MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls Is Unavailable in More Than 100 Countries on Steam

MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls is currently blocked from purchase in more than 100 countries on Steam, leaving many fighting game fans unable to buy the upcoming title on PC. The restrictions appear linked to PlayStation Network availability, even though the game is also expected to include offline modes such as story content, arcade options, and local multiplayer.

The new Marvel fighting game is being developed by Arc System Works, the studio behind several well regarded fighting games. Its announcement has created strong interest among players who want another major Marvel game built around fast competitive battles and stylised visuals.

However, Steam database information shows that the game cannot currently be purchased in a large number of territories. Countries including Egypt, the Philippines, Vietnam, Cuba, Chad, and Monaco are among those affected. Major markets such as the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, Canada, and Mexico do not appear to be restricted.

The situation has drawn comparisons with PlayStation’s earlier PC release policies. Some PlayStation games have faced country blocks because players could not create PlayStation Network accounts in their regions. That approach caused major backlash during the Helldivers 2 account linking controversy, and PlayStation later reversed several restrictions after community pressure.

PlayStation Network access appears to be the main issue

The current restriction is likely connected to the game’s online features. MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls is a competitive fighting game, so online matchmaking and multiplayer systems may depend on PlayStation Network services.

That may explain why PlayStation has chosen to restrict sales in countries where PSN accounts are unavailable. However, the decision remains difficult for players who only want to use offline modes.

Fighting games often offer plenty of content away from online play. Players may want to play through story modes, practise in training mode, use arcade challenges, or compete with friends locally on the same PC.

Helldivers 2 gives affected players some reason for hope

The situation is not necessarily permanent. PlayStation has changed course before when country restrictions created widespread criticism.

Helldivers 2 previously faced a plan requiring PC players to link a PlayStation Network account to continue playing. That became a problem for players in regions without official PSN access. The decision led to heavy criticism, negative reviews, and calls for PlayStation to reconsider.

The company eventually stepped back from the requirement, allowing more players to access the game again. That history gives MARVEL Tōkon fans some reason to believe the current restrictions could change closer to release.

Still, the issue raises an important question about PC releases. A game sold through Steam should ideally be accessible in regions where Steam itself operates, especially when a large part of the game can be played offline.

The restriction could limit a major fighting game launch

MARVEL Tōkon: Fighting Souls is scheduled to release on August 6 for $59.99. There is no confirmed Steam Deck compatibility rating yet, although fighting games often perform well on portable hardware when properly optimised.

For now, players in affected countries will have to wait for PlayStation to clarify whether the regional restrictions are final. A reversal would give the game a broader audience and avoid repeating a controversy that PlayStation has already faced on PC.

The game has significant potential, but availability will remain a major concern until more players can actually buy it.