The world of video games evolves and thrives on nostalgia and novelty in equal measure. For followers of Capcom, a pioneer in the industry’s narrative arc, there’s a growing speculation that could tap into both these elements intensely: could the company’s record profits trigger a revival of its non-Street Fighter games?
A deep delve into Capcom’s financial performance reveals an irrefutable upward trajectory. In 2020, the company reported a historic peak in their profits, largely credited too Resident Evil 3 and Monster Hunter World: Iceborne. With a profit margin of JPY 28.5 billion—a leap of 51.6% from the previous year—the video game developer and publisher is undoubtedly on robust ground.
Capcom’s success does not rest solely on these recent outings.The company’s back catalog is rich with franchises that have garnered popularity over the years. Street Fighter may have been the primary player in this success story, but their pantheon includes hit titles like Devil May cry, Mega Man, and Resident evil which hold a special place in the hearts of gamers.
One might wonder about Capcom’s future plans with this rising profit trend. Naturally, new editions in renowned franchises could be expected, but what about past favourites, some of which have fallen into relative obscurity over the years? Beneath their blockbuster titles, Capcom houses other gems as well: Remember Onimusha, the samurai-themed adventure packed with supernatural thrills; or Dino crisis, offering a unique blend of survival and horror with a Jurassic Park-like ambience. Are these IPs set for resurrection?
Capcom’s R&D Division 1, responsible for Resident Evil, has started to openly recruit for a “new project”. While this could merely indicate another sequel to an existing IP, it’s conceivable to suppose that the company might want to take risks and experiment with lesser-known back-catalogue offerings. In an age where remakes and reboots are striking gold for manny in the gaming industry,capcom might be eyeing an untapped nostalgia market.
It’s significant to remember that Capcom owes its resurgence to taking risks. While Street Fighter is reliable and beloved, its ventures with Resident Evil and Monster Hunter World returned huge dividends. New technologies and platforms present a chance for Capcom to creatively reinterpret their portfolio and turn these long-dormant IPs into potential cash cows.
the current trend in the industry shows an appetite for reimagined and remastered classics. Square Enix’s Final Fantasy VII Remake is a testament to that. To have sidelined gems like Onimusha or Dino Crisis brought back with the same degree of care and attention would not only stoke the fires of nostalgia but also introduce these franchises to a whole new audience.
Capcom’s profits and subsequent financial stability offer them the platform to be ambitious, to imagine, and to take calculated risks. While the industry won’t turn its back on impressive new IPs in favour of the past, the call for revisiting classic franchises is stronger than ever, with players old and new craving revisitations to the titles they love. Capcom, with its rich history of diverse creations, is poised to capitalise on this demand. The horizon seems ripe for a resurgence of non-Street Fighter gems!
While it’s all speculation at this point, fans can do nothing but wait, hope, and believe Capcom’s record profits point toward a willing reinvention and revival of their beloved classics in the offing.