Why is Street Fighter 5 not on Xbox One?
Street Fighter 5, one of the most popular fighting games in the world, was released in 2016 for PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, and Microsoft Windows. While many gamers have been wondering why the game didn’t make its way to Xbox One, the answer is more complex than it seems. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind the exclusivity of Street Fighter 5 to Sony’s gaming platforms.
The Origins of Exclusivity
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, Capcom, the developer of Street Fighter, had a strong partnership with Sony to promote the PlayStation console. As a result, the majority of Capcom’s fighting games, including Street Fighter, were exclusive to PlayStation platforms. This exclusivity arrangement continued for several years, with Street Fighter 4 and Street Fighter x Tekken being released exclusively for the PlayStation 3.
The Return of Exclusivity
When Capcom announced Street Fighter 5, it was no surprise that it would be exclusive to PlayStation platforms again. The company had established a strong relationship with Sony, and exclusivity was seen as a key factor in the game’s success. Additionally, Street Fighter 5 was the first game in the series to incorporate a new "Arcade Edition" model, where the game would receive regular updates and new content, exclusive to the PlayStation platform.
Business and Licensing Deals
Capcom has stated that the exclusivity deal with Sony was a major factor in the game’s development budget. The company invested heavily in the game’s marketing and development, which was partially financed by Sony. In return, Sony received exclusive rights to the game for a certain period. This deal also allowed Capcom to focus on the game’s content and gameplay, without worrying about additional development costs for Xbox One.
Exclusive Features
Street Fighter 5 features several exclusive features to the PlayStation platform, including:
• PlayStation Network (PSN) bonuses: Players who purchase the game on PS3 or PS4 receive exclusive bonuses, such as alternative costumes and game modes.
• PlayStation 4 Pro optimization: The game was optimized for the PlayStation 4 Pro, allowing for smoother gameplay and better graphics.
• Sony’s VR support: The game features support for Sony’s Virtual Reality (VR) headset, the PlayStation VR.
Why isn’t Street Fighter 5 on Xbox One?
In an interview, Capcom’s Head of Marketing, David Klein, explained that the exclusivity deal was a mutually beneficial agreement between Capcom and Sony. He stated that the deal was struck before the Xbox One was even released, making it difficult for Capcom to make a change at that point.
Comparison of PlayStation and Xbox
To better understand the reasons behind Street Fighter 5’s exclusivity, let’s take a look at the two platforms’ market share and sales:
| Platform | Market Share | Sales (2016) |
|---|---|---|
| PlayStation 4 | 53.5% | 104.1 million |
| Xbox One | 27.3% | 20.1 million |
As shown in the table above, the PlayStation 4 has a significant lead in market share and sales compared to the Xbox One. This may have contributed to Capcom’s decision to prioritize the PlayStation platform for Street Fighter 5.
8 FAQs and Answers
Q1: Why didn’t Capcom release Street Fighter 5 on Xbox One?
A1: The exclusivity deal between Capcom and Sony was struck before the Xbox One was even released, making it difficult for Capcom to make a change at that point.
Q2: Will Street Fighter 5 ever come to Xbox One?
A2: While there is no official announcement from Capcom, it’s possible that the game could come to Xbox One in the future, especially if the exclusivity deal with Sony expires or is re-negotiated.
Q3: Can I play Street Fighter 5 on Xbox One via backwards compatibility?
A3: Unfortunately, no. Street Fighter 5 is not compatible with Xbox One, and even if it was, the game’s online features would likely not work.
Q4: Will Capcom release another Street Fighter game on Xbox One?
A4: Only time will tell. Capcom may consider releasing future Street Fighter games on multiple platforms, including Xbox One, depending on market demand and business opportunities.
Q5: Are there any similar games on Xbox One?
A5: Yes, there are several fighting games available on Xbox One, such as Mortal Kombat 11 and Tekken 7.
Q6: Can I play Street Fighter 5 on PC?
A6: Yes, Street Fighter 5 is available on PC via Steam and Origin, and can be played online with PS4 players.
Q7: Why did Capcom choose to prioritize PS4 and PS3 over Xbox One?
A7: As mentioned earlier, the exclusivity deal with Sony was a major factor in the game’s development budget, and the company had already established a strong relationship with Sony.
Q8: Will this affect my loyalty to the series?
A8: Not necessarily. Many fans of the series have adjusted to the exclusivity deal and continue to support the franchise on PS4 and PC.
In conclusion, the exclusivity of Street Fighter 5 to PlayStation platforms is a result of a combination of business deals, licensing agreements, and marketing partnerships. While Xbox One gamers may feel left out, the game is still available on PC, and it’s possible that future Street Fighter games may be released on multiple platforms.