Saudi-backed boxing game from Street Fighter creator stirs Japan

Legendary game designer Takashi Nishiyama, creator of Street Fighter, is collaborating with iconic boxing publication The Ring to develop a new boxing video game. The partnership was announced by Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority, who acquired The Ring in November 2024.

Boxing Meets Fighting Game Legacy

The untitled project will feature original characters and combine The Ring's boxing expertise with Dimps Corporation's game development experience. Nishiyama's studio Dimps recently released Freedom Wars Remastered in January 2025.

Together with legendary Japanese video game designer Takashi Nishiyama, I am proud to announce a forthcoming boxing game presented by The Ring featuring original characters.

This strategic partnership brings together our unmatched authority in boxing with decades of gaming excellence.

— TURKI ALALSHIKH (@Turki_alalshikh) May 5, 2025

Saudi Investment in Japanese Gaming

The announcement continues Saudi Arabia's growing influence in Japan's gaming industry. In April 2024, the Saudi Crown Prince's foundation acquired SNK Corporation, where Nishiyama previously created the Fatal Fury series. The Ring Magazine recently partnered with SNK to promote Fatal Fury: City of Wolves through a special boxing event in London.

Fan Reactions and Creative Concerns

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Japanese gaming enthusiasts expressed both excitement and curiosity about the announcement. Comments ranged from enthusiastic "Can't wait to play!" to thoughtful questions about how Nishiyama will adapt his signature style to boxing's established rules.

Prominent fighting game commentator @ryo_redcyclone noted: "Nishiyama originally created Street Fighter to break free from sports rules. Now he's working with boxing's strict regulations - this creative tension could produce something truly unique."

Fans are particularly curious whether the game will embrace realism or feature the exaggerated, rule-breaking mechanics characteristic of Nishiyama's previous fighting games. While Street Fighter's Balrog borrows from boxing, his signature moves clearly violate professional boxing regulations.

Development on the new boxing title is scheduled to begin shortly, marking an intriguing collaboration between sports journalism and video game history.