Mai Shiranui Boosts Street Fighter 6 Popularity

Street Fighter 6 enthusiasts are back in action, eager to test their skills with the latest addition to the roster, Mai Shiranui from the Fatal Fury series. This iconic fighting game, developed by Capcom, has been a massive hit, selling an impressive 4.4 million copies as of December 31, 2024. While fans have occasionally felt that the game lacked sufficient content, the introduction of Mai Shiranui as the third fighter of the second season has reignited their excitement.

The impact of Mai's arrival on Street Fighter 6's popularity cannot be overstated. On the day of her release, the game's peak concurrent players on Steam soared past 63,000, a significant increase from the previous peak of 24,000 to 27,000 players. This surge marks the highest player count since May 2024, showcasing the character's draw to the community.

Mai Shiranui is accessible to those with a Battle Pass. In the World Tour mode, players have the opportunity to deepen their relationship with Mai, learn her unique moves, and then put their skills to the test in the Battle Hub. Additionally, a second costume for Mai, inspired by her appearance in Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, has been added to the game, offering fans even more ways to customize their experience.

The excitement doesn't stop there. The Battle Hub is currently hosting a temporary guest, Professor Woshige, a renowned developer and legend in the fighting game community. Players can try their hand at battling with him until March 10. Alongside these exciting additions, the game has introduced new Master League ranks and rewards, giving players more to strive for and celebrate.

To showcase Mai Shiranui's techniques, Capcom has released an enthralling trailer, further fueling the anticipation and excitement within the Street Fighter community.