In a move that has left Xbox fighting game enthusiasts reeling, Capcom has announced that its highly anticipated Capcom Fighting Collection 2 will once again bypass the Xbox platform entirely. Adding salt to the wound, the game will also lack a native PlayStation 5 version, further widening the gap in the console gaming landscape.
The original Capcom Fighting Collection, released in 2022, brought together a nostalgic array of classic fighting games, delighting fans across various platforms. However, its sequel’s deliberate exclusion of Xbox has sparked heated discussions within the gaming community.
For Xbox gamers, this decision feels like a devastating uppercut to their gaming hopes. The absence of Capcom Fighting Collection 2 on their preferred console means missing out on what promises to be an exciting compilation of beloved fighting game titles. This exclusion not only limits their access to classic Capcom fighters but also potentially fragments the fighting game community, which thrives on cross-platform competition and camaraderie.
While Capcom has not officially stated their reasons for this decision, industry analysts speculate it could be due to a combination of factors. These may include previous sales performance on Xbox platforms, exclusive deals with other console manufacturers, or a strategic focus on markets where fighting games traditionally perform better.
The lack of a native PlayStation 5 version is equally puzzling, potentially indicating a focus on backwards compatibility or a hesitation to fully embrace next-gen capabilities for this collection.
This move by Capcom could have far-reaching implications for the gaming industry. It may signal a shift in how developers and publishers view platform-specific releases, potentially leading to more exclusive titles and less cross-platform availability. For Xbox, it raises questions about its standing in the fighting game community and its ability to attract major fighting game releases in the future.
As the dust settles on this announcement, one thing is clear: Xbox fighting game fans are left feeling overlooked and undervalued. The fighting game community now faces the challenge of staying united across an increasingly fragmented console landscape.