Capcom Brings Resident Evil Trilogy and Classic Games to Steam

Capcom released the original Resident Evil trilogy and Breath of Fire 4 on Steam on April 2, 2026. While the move brings several legacy titles to a wider audience, the release has drawn criticism from the gaming community due to the implementation of digital rights management (DRM) software on titles that were previously available without such restrictions.

The released titles include the 1996 original Resident Evil, 1998’s Resident Evil 2 and 1999’s Resident Evil 3: Nemesis. Each game is priced at $9.99, though an introductory 50% discount brought the individual price down to $4.99 or £3.99. This discount reduced the collective cost of the original trilogy to $14.97. Breath of Fire 4 was also released on the platform with a similar 50% discount.

The Shift from GOG to Steam

According to reporting from PCGamesN, these Steam versions are direct ports of the releases Capcom previously launched on GOG in 2024. The GOG versions were DRM-free, a standard for that platform. However, the transition to Steam involved the addition of a DRM layer known as The Enigma Protector.

The inclusion of this software has been a point of contention for users. Some players have noted that the Steam editions appear identical to the GOG versions in terms of options and the launcher, with the primary difference being the added protection layer.

Technical Implications of Enigma DRM

The Enigma Protector is described as a more affordable alternative to high-end DRM solutions like Denuvo. While Denuvo licenses can cost thousands of dollars, a company license for Enigma costs $499. Despite the lower cost for the publisher, critics argue that applying such protection to games that are over 25 years old is unnecessary.

The implementation of this DRM has led to reported technical failures. IGN reported that some users claim the Steam editions don’t “work at all on Steam Deck,” mirroring previous issues seen with Capcom’s use of DRM in the Resident Evil 4 Remake.

I’m grateful for releasing classic on Steam, Capcom, but you need to remove DRM, these games have survived for years thanks to the community and modding

Fan via IGN

While some analysts suggest that the performance impact of Enigma DRM may be negligible on modern hardware compared to more intensive DRM layers, the community’s focus remains on the preservation and accessibility of these classic titles.

Legacy Content and Gameplay

The Resident Evil trilogy provides a look at the series’ fixed-camera and tank-control origins. The content of the three games is as follows:

• Resident Evil (1996): Players join the Bravo Team of Raccoon City’s Special Tactics and Rescue Service (STARS), consisting of Chris Redfield, Jill Valentine, Barry Burton, Joseph Frost, Brad Vickers, and Albert Wesker. The team explores the Spencer Mansion in the Arklay Mountains to find the missing Alpha Team.
• Resident Evil 2 (1998): Set a few months after the first game, this title introduces co-leads Leon Kennedy and Claire Redfield.
• Resident Evil 3: Nemesis (1999): This installment features the return of Jill Valentine as she faces the bioweapon known as Nemesis.

Alongside these horror titles, Capcom’s release of Breath of Fire 4 marks another legacy title moving to the Steam ecosystem, though it is subject to the same Enigma DRM protections as the Resident Evil series.