A lengthy post to CapCom Unity outlines how they plan on handling post-release content for Street Fighter V, which will not have the same succession of paid upgrades as its predecessor. There will be additional premium character releases over time, but they plan a more steady process, and promise players a way to earn new characters for free, thought the option to buy them will still be offered. Here's a portion:

With Street Fighter V, we want to change the way that players interact with the series, and create an ever-evolving environment for players to enjoy. By releasing new characters on a regular basis, it will ensure that there is always new content to look forward to in the short term, and it prevents the competitive environment from ever becoming stale.

Players also have more freedom in their decisions, as they only need to purchase or earn the content that appeals to them. This will also create more long-term engagement, because the more you play the game, the more you are rewarded and can earn new content. The player base is never shrunk by requiring a paid update like in years past. Players can take a break from the game, but then come back at any time and continue to play with the characters they already own, with the newest gameplay balance.

We are able to execute this service-based model by introducing an in-game economy to Street Fighter V. There are two types of currency that make the economy go round:

1. Fight Money
   1. This is basic currency that players earn through playing the game. Once players accumulate enough Fight Money, they can use it to earn new post-launch gameplay content, such as characters, for free!
2. Zenny
   1. This is premium currency that players can purchase with real money to immediately gain access to post-launch content.

   We will be using later beta phases to test the economy and ensure it works in a fair way for everyone.