A senior producer at Capcom has confirmed that the company’s practice of remaking classic Resident Evil video games is generating the financial resources necessary to develop new titles and original intellectual property (IP). The statement provides insight into the Japanese publisher’s long-term business strategy for balancing nostalgia-driven projects with innovation.
Masachika Kawata, a producer at Capcom, made the remarks in a recent interview published by GamesIndustry.biz. Kawata explained that the revenue from successful remakes of the Resident Evil series directly supports the creation of new games and IP. He did not specify which new projects or original IP are currently in development as a result of this funding model.
Financial Strategy Behind the Remakes
Capcom has released a series of critically and commercially successful remakes of its survival horror franchise, including remakes of Resident Evil 2 (2019), Resident Evil 3 (2020), and Resident Evil 4 (2023). These titles have sold millions of copies globally, generating substantial income for the company.
According to Kawata, the financial success of these remakes provides a stable revenue stream that allows Capcom to invest in riskier, original projects. This approach effectively uses established brand recognition to fund new ventures, a model that other major publishers in the video game industry have also adopted.
Implications for New IP Development
The producer’s comments highlight a broader industry trend where companies rely on proven franchises to mitigate the financial risks associated with developing untested concepts. For Capcom, this means that the sustained interest in Resident Evil remakes directly correlates with the company’s ability to fund experimentation with new game mechanics, genres, and stories.
Kawata did not reveal any specific details about upcoming original IP or new game announcements. However, his statement suggests that Capcom’s pipeline includes both additional remakes and new projects that are financially contingent on the continued performance of the Resident Evil series.
Industry Context
Capcom’s strategy mirrors practices seen across the gaming sector, where companies like Square Enix and Sony Interactive Entertainment have also leveraged remakes and remasters to fund original development. The approach allows publishers to maintain a steady cash flow while developing larger, more ambitious projects that may not have immediate commercial certainty.
The Resident Evil franchise remains one of Capcom’s most valuable assets. The series has sold over 150 million units worldwide as of 2024, making it one of the best-selling video game franchises in history. The remakes have been praised for modernizing classic gameplay while preserving the core elements that made the originals popular.
Expected Next Steps
Capcom has not announced any new Resident Evil remakes beyond those already released. However, speculation within the gaming community frequently centers on a potential remake of Resident Evil: Code Veronica. The company has also not confirmed the release dates or details of any new IP currently in development.
Based on Kawata’s statements, industry observers expect Capcom to continue its dual track of releasing remakes alongside original titles. The company’s financial reports for the upcoming fiscal year may provide further clarity on the specific projects funded by the remake revenue.
Source: GamesIndustry.biz
