The Disrespect Toward Hardcore Fans and the 5% Myth
Steel City Interactive (Undisputed) was once seen as the studio that could restore boxing to gaming glory. For years, fans begged for a true simulation of the sweet science—a game that captured the skill, depth, and drama of real boxing. When SCI emerged with promises of authenticity and unprecedented boxer signings, hardcore fans believed they had finally found their answer. But over time, the relationship between SCI and its community has soured. At the heart of this divide are two damaging narratives: dismissing hardcore fans as a “5% minority” and reframing criticism with hollow promises. Together, these moves have left the company in danger of losing trust, money, and long-term credibility.
The Reframing That Backfired
When hardcore fans raised concerns about missing features, unrealistic mechanics, or design shifts toward arcade-style play, SCI’s leadership didn’t respond with concrete fixes. Instead, the company’s owner attempted to reframe the conversation by saying he “wanted the same things the fans wanted for himself.”
On the surface, that statement sounds unifying. In reality, it came across as evasive. Hardcore fans weren’t asking for vague alignment—they were asking for referees, clinching mechanics, realistic AI tendencies, nuanced stamina systems, and deep offline modes. Reframing their criticism without addressing the details felt less like listening and more like dismissal.
That kind of response doesn’t silence the community—it fractures it. Fans don’t want slogans; they want action. And by sidestepping their concerns, SCI signaled that it was more interested in optics than authenticity.
The 5% Myth: Undermining the Core Audience
One of the most insulting ideas to emerge from SCI’s messaging is the suggestion that only “5%” of the fanbase are hardcore boxing and gaming fans—and that their voices don’t matter in the grand scheme.
But this framing collapses under scrutiny. Hardcore fans are not just a tiny sliver of the audience. They are the lifeblood of any sports simulation. They create the content, run online leagues, fill YouTube with dream matches, and evangelize the game to casual players who otherwise wouldn’t pay attention. They are the unpaid marketers and community builders.
By minimizing their importance, SCI risks alienating the very group that sustains long-term sales and relevance.
The Contradiction: Boxer Signings vs. Casual Indifference
Here’s where the logic completely breaks down. If casuals really don’t care about authenticity—or about legends like Ali, Chávez, or Leonard—then what was the point of SCI signing hundreds of boxer licenses?
Boxer signings are costly and time-consuming. They only hold value when fans care enough to celebrate them, create matchups, and debate their legacies. Casuals, by definition, aren’t invested in boxing history. To them, a name on the roster is just “a boxer with gloves.”
It’s the hardcore fans—the so-called 5%—who truly care about these signings. They’re the ones keeping the sport’s history alive in digital form. Dismissing them while hyping up signings makes no business sense. It’s a contradiction that undermines SCI’s entire strategy.
The Financial Risk of Disrespect
Ignoring or disrespecting hardcore fans isn’t just a PR problem—it’s a business problem. These fans are the ones most likely to:
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Buy DLC consistently
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Stick with the game beyond launch hype
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Build content ecosystems that keep the game visible
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Influence other players to try (or avoid) the game
If they feel betrayed or dismissed, they don’t just leave quietly. They take their influence with them, discouraging new players and souring the long-term revenue stream SCI needs to survive. Casuals come and go quickly; hardcore fans are the backbone of sustained success.
Closing Thoughts
SCI’s current approach shows a dangerous contradiction. The company spends millions on boxer licenses that only hardcore fans truly value, while simultaneously dismissing that same audience as a “small 5%.” At the same time, leadership tries to reframe criticism instead of addressing it head-on, eroding trust with the most loyal part of its fanbase.
If the hardcore fans don’t matter, then the licenses are wasted. If the licenses matter, then the hardcore fans matter too. It’s that simple.
In the end, disrespecting or minimizing hardcore boxing and gaming fans doesn’t just hurt the community—it jeopardizes the long-term survival of Undisputed itself. Until SCI stops reframing and starts truly listening, every new signing risks feeling less like a triumph and more like a hollow gesture.
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