Shuhei Matsumoto, a vibrant personality in the realm of fighting games, is quickly becoming a notable figure, akin to Yoshinori Ono. Since 2017, Matsumoto has played a significant role in developing various Capcom titles, such as Street Fighter 6 and Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite. His latest project, the Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics, has been lauded as a comprehensive encapsulation of ’90s fighter evolution.
In a recent email Q&A session, we had the opportunity to delve into the thoughts and creative processes of Matsumoto at Capcom’s headquarters. When asked about his own Marvel vs. Capcom 2 dream team, he whimsically responded, "Venom, Dr. Doom, and whoever I’m in the mood for that day," highlighting his playful approach to the game.
Matsumoto’s journey into the video game industry began uniquely as he transitioned from a salesman at a nut and bolt company to a Capcom game producer, driven by his passion for Street Fighter and gaming. His approach to curating the Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection reflects a blend of strategic selection and fan feedback. The team at Capcom starts by listing potential titles for current consoles and filters them based on feasibility and coherence to form a collection, always keeping their ears open to the fanbase.
Interestingly, when asked about any characters he wishes were included in the Marvel vs. Capcom series, Matsumoto admitted he couldn’t think of one. However, fans of The Punisher will appreciate its inclusion in the collection, despite its violent content, which Capcom decided to present authentically.
Looking ahead, the possibility of Marvel vs. Capcom 4 appears to hinge on various factors, as Capcom cannot realize it alone without coordination with other stakeholders. Matsumoto also touched on the resurgence of 2D artistry in gaming. Acknowledging the challenges, he mentioned that while Capcom is drifting towards 3D, the charm of 2D is undeniable, suggesting that indie developers might explore this niche further.
The inclusion of Norimaro in international releases of Marvel vs Street Fighter was a win for inclusivity, driven by a strong desire from the Capcom team despite previous localisation issues. Matsumoto shared a light-hearted memory from the Capcom offices, recalling a visit from Capcom’s president, Haruhiro Tsujimoto, to the development floor. Tsujimoto’s nostalgic and joyful reaction to the Marvel vs. Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics brought smiles to everyone present, capturing a cherished moment in their office life.
Marvel vs. Capcom: Fighting Collection Arcade Classics, available on the Switch eShop, represents a significant effort by Capcom to connect with both new and long-time fans of the franchise. With physical versions slated for release soon, the collection is set to bring classic Capcom fighting games back into the limelight.
As the interview concluded, Matsumoto expressed gratitude for the support and enthusiasm of fans, hinting at the continued dedication and potential future projects that could involve another exciting installment of Marvel vs. Capcom. Enthusiasts of the series have much to look forward to as Capcom navigates the evolving landscape of the gaming industry, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in compilation releases and possibly revisiting the art of classic 2D fighting games.
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