Capcom recently decided to take a cue from the revenue model of mobile apps by adding advertisements in-game to their popular fighting game, "Street Fighter 5." With in-game advertisements not the usual practice of console and PC-based video games, it seems that the game development and publishing company is receiving some significant backlash.
According to Game Spot, Capcom decided to launch their new advertising idea for "Street Fighter 5" last Dec. 11. Fans would supposedly receive news about the Capcom Pro Tour event and other gaming bundles currently being sold by the game company through advertisements strategically placed in locations throughout "Street Fighter 5."
"Street Fighter 5" players would supposedly see the new ads during loading screens and tournament stages. The publication notes that Capcom had even taken the time to include an "Ad Style" feature which allowed players to style their characters with sponsored content much like professional boxers and their clothing.
During their announcement, Capcom promised players that the advertising feature would be wholly optional but "Street Fighter 5" players who make use of the feature will be compensated by in-game currency. Amidst Capcom's decision to add advertisements to "Street Fighter 5," Game Spot has observed the fan community on the "Street Fighter 5" subreddit to be unreceptive to the game company's latest move.
As the publication notes, some "Street Fighter 5" players are unhappy with Capcom's decision while pointing out that the introduction of advertisements in the game is a slippery slope for the rest of the video game industry to monetize digital space within video games. Reddit users such as u/LoyalLedger are calling on the "Street Fighter 5" community of players to not support in-game advertisements by pointing out how the game is already monetarily bloated and the feature's success would continue to
Other "Street Fighter 5" players let their opinions about Capcom's recent decision be publicly known by mocking the game company's decision with images and memes posted on the game's subreddit. Some "Street Fighter 5" players have posted photos of the character Akuma or Ken with various advertising placements pasted on ridiculous parts of their bodies. Reddit user u/lolpancakeslol even posted a new potential fight level that is set in front of a popular fast food chain as a joke.
As Game Spot (via Gamasutra) points out, advertisements in video games are not new, but not exactly as common as how "Street Fighter 5" has implemented the feature. Advertisements have usually been the domain of free-to-play mobile games which rely on advertising for their revenue which is making some "Street Fighter 5" fans wonder if the introduction of advertisements is due to Capcom exploring a potential free-to-play model.
But with "Street Fighter 5" being a buy-to-play title, the publication notes that time will tell how the game's player-base will stabilize on their perspective about Capcom's decision. If Capcom is really trying to recover from low sales of "Street Fighter 5," there may be a time when the game company decides to take on other brands to promote themselves in-game much like what the game's current players already fear will happen.
