Report from the stage where "Fate/Prototype W" General Director Matsumoto spoke about the third charity DLC. Sending warm messages to injured player Yoshihiro Takayama, currently undergoing treatment [TGS2025]
Note: the original Japanese article can be found at:
https://www.4gamer.net/games/373/G037324/20250928052/
Writer: Continental New Order Photographer: Shuji Sasaki | 2025/09/28 11:54 (UTC)
On September 27, 2025, a stage event was held at the 4Gamer booth during Tokyo Game Show 2025 for Spike Chunsoft’s wrestling game “Fire Pro Wrestling World” (PC / PS4, FirePro W).
The event featured Toshio Matsumoto, the game’s General Director, who reintroduced the third charity DLC released on Steam on September 3. This DLC was created to support professional wrestler Masahiro Takayama, currently undergoing rehabilitation after a serious injury sustained during a match in May 2017. The background and motivation behind its creation were shared during the event. The interviewer was Dino-san, a well-known pro-wrestler closely connected with Takayama.
Toshio Matsumoto
Dino-san
Guest wrestler Yukio Nogoya, also from DDT Pro-Wrestling like Dino-san, joined the event. Thumbnail image No.004: Report on the stage where FirePro W’s General Director Toshio Matsumoto discussed the third charity DLC, sending heartfelt encouragement to injured wrestler Masahiro Takayama [TGS2025]
Takayama suffered a major injury during a match in May 2017 and continues his rehabilitation to this day. The “Fire Pro Wrestling” series, along with Spike Chunsoft, has released two charity DLCs for FirePro W in support of Takayama under the collaboration of the support organization “TAKAYAMANIA.” Proceeds from these sales have been donated to TAKAYAMANIA. As of June 2025, the total amount raised reached 13,258,674 yen.
The newly released third charity DLC on September 3 includes two new face and hairstyle parts for Takayama, along with two ring mats featuring designs from “Professional Wrestling Emperor” and “TAKAYAMANIA EMPIRE IV,” available for 1,078 yen (tax included). All net proceeds after expenses will be donated to TAKAYAMANIA, as in previous cases.
Thumbnail image No.005: Report on the stage where FirePro W’s General Director Toshio Matsumoto discussed the third charity DLC, sending heartfelt encouragement to injured wrestler Masahiro Takayama [TGS2025] Thumbnail image No.006: Report on the stage where FirePro W’s General Director Toshio Matsumoto discussed the third charity DLC, sending heartfelt encouragement to injured wrestler Masahiro Takayama [TGS2025]
Even after the release of the second charity DLC, Matsumoto had been contemplating how to further support Takayama. Upon hearing rumors that the fourth event supporting Takayama—TAKAYAMANIA EMPIRE IV—was set for September 3, he considered creating another charity DLC. This decision was influenced by feedback from many fans who had purchased the previous two charity DLCs and expressed a desire to contribute more.
Although the original FirePro W development team had already disbanded, Matsumoto approached his company about launching a new charity DLC, and received immediate approval: “There’s no reason not to do it.” Dino-san was visibly impressed by this story, commenting, “That’s really cool. The kind of stock that matters—not the company’s share price.”
Matsumoto quickly assembled a team and began development, completing it in less than one month.
Additional behind-the-scenes details emerged: sales of past charity DLCs have been stronger overseas—especially in the United States, where professional wrestling as entertainment is popular and charitable giving is widespread. Furthermore, this time around, Takayama’s new face model was created by directly applying his own photo to a 3D character.
Later in the event, Matsumoto and Dino-san engaged in a match using data from the third charity DLC. Their playful back-and-forth actions—including grabbing each other’s backs and ending up outside the ring—showcased their evident enthusiasm and showmanship, reminiscent of real pro-wrestling.
In fact, after the match, both men reflected on how “FirePro isn’t about winning or losing—it’s all about entertainment.” They noted that with no visible win/loss indicators or gauges, they had naturally built a sense of “maybe it’s time to finish this,” highlighting their deep respect for both FirePro and professional wrestling.
Due to wiring issues, Dino-san ended up in the situation resembling a child playing games at a friend’s house. Thumbnail image No.009: Report on the stage where FirePro W’s General Director Toshio Matsumoto discussed the third charity DLC, sending heartfelt encouragement to injured wrestler Masahiro Takayama [TGS2025] Thumbnail image No.010: Report on the stage where FirePro W’s General Director Toshio Matsumoto discussed the third charity DLC, sending heartfelt encouragement to injured wrestler Masahiro Takayama [TGS2025]
Finally, Matsumoto once again urged attendees: “I’d be truly happy if you could purchase the third charity DLC and help support Masahiro Takayama.”
The three panelists struck Takayama’s signature “No Fear” pose together. Thumbnail image No.011: Report on the stage where FirePro W’s General Director Toshio Matsumoto discussed the third charity DLC, sending heartfelt encouragement to injured wrestler Masahiro Takayama [TGS2025]