Backlash Over Capcom Cup’s Shift From Free To PPV Might Get Changes Made

At Tokyo Game Show last month, Capcom announced a new approach to both the Capcom Cup and Street Fighter League esports tournaments with a new pay-per-view model. After a furious response to the move by the fighting game community, Capcom now says it will be taking the change into further consideration.

Per VGC, a new statement from Capcom regarding the events says that the company is “reviewing pricing and related details,” with “updated information regarding the PPV broadcast, including final pricing and additional context” set to be shared “next month.”

The Tokyo Game Show announcement laid out Capcom’s plans for the new PPV model, setting the price for both the Capcom Cup finals livestream on March 14, as well as the Street Fighter League finals the next day, at 4,000 yen each–or roughly $27 a pop. The two streams could also be bundled together at a reduced price of 6,000 yen, or approximately $40. Previous Capcom Cup and Street Fighter League events were broadcast for free via the Capcom Fighters Twitch and YouTube channels, while special event-themed cosmetic items were also offered via the in-game store.

Backlash to the announcement hit social media platforms almost immediately, both from fans and those working on the game. Street Fighter 6 director Takayuki Nakayama posted on X that “even the development team was surprised by this announcement,” while also apologizing for “any concern this may have caused.”

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