Backlash to Capcom Cup's move from free-to-play to PPV could lead to changes

At last month's Tokyo Game Show, Capcom announced a new approach to the Capcom Cup and Street Fighter League esports tournaments with a new pay-per-view model. After a strong reaction to the move from the fighting game community, Capcom has now said it will consider the change further.

Every gas chromatographya new statement from Capcom regarding the events said the company is “reviewing pricing and related details” and that “updated information regarding the PPV broadcast, including final pricing and additional context,” will be shared “next month.”

this Tokyo Game Show Announcement Capcom's plans for the new PPV model were laid out, setting the price for the Capcom Cup finals live broadcast on March 14 and the Street Fighter League finals the following day at 4,000 yen per game, which is about $27 per game. The two streams can also be bundled together for a discounted price of 6,000 yen (about $40). Previous Capcom Cup and Street Fighter League events have been streamed for free via the Capcom Fighters Twitch and YouTube channels, with special event-themed cosmetics also available through the in-game store.

There was almost immediate backlash to the news on social media platforms, including from fans and game staff. “Street Fighter 6” director Takayuki Nakayama Posted on X “Even the development team was surprised by the news,” while also apologizing for “any concerns this may have caused.”

Street Fighter 6 is now available for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2 and PC. The show is currently in its third season of downloadable content, with next season's fighter Crimson Viper set to join the roster on October 15th.