Capcom Expands Versus Series, Revives Crossover Fighting Games

In an exclusive interview at EVO 2024, Capcom producer Shuhei Matsumoto shed light on the future of the Versus series, highlighting Capcom's strategic vision and the community's enthusiastic response. This discussion offers a deep dive into the evolving landscape of fighting games and Capcom's role within it.

Capcom's Commitment and Development Journey

At EVO 2024, Capcom unveiled a sneak peek of three out of the seven games featured in the upcoming Marvel vs Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics. This eagerly anticipated bundle brings together six iconic titles from the beloved Versus series, including the critically acclaimed Marvel vs Capcom 2, often hailed as one of the greatest fighting games ever created. During the event, IGN had the privilege of sitting down with Capcom producer Shuhei Matsumoto to discuss the company's unwavering commitment to the Versus series and the intricate journey behind this collection's development.

Matsumoto revealed that the project has been in the works for approximately three to four years, underscoring the dedication and effort invested in bringing this collection to fruition. The process kicked off with extensive negotiations with Marvel, which initially pushed back the release timeline. However, the collaboration has proven to be fruitful, with both companies driven by a shared goal of reintroducing these classic games to contemporary audiences. "We've been planning for about three to four years to make this project a reality," Matsumoto stated, emphasizing Capcom's commitment to its fans and the enduring legacy of the Versus series.

The Marvel vs Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics bundle includes the following titles:

• THE PUNISHER (side scroller game)
• X-MEN Children of the Atom
• Marvel Super Heroes
• X-MEN vs Street Fighter
• MARVEL Super Heroes vs Street Fighter
• MARVEL vs. CAPCOM Clash of Super Heroes
• MARVEL vs. CAPCOM 2 New Age of Heroes

Capcom's focus on re-releasing these classic titles, coupled with their vision to expand the Versus series, signals a bright future for fans of crossover fighting games. The community's reaction has been overwhelmingly positive, with anticipation building for the reimagined experiences these games will offer on modern platforms.