Capcom have announced significant changes to their pay-per-view model for the upcoming Capcom Cup 12, following widespread criticism from the fighting game community.
Capcom had previously confirmed that both Capcom Cup and the Street Fighter League World Championship would move behind a PPV structure, a major departure from previous years where both events were streamed entirely for free. The decision sparked heavy backlash, with many fans feeling that viewers outside Japan in particular were being priced out of watching one of the most important events in the competitive calendar.
In response, Capcom released a video statement delivered by Tetsuya Tabuchi, Head of Capcom’s Esports Business Division. Tabuchi opened by apologising for the delay in issuing an official response before outlining several initiatives aimed at making CC12 more accessible to a global audience.
Revised Pricing Structure
One of the most notable changes is a revised pricing model. Capcom will now implement a unified global price point, with a one-day viewing pass set at approximately $6 USD and a two-day pass priced at around $10 USD. The two-day option grants access to both the Capcom Cup 12 Top 16 through Grand Finals and the Street Fighter League World Championship finals, offering clearer value for fans who want to follow the climax of both competitions.
Capcom also confirmed that group and qualifying stages for Capcom Cup will remain free to watch, alongside the first day of action at the Street Fighter League World Championship. This ensures that a significant portion of the event remains accessible without payment.
Mirror Streaming Restrictions Lifted
Another important adjustment is the removal of restrictions on mirror streaming for the early stages of the event. This means players, creators, and community figures will once again be able to host watch parties and discuss matches live with their audiences. For many fans, this communal viewing experience is a core part of how major FGC events are enjoyed, and its return has been widely welcomed.
Battle Hub Live Streaming Trial
Perhaps the most interesting announcement is Capcom’s decision to trial live streaming within the Street Fighter 6 Battle Hub. Through this feature, players will be able to watch the final day of Capcom Cup 12 for free from inside the game itself. There are several caveats, including limited capacity, first-come-first-served access, and the lack of rewind or archive functionality. Capcom has also cautioned that, as this is an experimental feature, stream quality cannot be guaranteed.
Even with these limitations, the move represents a clear effort to bridge the gap between accessibility and monetisation, while also exploring new ways of integrating esports directly into the game experience.
While debate around pay-per-view models in the FGC is unlikely to disappear, these revisions show a willingness from Capcom to engage with community feedback. With Capcom Cup 12 fast approaching, attention will now turn to whether these changes are enough to restore goodwill and deliver the shared spectacle that has long defined the event.
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