Street Fighter 6 is currently one of the most accessible fighting games available. From its brand-new Modern control scheme to the single-player World Tour mode, those looking to dip their toes in the genre will have plenty of ways to familiarize themselves with its ins and outs. While there is still a lot the game doesn't teach new players, it more or less covers the basics to an acceptable degree.
This doesn't mean to say Street Fighter 6 is the perfect fighting game. Far from it, in fact. The new Drive Gauge system has been a cause for debate and the game's netcode has recently seen Capcom taking down the servers for maintenance. But arguably the biggest barrier to entry for Street Fighter 6 is that it requires a Capcom ID to fully experience it.
What Is A Capcom ID?
Generally speaking, a Capcom ID is a unified account that allows players to access Capcom games and other services. Instead of creating its own launcher like Ubisoft Connect or Blizzard's Battle.net, Capcom's method of keeping tabs on its players comes in the form of an account-based system. New titles like the recently released Street Fighter 6 and the upcoming dino-shooter Exoprimal will require players to sign up for a Capcom ID, so it is highly likely that Capcom will be pushing its use moving forward.
Here's where things get interesting: the Capcom ID seems to be only necessary for online features. Whether it be Resident Evil Re:Verse's forgettable multiplayer experience or Exoprimal's PvE/PvP-centered betas, players need a Capcom ID if they want to interact with players over the internet. It's an added requirement for sure and one that seems completely unnecessary considering Capcom's past forays into online gaming.
Online Play Is An Integral Component Of Street Fighter 6
While World Tour has its fans and Fighting Ground is a fine place to practice new characters like Jamie and Manon, most players view Street Fighter 6's online play as its main attraction. All that practice against AI bots both active and stationary will count for very little if players can't take their skills into a ring with other players. Unlike the game's AI, human players are capable of adapting, committing errors, and much more. It's this randomness and sense of camaraderie that makes the fighting game community (FGC) so strong as all its members strive to get better together.
By adding in an extra step by way of a Capcom ID, the company is effectively limiting the number of players that can enjoy Street Fighter 6 to the fullest. Not everyone is willing to create a Capcom ID. This could be rooted in fears of data privacy invasion (recent Capcom games ask players if they want their data to be collected for various purposes) or other reasons.
In addition, there are already cases of Capcom IDs causing issues with logging in. Those looking to have a fun time with Ryu and his pals are instead met with a Capcom ID Error upon trying to access the game's online features. Errors like this wouldn't exist if there was no need for a Capcom ID.
Though it is highly unlikely that Capcom would remove the Capcom ID system so early after its implementation, its absence could help improve Street Fighter 6's online experience. Not only would one of the game's core modes be easier to pick up and play, but players wouldn't have to waste extra time by opening up their computer and creating a Capcom ID. The idea of a shared Capcom experience may be lucrative to some, but the vast majority of players just want to hit the streets and get fighting.
Street Fighter 6 is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S.
