Capcom believes fans will pay to watch Street Fighter 6 events — but players are responding with ridicule and criticism.
Capcom continues to support Street Fighter 6, which has emerged as one of the most popular fighting games in recent years. The company unveiled an unconventional plan: the finals of Capcom Cup 12 and the SFL World Championship will be offered via a pay-per-view arrangement.
According to the announcement at Tokyo Game Show 2025, a live stream of a single tournament will cost ¥4,000 (about $27), while a package covering both events is ¥6,000 (roughly $40). For context, that price exceeds a month of many mainstream streaming subscriptions — and applies to just one weekend of competition.
The proposal triggered a wave of backlash. Fans openly mocked the paywall, prompting Capcom to respond. On the official Capcom Fighters account the company said it is “reassessing the details and pricing” and “considering adjustments after extensive player feedback.” Capcom’s Japanese eSports division added that the negative reaction led to the review, and updated information will be released at the end of October.
The move mirrors the business models of FAME MMA and KSW, where viewers pay to watch sporting events. The difference is that competitive fighting games have yet to attract comparable audiences, and charging for digital matches could backfire. Many players accuse Capcom of prioritizing short-term revenue from loyal fans over promoting the scene.
Source: iXBT.games