Saudi-Backed Boxing Game Stirs Japanese Fans

Street Fighter creator Takashi Nishiyama is teaming up with legendary boxing publication The Ring to develop an all-new boxing game. The announcement came via Saudi Arabia's General Entertainment Authority chairman Turki Alalshikh's official X account. Alalshikh acquired The Ring magazine in November 2024.

The upcoming untitled title will showcase original characters, blending "The Ring's boxing expertise with developer Dimps' rich history in creating iconic games."

I'm honored to announce our partnership with gaming legend Takashi Nishiyama on an original boxing game presented by The Ring.

This collaboration merges Nishiyama's visionary game design with The Ring's boxing legacy to create something truly special. pic.twitter.com/LRWyyZzkpz

— TURKI ALALSHIKH (@Turki_alalshikh) May 5, 2025

Dimps, Nishiyama's development studio, recently released Freedom Wars Remastered in January 2025. Alalshikh's tweet confirms production on the boxing game will commence shortly.

Saudi Arabia's royal family has deepened its involvement in Japan's gaming sector in recent years. The Saudi Crown Prince foundation acquired SNK in April 2024. The Ring has also partnered with SNK to promote Fatal Fury: City of Wolves, including hosting an exclusive boxing match event at London's Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on April 26, 2025. Notably, Nishiyama previously led SNK's development of the Fatal Fury series and contributed to SNK classics like Metal Slug and King of Fighters.

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Japanese gaming fans reacted with excitement to The Ring-Dimps collaboration, with responses ranging from "Seriously? Can't wait!" to speculation about gameplay mechanics.

Street Fighter commentator @ryo_redcyclone noted: "Nishiyama originally chose street fighting specifically to avoid sports regulations. Seeing him embrace boxing's rule-bound nature will be fascinating."

Fans eagerly await to see whether Nishiyama's signature unconventional characters and over-the-top moves will translate into boxing's regulated environment.

While Street Fighter features Balrog, whose fighting style blatantly violates boxing regulations, it remains unclear whether this new project will prioritize realism or creative liberties.