The #FreeMelee movement gained massive traction in late 2020 after Nintendo issued a cease and desist to The Big House Online tournament for its use of Slippi, a fan-made mod enabling rollback netcode for Super Smash Bros. Melee. This mod was essential for playing the 2001 GameCube title online during the pandemic, and Nintendo's legal action sparked a wildfire of protest across the gaming world. Memes under the #FreeMelee banner typically highlight the contrast between the community's decades of dedication and Nintendo's strict corporate stance. It serves as a symbol of grassroots resilience and the ongoing struggle between developers and the competitive gaming communities that love their older titles.