Capcom, the Japanese video game developer, is finally entering the mobile gaming market with its own high-end titles, challenging the dominant freemium model. Despite impressive profits, Capcom has until now been virtually absent in mobile gaming, a sector that makes up half the video game market.
In the interview to Nikkei, Capcom’s President, Haruhiro Tsujimoto, believes in paid mobile games and their ability to attract “true fans.” He cites the recent launch of Resident Evil Village for the high-end iPhone 15 Pro as an example, emphasizing a one-time purchase model.
This strategy goes against the grain of the mobile gaming industry, where free-to-play games with in-app purchases are prevalent. However, Tsujimoto believes this approach dilutes the popularity of games and their characters, making them less likely to generate iconic figures.
Capcom’s mobile entry also includes Monster Hunter Now, developed in collaboration with Niantic, the creators of Pokemon Go. This free-to-play title is aimed at raising global awareness of the Monster Hunter franchise and attracting new players.
Tsujimoto explains that the company had been waiting for smartphone performance to catch up to their high standards. With the arrival of powerful devices like the iPhone 15 Pro, Capcom feels it can now deliver a mobile gaming experience comparable to PC and PlayStation titles.
Capcom’s mobile strategy remains a multi-platform approach, meaning its games will not be restricted to specific devices or models. This ensures that fans can enjoy the same high-quality experience they expect from Capcom across different platforms.
Whether Capcom’s paid mobile model will be successful remains to be seen. However, the company’s commitment to quality and its focus on attracting “true fans” could potentially disrupt the mobile gaming landscape.
