Street Fighter V is less of a game, and more of a service. That was the entire design ethos behind the latest game in the revered fighting game series. Instead of releasing several versions of essentially the same game, Capcom decided to release just the one core version of the game and bolster it with characters, modes and features – some free, and some paid.
I can’t say whether that ethos was a mistake or not – but the way in which it was executed certainly was. When Street Fighter V was released, it was done so in a way that catered only to the hardcore fighting game crowd. One could reasonably argue that it was released in a half-baked, incomplete state purely so it could be used in tournaments. No real single player content to speak of, a lack of an arcade mode, and no real training features meant that the casual crowd was left out.
Unfortunately for Capcom, as important as the core players are, the casual players are where the money is. Sure, Capcom added a free single player story campaign (Which was largely terrible), decent training modes and more characters (and still no arcade mode) but it’s safe to say that it’s all too little, too late. Street Fighter V is a bust – and it’s a pity, because at its core the fighting is still so, so good.
Is there anything Capcom can do to help recover here? Probably not – because the casual crowd, the people who might buy the game have moved on to other things. According to recent reports, sales of Street Fighter V have stagnated so badly that according to Capcom’s most recent financial report, that sales figures are essentially the same as they were six months ago.
That means that the game has sold fewer than 100 000 copies digitally and at retail in the last six months. It could all be a clerical error, but I doubt it.
Hopefully this is a lesson to Capcom – don’t pander to one specific market. Release a game that could be considered “complete” and people may actually buy it.
Last Updated: October 28, 2016
VampyreSquirrel
October 28, 2016 at 09:07
This doesn’t surprise me at all.
xdvd
October 28, 2016 at 09:07
Or don’t make it exclusive and alienate the fanbase that bought it the most previous gen
Archdruid Kromas
October 28, 2016 at 09:19
So basically the ARK mentality.
Game not complete? Sell paid for DLC.
Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0
October 28, 2016 at 09:29
When early release games are criticized devs can claim it’s in early release. Not sure it’s ethical to charge money for games that aren’t finished but clearly morons have way too much money.
Archdruid Kromas
October 28, 2016 at 09:31
ea needs to die. EA however better bring the hype and bring it strong on the 7th of next month.
WeetBix
October 28, 2016 at 09:36
What happens on the 7th?
Geoffrey Tim
October 28, 2016 at 09:37
It’s N7 day. Mass Effect nerd heaven day.
WeetBix
October 28, 2016 at 09:43
Oh THAT!! But every day is Mass Effect nerd heaven day! Only because Mass Effect exists!
I take it Mr Tim is not a big fan?
Geoffrey Tim
October 28, 2016 at 09:57
Oh, no, I’m a huge fan. 🙂 http://www.lazygamer.net/general-news/geoffs-top-10-games-of-forever-at-this-very-moment/
Archdruid Kromas
October 28, 2016 at 09:42
If you don’t know I suggest you go out and Buy Mass Effect 1-3 and play it right now.
Hammersteyn_hates_Raid0
October 28, 2016 at 09:28
Been a crappy year for Capcom after Umbrella Corps bombed as well. Maybe they can release Super Ultra Street Fighter 5 Anniversary Edition soon? With all the the sprinkles.
WeetBix
October 28, 2016 at 09:29
It is so sad to hear this. Street Fighter deserves a lot more respect than what Capcom gave it in V. Hopefully VI is a return to its former glory!
Fox1 - Retro
October 28, 2016 at 10:05
Someone mentioned that the PS4 has the best exclusives this year and then I mentioned NMS and SFV :p
Pieter Kruger
October 28, 2016 at 10:06
Clearly people have Tekken a better liking to Killer Instinct….
Fox1 - Retro
October 28, 2016 at 10:14
Killer Instinct is the best fighter this generation.
40 Insane Frogs
October 28, 2016 at 14:07
Capcom took a self-inflicted arrow to the knee….