Marvel’s collaboration with Capcom kicked off with the 1993 arcade beat ’em up The Punisher and shifted to fighting games with X-Men: Children of the Atom in 1994. The X-Men franchise dominated popularity then, making the transition logical.
Challenges with Character Rules in the 1990s
Marvel enforced strict guidelines on character behaviors and personalities during that era. Takuya “Tom” Shiraiwa, a former localization lead at Capcom, recalls the difficulties: “They had very, very specific rules about their characters, like their behaviors and their personalities.”
Discussions began with selecting approved characters. For example, Spider-Man’s appearances in X-Men comics did not guarantee inclusion in an X-Men game.
The Juggernaut Jumping Dispute
Approval extended beyond rosters to animations, submitted on videotape. When Capcom presented Juggernaut’s moves, Marvel rejected them: “No, Juggernaut can’t jump. He’s too heavy.”
A major X-Men villain, Juggernaut—Professor X’s stepbrother empowered by a demonic gem—possesses unstoppable, tank-like strength. While comics depict him leaping from planes, Marvel insisted on no jumping.
Shiraiwa, acting as intermediary, argued: “Okay, but what’s he gonna do when he finds a big hole in front of him? Like a big gap? Will he be able to jump then?” Marvel responded that he would fall into the hole and keep running upon landing. Shiraiwa countered: “This is a head-to-head fighting game; he needs to jump.”
Capcom Prevails and Success Loosens Rules
Capcom secured approval, and Juggernaut jumps in X-Men: Children of the Atom and Marvel Super Heroes. This mattered for the games’ tall stages designed for aerial combos, especially with flying characters.
Shiraiwa notes: “We had lots of headaches at that time.” Yet, after Capcom’s initial Marvel fighters succeeded, restrictions eased: “Anything goes. You can do whatever you want.” Success evidently shifted priorities.
Today’s Marvel titles, like Marvel Rivals, show relaxed rules on movements. Classic collections feature these arcade fighters alongside The Punisher, a violent beat ’em up with guns against cyborgs and ninjas.
