At gamescom Asia 2024, an opportunity arose to interview Street Fighter 6 Director Takayuki Nakayama and Producer Shuhei Matsumoto during a group session. The responses were communicated through translator Jessica from Capcom Japan, who relayed the developers’ thoughts in a third-person perspective. The interview provided valuable insights into the game’s development, character choices, and the team’s vision for the future of the Street Fighter franchise.

Expanding Beyond Combat

A major focus for Street Fighter 6 was broadening the game’s appeal beyond just combat. Nakayama emphasized the team’s efforts to enhance the characters' experiences and stories, allowing players to engage with the game in ways that don’t center solely on fighting. The idea was to create a game where players could have fun without needing to concentrate entirely on combat mechanics. Jessica explained that this shift marks a significant change in the series’ design philosophy. Unlike previous titles, which focused primarily on fighting, Street Fighter 6 aims to offer a more well-rounded experience by deepening character narratives and providing non-combat activities. This approach seeks to attract a wider audience, including those who may find competitive fighting games intimidating.

Crossover Characters and Historical Ties

The addition of crossover characters from the Fatal Fury series, Terry and Mai, stems from deep historical connections between the two franchises. Jessica explained that Street Fighter and Fatal Fury share a long history, with both Capcom and SNK based in Osaka, and the development teams having a close relationship. This collaboration was motivated by a desire to celebrate the shared legacy of both franchises and engage fans across both series. The decision to include these characters was not just about adding popular fighters but about honoring the historical ties and camaraderie between the development teams.

Community Engagement and Content Creators

The developers expressed enthusiasm about the recent trend of content creator-led tournaments featuring non-professional players. According to Jessica, this has helped bridge the gap between the fighting game community and casual gamers, leading to broader engagement with the game. Events like the CR Cup, where professional players teach content creators, have created a more inclusive environment. This has allowed Street Fighter 6 to maintain relevance by appealing to players of all skill levels, not just those focused on high-level competition.

Character Development for Other Games

The Street Fighter team confirmed their involvement in the development of Chun-Li and Ken for SNK’s "City of Wolves." Jessica shared that the developers are in close discussions with SNK to ensure that these iconic characters remain true to their Street Fighter origins while also fitting into the new game’s universe. This collaboration exemplifies the care and attention given to these characters, ensuring that their inclusion in other games respects their legacy while enhancing their crossover appeal.

Fan Feedback and Development

When asked about the impact of fan feedback on development, the team explained that game development timelines and the eSports scene rarely align for immediate changes. However, they do consider general feedback from both professional and casual players, incorporating it into the ongoing development process to polish the game as much as possible.

Character Selection Process in Street Fighter 6

The team also provided insight into the character selection process for Street Fighter 6. While character popularity is a factor, the developers prioritize how well a character fits into the current game’s narrative and timeline. This ensures that the roster feels cohesive and meaningful within the game’s broader story, rather than simply being a collection of fan favorites.

Future of Classic Games

Looking ahead, Nakayama and Matsumoto expressed a desire to bring back more classic Capcom fighting games. While there are challenges, particularly with crossover titles that involve other companies, the team is committed to making these games accessible on modern platforms. This reflects the developers’ dedication to preserving Capcom’s fighting game legacy and respecting the nostalgia of long-time fans.

Potential New Mechanics for Street Fighter 6

Regarding potential new mechanics for Street Fighter 6, the developers were cautious but open to future possibilities. Jessica conveyed the director’s humorous remark that there are already plenty of new mechanics in the game, and adding more could complicate the balance. For now, the team’s focus is on refining the existing mechanics, ensuring they’re well-balanced and accessible to both new players and veterans.

This interview provided a comprehensive look into the development philosophy behind Street Fighter 6, highlighting the team’s commitment to innovation while maintaining respect for the franchise’s rich history.

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