Street Fighter creator Takashi Nishiyama is teaming up with iconic boxing publication The Ring to develop an original boxing game. Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority Chairman Turki Alalshikh revealed the collaboration through his official X account. Alalshikh acquired The Ring's American publication in November 2024.
According to the announcement, this untitled project will combine "The Ring's boxing expertise with game developer Dimps' proven track record in crafting fighting classics." All characters will be original creations developed specifically for the game.
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 between myself and Nishiyama brings together our unmatched authority in...
Developer Dimps - Nishiyama's own studio - recently released Freedom Wars Remastered in January 2025, an enhanced version of the PlayStation Vita title for modern systems. Alalshikh confirmed development on the boxing title will commence shortly.
The Saudi royal family has significantly invested in Japan's gaming industry recently. In April 2024, reports confirmed SNK became fully owned by the Saudi Crown Prince's foundation. The Ring Magazine also partnered with SNK to promote Fatal Fury: City of Wolves through a special boxing match event at London's Tottenham Hotspur Stadium last April. Notably, Nishiyama previously worked at SNK during the 1990s, creating the Fatal Fury franchise and contributing to Metal Slug and King of Fighters.
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Japanese gaming communities have reacted with excitement to The Ring x Dimps collaboration, with many expressing curiosity about the game's direction. Responses range from enthusiastic "I can't wait to play this!" to speculation about the final product's mechanics.
Prominent Street Fighter content creator @ryo_redcyclone noted Nishiyama's previous comments about designing the original Street Fighter: "He specifically chose street fighting because established sports restrict creativity with rules. Now he's tackling boxing - I'm fascinated to see his approach."
Much discussion centers on whether traditional boxing rules will constrain Nishiyama's signature creative flair, known for introducing eccentric characters and unconventional moves in his fighting games. While Street Fighter features boxer Balrog (a Mike Tyson-inspired character), his iconic kicking attacks and Buffalo Headbutt clearly violate professional boxing regulations. The gaming community eagerly awaits whether this new project will embrace realism or Nishiyama's trademark rule-breaking gameplay style.
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