1. Make multiple donation pools. Set one at APEX at the check-in counter. Another at Wintergamesfest. Organize a social media movement led by community leaders.
2. Win the donation drive. Hopefully Sony doesn't moneyhat and the bronies ignore the entire thing (unlikely).
I think you're overestimating the bronies. I can't imagine there are enough members of that community that are interested in the
fighting game based on their favorite cartoon. You know as well as anyone how strong the Melee community is. If we wanted to get this game into Evo, and it was a money thing, we'd do it.
The wild card is if Sony/Nether Realm. If they money hat this shit with like $50k then there's nothing any community can do about it. Enjoy your 40 man tournaments at Evo.
3. Get a community representative onto the EVO staff.
Super, super important. Considering how many games are on the roster, I can't imagine Wizard/the Evo staff will be willing to tackle Smash themselves. They're going to want all the help they could get. I'm sure a respected Melee TO will be hired for the job.
4. Have that representative fight for the proper rulesets, schedule, budget, streams, logistics, etc. aka do as much work as it would otherwise take to run a major in itself, but without the final say.
Ruleset shouldn't be a problem.
I've asked Wizard on twitter if every game's top 8 would be on the main stream, he hasn't answered. Pretty sure every game's top 8 has been featured on the main stream in the history of Evo, no matter how boring or "low on the food chain" they are. More than likely, we'd get on the Saturday stream. About 50k viewers. Not too shabby.
5. Promote EVO among international smash circles. Get a few big names to confirm early. Get a lot of early registration so that the representative has more leeway. Create hype w/media and social networks. Invite FGC gamers to smash events leading up to EVO.
Also important, but I think if we actually get in the lineup, the big names will show their support.
6. Get a massive amount of registrants (If done properly, Melee ought to be 3rd in attendance. If done exceptionally, it can even eclipse SF IV). Use that to maybe get a prime time spot on Sunday.
Shouldn't be a problem if #5 is successful.
7. Host a gargantuan 3 day event without a hitch.
If fucking MK, Tekken and anime games can do it, I'm certain Melee can do it.
Thats a lot of things that have to go right. And some of it depends on a 3rd party that none of them know very well (EVO and its higher ups). So many are asking "is it worth it?", "will it even be a good event?", "wouldn't I rather just go to APEX/Genesis? a real smash tourney?", "will they treat us with respect", "are we really competing with My Little Pony? is that what we're worth to them?"
Like it or not, a lot of people are donating as much for Melee as for charity. And for those people those questions are running through their heads.
Evo did NOT have to include a player's choice game on the lineup. the fact that our 12 year old game has even a remote CHANCE of getting into Evo should be applauded. Evo doesn't owe Smash players anything. To throw this opportunity away would be stupid.