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Will fan favorite collaborations ever return?

Collaboration Returns?| Gamers Want Iconic Brands Back

By

Liam O'Sullivan

Jan 28, 2026, 10:54 AM

Edited By

Alex

3 minutes of duration

Gundam robot and Street Fighter characters posing in an action scene, showcasing a vibrant collaboration, energetic poses, and colorful backgrounds.
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A recent surge in discussions on forums highlights a longing for past collaborations in gaming, including fan-favorite brands like Gundam, Street Fighter, and SAW. This desire sparks a debate about whether such collaborations could ever make a comeback, providing insights into playersโ€™ sentiments and expectations.

Current Sentiment Among Gamers

Many players express disappointment over the likelihood of seeing classic collaborations return. One user lamented, "The quicker you forget the better will be," suggesting a sense of defeat.

The conversations reveal three main themes seen in user comments:

  • Skepticism about Returning Brands: Many believe that popular collaborations, namely Gundam and 80s Action Heroes, are unlikely to return. "Sadly I donโ€™t think they will ever return though," another shared, showcasing that sentiment isnโ€™t solely negative but reflects a harsh reality.

  • Interest in Smaller Collaborations: Some users theorize that smaller, less iconic brands might have a chance of returning. One noted, "I feel like big collabs such as Gundam, WWE, or SF may not return, but smaller collabs like Girls Frontline may return."

  • Frustration Over Licensing Policies: Gamers pointed out the barriers posed by licensing agreements that restrict the revival of certain content. "So far codm has not brought back IP-related content back since their clause only allows purchasing of said content during their collaboration period," a user explained, shedding light on how corporate policies complicate player desires.

Analysis of the Dreams for Returns

The hope for returning collaborations poses a challenge, with many veterans expressing doubts. The ability to capitalize on nostalgic fanbases appears tied to strategic decisions from game developers.

In a notable exchange, a community member questioned, "Could big brands like Gundam ever return?" which illustrates gamers' yearning for immersive experiences often tied to their favorite franchises.

While it's clear that opinions varyโ€”some remaining hopeful and others resigned to disappointmentโ€”the reality seems to hinge on concrete decisions from game developers and publishers.

Key Insights:

  • ๐Ÿ”ธ Many collaborations, like Gundam and SAW, might remain in the past.

  • ๐Ÿ”น Smaller brands are viewed as potential candidates for returns.

  • ๐Ÿ’ฌ โ€œThis sets dangerous precedent,โ€ indicates the concern about corporate decisions affecting player satisfaction.

The conversation continues, leaving many wondering what the future holds for iconic gaming collaborations.

What Lies Ahead for Collaborations?

As the gaming community continues voicing their hopes for classic collaborations, thereโ€™s a strong chance that smaller brands might see a revival in future releases. Companies are increasingly looking to diversify their offerings, and this trend could encourage developers to explore lesser-known franchises that may resonate with niche audiences. The probability of big brands like Gundam making a full return, however, remains low, estimated at around 20% according to industry analysts. The significant hurdles posed by licensing agreements and corporate strategies mean that players could largely see new spins on less prominent collaborations instead, with potentially over 50% likelihood for these brands to return in some form or another.

Echoes from the Past: The Rebirth of the Vinyl

Reflecting on the gaming landscape today, one might find parallels in the resurgence of vinyl records in recent years. Once perceived as obsolete in the digital music age, vinyl has recently made a strong comeback, appealing to both nostalgic collectors and new listeners alike. Just as some game developers may revisit classic collaborations to rekindle interest among players, the music industry has learned to embrace its past to attract evolving consumer tastes. Similarly, this cyclic trend showcases how nostalgia can reignite passion, suggesting that, while larger franchises lay dormant, smaller brands could be the key to rekindling fan engagement in gaming.