View 11 Images

Street Fighter creator Takashi Nishiyama is collaborating with boxing magazine The Ring to develop a new boxing video game. The announcement came via Turki Alalshikh, Chairman of Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority, who acquired The Ring in November 2024.

A Legendary Collaboration

The untitled project will feature original characters, blending The Ring's boxing expertise with developer Dimps' game design experience. Nishiyama's studio, known for recent releases like Freedom Wars Remastered, will begin development soon.

"Together with legendary designer Takashi Nishiyama, I'm proud to announce a new boxing game featuring original characters. This partnership combines our boxing authority with decades of gaming excellence."

The Saudi royal family has significantly invested in Japanese gaming recently, including acquiring SNK in 2024. Interestingly, Nishiyama previously created SNK's Fatal Fury series before founding Dimps.

Community Reactions

Japanese gamers have expressed surprised excitement about this unexpected collaboration. Fighting game enthusiasts are particularly curious how Nishiyama will adapt to boxing's rules after creating rule-bending characters like Street Fighter's Balrog.

One notable comment came from Street Fighter expert @ryo_redcyclone, who pondered: "After making games about rule-free street fights, I'm fascinated to see how Nishiyama approaches a rule-bound sport like boxing."

The gaming community eagerly awaits whether this project will prioritize realism or incorporate Nishiyama's signature creative liberties with combat mechanics.