In a surprising and exciting announcement for combat sports fans, Turki Alalshikh, chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority and owner of The Ring magazine, has confirmed that a brand-new boxing video game is in development—led by none other than Takashi Nishiyama, the original creator of Street Fighter and president of Dimps Corporation.
Revealed via Alalshikh’s official X (Twitter) post, the project will be developed by Dimps, the studio behind several acclaimed titles in the Sonic, Dragon Ball, and Street Fighter franchises. The game is set to be presented by The Ring, and will feature original characters, rather than real-world boxers, signaling a creative and potentially story-driven approach.
This announcement arrives at a time when the boxing video game genre is experiencing a drought. EA’s Fight Night series has remained dormant for over a decade, and while Undisputed from Steel City Interactive launched with fanfare in 2024, it was met with mixed reviews due to bugs and a limited roster. Nishiyama’s involvement could signal a much-needed renaissance in boxing games, leveraging his vast experience in developing deep, engaging fighting systems.
Alalshikh, who has made headlines with his ambition to “fix broken boxing,” appears committed to reviving interest in the sport through both real-world and virtual platforms. While development has not officially begun, he confirmed that production will “begin soon,” with more details promised in future updates.
With Takashi Nishiyama at the helm, fans of both boxing and fighting games have reason to be excited, even if the game is still years away from release. This project could mark a turning point for the genre—and for players looking for a new champion in the digital ring.