Capcom’s Winning Streak: Why They’re the Best Studio Now
- Capcom, the Japanese video game company behind franchises like Resident Evil, Monster Hunter, and Street Fighter, is currently experiencing a period of unprecedented success.
- Prior to 2017, Capcom faced challenges during the PlayStation 3/Xbox 360 and early PlayStation 4/Xbox One eras, releasing a series of games that underperformed critically and commercially.
- This title marked a return to the series’ survival horror roots and was met with widespread acclaim.
Capcom, the Japanese video game company behind franchises like Resident Evil, Monster Hunter, and Street Fighter, is currently experiencing a period of unprecedented success. What began as a turnaround story in has blossomed into a decade-long winning streak, defying industry trends marked by studio closures and project cancellations. As of , the company is reporting record sales and forecasts continued growth.
From Struggle to Dominance
The company’s recent success wasn’t always guaranteed. Prior to , Capcom faced challenges during the PlayStation 3/Xbox 360 and early PlayStation 4/Xbox One eras, releasing a series of games that underperformed critically and commercially. The Resident Evil series, in particular, struggled to maintain its identity, with some installments attempting a more action-oriented approach that alienated long-time fans. The fact that Resident Evil 6 was even re-released, despite significant negative reception, highlights the difficult period the company navigated.
The turning point arrived with Resident Evil 7. This title marked a return to the series’ survival horror roots and was met with widespread acclaim. Since then, Capcom has consistently delivered high-quality games, earning a reputation as one of the best third-party console developers. The remake of Resident Evil 4 has been lauded as potentially the best game the company has ever produced, a remarkable statement considering the original’s already legendary status.
A Diversified Portfolio of Hits
Capcom’s success isn’t limited to Resident Evil. The company has revitalized its other major franchises, achieving significant milestones across its portfolio. Monster Hunter has become a global gaming phenomenon, while Street Fighter 6, released in , has marked a successful comeback for the fighting game series. Devil May Cry 5 is also cited as a high point for that franchise.
The release of Dragon’s Dogma 2 in further contributed to the company’s financial performance. As of , Street Fighter 6 had sold 3.3 million units and Dragon’s Dogma 2 had sold 2.62 million units.
Record Financial Results
Capcom’s fiscal year ending , saw record sales of 45.89 million video game units. Net sales increased by 21% year-over-year, and profit rose by 18.1%. This marked the seventh consecutive year of record-high profit at all levels and the eleventh consecutive year of operating income growth for the company. The company forecasts even greater sales and profits for the current fiscal year ending , potentially achieving 12 consecutive years of operating income growth and eight consecutive years of record-high profit.
Looking Ahead: Monster Hunter Wilds and Beyond
A key driver of Capcom’s future growth is expected to be Monster Hunter Wilds, slated for release sometime in . The company is also rumored to be developing Resident Evil 9, the next mainline installment in the popular horror franchise, potentially for release within the current financial year. This continued focus on both established franchises and new IP positions Capcom for sustained success in a challenging industry landscape.
The company’s ability to balance revisiting beloved series with innovative changes, and to deliver high-quality remakes that surpass the originals, appears to be a key factor in its current dominance. While past missteps, such as the long-abandoned Deep Down project, are acknowledged, they are overshadowed by the company’s recent string of successes. Capcom’s current trajectory suggests it has established a formula for success that may be difficult for competitors to replicate.
