The new anime series, Young Ladies Don't Play Fighting Games, has gained significant attention for its authentic portrayal of fighting game culture, particularly its use of Street Fighter 6 gameplay. The series, which premiered recently on Crunchyroll, centers on students at an all-girls school who engage in competitive fighting games. Capcom is directly involved, sponsoring the show and allowing it to feature actual footage and mechanics from Street Fighter 6 rather than a fictional game.
This integration of a real-world game has proven successful, despite the potential risks associated with satisfying a dedicated fighting game community. The initial episode showcases a match between protagonist Aya Mitsuki, who plays Cammy, and her rival Mio Yorue, who uses Ryu. The narrative highlights common fighting game strategies such as conditioning and the use of specific game mechanics like Cammy's drive cancel pressure. It also touches on relatable player experiences, like executing an EX reversal despite an opponent's safe jump due to in-game frustration.
The dedication to accuracy has been noted by fighting game professionals. Pro player and streamer Broski has commented on the detailed execution, while Evo winner Justin Wong praised the series for its accurate use of genre terminology. The animation team's attention to detail extends to controller inputs, with specific moves like Yorue's crosscut shoryuken being rendered with precise command inputs, demonstrating thorough research by the creators.
However, the show has not been without its critics. Some viewers miss the original manga's fictional fighting game, which offered more narrative flexibility. Others find the transitions between 2D animation and Street Fighter 6 gameplay jarring due to editing choices, and some feel the direct tie-in makes the series appear more like an advertisement. Despite these criticisms, the series' engagement with Street Fighter 6 has successfully drawn attention from a wider audience who might not typically follow fighting games.
Young Ladies Don't Play Fighting Games is available to stream on Crunchyroll, with the original manga distributed by Seven Seas.