Capcom Eyes Revival of Classic Fighting Games for Modern Consoles Amidst Growing Fan Demand

Capcom is expressing a strong interest in making its timeless fighting games available on contemporary gaming systems. The company recognizes the demand from fans for access to its treasured titles on modern platforms. Recently, at the EVO 2024 tournament in Las Vegas, producer Shuhei Matsumoto discussed these possibilities in an interview with IGN. He shared insights about the chances of bringing more of Capcom's iconic fighting games to current hardware.

Matsumoto emphasized that fans have a significant desire to see these classic titles re-released, and the development team shares that enthusiasm. He stated that the goal is to introduce new audiences to these historic games, which might not have had the chance to experience them previously. This year’s EVO was particularly memorable, showcasing the classic Street Fighter 3: Third Strike prominently. The 1999 classic, often regarded as one of Capcom’s finest, drew an impressive turnout of over 1,100 participants.

According to EVO's statistical breakdown, Third Strike ranked as the fifth most popular game at the event, surpassing titles like Under Night In-Birth 2 Sys:Celes, Mortal Kombat 1, and The King of Fighters 15. When reflecting on Street Fighter 3, Matsumoto, who also serves as a producer for Street Fighter 6, noted the importance of making classic fighting games accessible on modern consoles. His intention is to reach a broader range of players who might have missed the opportunity to play these games during their original releases.

The focus remains on ensuring these titles are available to all audiences moving forward. While Third Strike can be enjoyed online through the Street Fighter 30th Anniversary Collection on platforms like Nintendo Switch and PS4, a more dedicated version akin to the highly regarded Street Fighter 3: Third Strike Online Edition for PS3 and Xbox 360 would certainly be welcomed. Additionally, with the recent revival of SNK vs. Capcom: SvC Chaos, the notion of a comprehensive Capcom vs. SNK collection feels increasingly plausible. Only the future can unveil the fate of these timeless classics.

Mariana Rocha 13 Aug 2024