Summary
Highlights
Capcom has announced that Capcom Cup 12 and the Street Fighter League World Championships will be pay-per-view events for the final two days, costing 4,000 yen (approximately $27 USD) per day or 6,000 yen (approximately $40 USD) for a bundle. VODs will be available for free a week later. This sudden announcement has sparked widespread negative reactions within the FGC community, with many questioning Capcom's motives and the impact on accessibility.
The hosts discuss how Capcom Fighters, an English-first account typically managed by Capcom USA, made the announcement without providing any justification for the shift from free to paid viewing. This move feels like a 'cash grab' to the community, especially given that in-person tickets in Japan are cheaper than the pay-per-view broadcast. It is speculated that Capcom might be viewing esports as a separate profit-generating entity rather than a marketing tool for the game.
Traditionally, esports served as advertising for video games, driving game sales and DLC purchases. However, Capcom seems to be treating its esports division as an independent profit center, which is a departure from previous models. This shift could be driven by the substantial player base in Japan for Street Fighter 6, potentially leading to a more Japan-centric approach to their esports endeavors.
The $40 price tag is seen as tone-deaf for many regions globally, where it represents a significant portion of monthly income. MenaRD, a prominent player, voiced concerns about the economic realities in different regions, where people struggle to afford even playing the game, let alone paying to watch tournaments. The week-long delay for free VODs also severely impacts the immediate cultural impact and content creation around the event, diminishing its live appeal.
The hosts suggest that Capcom has missed opportunities for sustainable monetization, such as offering CPT-themed DLC bundles (as done in Street Fighter 5) or premium stream options with additional content while keeping a free basic stream. The current approach, lacking communication and incentives, feels exploitative. They also highlight the missed potential of the in-game 'Battle Hub' to host virtual watch parties for paid subscribers.
The discussion touches on the unsustainability of million-dollar prize pools for fighting game esports. It's argued that these massive prizes offer diminishing returns in attracting new players and that a more equitable prize distribution across more players would better serve the community and foster a sustainable ecosystem. Capcom's continued pursuit of such a high-stakes prize pool, particularly for first place, is seen as a key factor in their financial struggles with esports.