negative attitude towards something that I thought was absolutely incredible, and I slowly started to fall out of love for the game. Nowadays, I enjoy the game a lot more, but I've stopped interacting with people within the community and just interact with people I know who like the game.

[@doinklas]

Do what's best for you man! been a huge fan of yours since like 2009, met you back in 2012 or something like that at SKTAR in new jersey and you were really cool and even gave me some tips on how to make my marth better. You have been a god of smash for so long that you owe no one anything

[@PennyFizz]

Smash social media is fueled by negativity, but the tightly-nit environments of 20 man locals are still as fresh as ever. I don't blame you for dipping out of the national scene, but for your sake, it might be good to rediscover the joy of smash on a small scale, preferably without huge stream viewership weighing down the experience :>

[@Mojenn__]

this is pretty much the reason why I never tried to get into Melee

[@sO_RoNerY]

Melee community is trash. I’m glad you’re playing other games-better games. Especially Street Fighter.

[@Jbswe]

I mean sf6 community is pretty bad also, they complain daily about the game its exhausting

[@chuckp3]

You do you man! Be happy! I remember first seeing you play and feeling like you had broken the game. This was like 2006-08? You changed the game . You are a legend. Hope you see this. Good luck!

[@MarMaxGaming]

*Mr. Jason aka M2K* like SO MANY other fans, I loved watching you for so long and you’re amazing. Melee is an insanely daunting and an unimaginably draining game to play at its height, and you did it for like 15 years… I hope you’re able to finally relax and enjoy yourself, find some well deserved relief… you’ve done more than enough in your career. Sorry to hear so many dweebs targeted you, can’t imagine why they would aside from just being petty and jealous… you didn’t do anything wrong, and everybody knows that. Much love to you, man… take care!

[@Antifrost]

I wouldn't say this has to do with you being 'mentally strong as you need to be' or not. I've noticed it too, the Smash community in general has become more unbearable lately than it used to be, and I'm saying that as a no-name spectator. I can imagine being one of the most recognizable players in the community across multiple games means you see even more of it than I do, and even more people will direct their own grievances towards you. If you feel like its the best decision for you to step away from all of that, then that's what you should do. You've done so much to be a positive influence in the community, we're all grateful for what you've done.

[@ryansvideogamereviews7380]

Im glad you took my advice and not pursue a career in QA testing. Your stronger then you think!

[@uprobdonotcare]

Tons of love king, do whatever you want and be around the people that want you. I support it always

[@TheIrrelevantYT]

M2K will always be part of my Melee nostalgia, and nothing will change that. Thank you, M2K, and do your thing; it'll work out.

[@kms_domo]

Great to hear from you! Taking a step back from the things that bring you down is a wonderful move.

[@malcsinger90]

THE KING!!! You've contributed so much to the game. Thanks for everything and wishing you the best in whatever you decide to explore next!

[@SolidusRyd]

I didn't see or follow smash until the "Five Gods" era was over, but it's been really cool to watch KZbin documentaries about yours and others accomplishments and happenings. Things come to an end or move on to new stuff. I'm a bit sad I didn't get to see it when it happened, but I'm happy for you that you chose to try new stuff to like.

[@PoogV2]

Good for you. You're one of the few Smash personalities I still follow for those same reasons. Great to see you finding something you enjoy and its going well!

[@harold4thofhisname.499]

bro mew2king i fucking love you bro you're one of the gods for a reason and people will always look up to you, and you are immortalized through your performance. love you man, never give up and never surrender!

[@benjaminracelis1992]

Haven’t watched you much, just know you as a staple of the community. Truly a legend and I hope you find joy playing whatever you want (I think undernight in-birth is a great one to try out).

[@echoesforeternity]

You've always been an awesome influence in the community man, was the guys like you that made me pick up Smash in the first place. You're the reason I decided to main Marth. You're leaving a great legacy, Godspeed in the future man!