Street Fighter 6 director Takayuki Nakayama expressed surprise over Capcom's controversial decision to implement a pay-per-view model for its esports tournament finals. Traditionally free for fans on platforms like YouTube and Twitch, the upcoming Capcom Cup and Street Fighter League 2025 World Championship will now require payment. Nakayama apologized for the "concern" this decision has caused, acknowledging a disconnect between Capcom's esports and development teams. The pay-per-view pricing has drawn backlash, with fans questioning whether monetizing such events contradicts the purpose of marketing the game through competitions.
Why are the esports finals for Street Fighter 6 now pay-per-view?Capcom is implementing a pay-per-view model for the finals to meet revenue targets, marking a departure from the traditional free streaming approach. This decision has generated considerable backlash from fans who see it as counterproductive to the game's promotion.
Street Fighter 6, part of the iconic fighting game series by Capcom, continues to evolve and adapt in the competitive gaming landscape. With its vibrant gameplay and strong community, esports has become a significant aspect of its appeal. The upcoming finals, previously notable for their free accessibility, reflect larger trends where monetization in esports raises questions about accessibility and community engagement.
Alex Riverton
Alex Riverton is a seasoned journalist with over a decade of experience in the gaming industry. Known for their in-depth analysis and hands-on previews, Alex has built a reputation for insightful commentary on gameplay mechanics and storytelling in videogames.
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Comments
Man, nothing kills the hype of a major tournament faster than paywalls - feels like they're prioritizing short-term profits over long-term community growth. Guess we'll see if the FGC's passion can outweigh these new financial barriers.
It's wild how the same company that nailed player-friendly mechanics in Street Fighter 6 is dropping the ball this hard on esports accessibility. Charging for finals feels like they're forgetting that a thriving competitive scene is what keeps these games alive long-term.