Capcom considering more cloud games despite Resident Evil 7 shortcomings
Streamed Switch version of horror hit “did not have a significant impact on earnings”, but publisher still sees promise in the technology
Capcom has alluded to its future plans for cloud-based games, suggesting the Resident Evil 7 experiment has been a success - although not a financial one.
In a Q&A released following the Japanese firm's results for the first half of the fiscal year, the publisher was asked by shareholders about its stance on cloud gaming.
Earlier this year, Capcom released Resident Evil 7: Cloud Version - a streamed version of the hit horror title for Nintendo Switch. In the Q&A, the firm reiterated this was an experiment, but it seems to have been a promising one.
"While we did release a certain title supporting cloud gaming in the first half, this was done primarily for technological research purposes and did not have a significant impact on earnings," the company wrote.
"Based on the results of the research, we will internally consider further expansion into cloud gaming."
The shareholders' question was no doubt prompted by increasing interest in cloud-based gaming products and services over the past six months. Most notably, Microsoft announced Project xCloud, a streaming service that delivers Xbox games to any device.
Electronic Arts also teased plans for a streaming service at E3 2018, while Google teamed up with Ubisoft to deliver a cloud version of Assassin's Creed Odyssey. Interestingly, Ubisoft also took inspiration from Capcom by experimenting with a cloud version for Switch in Japan.
While Capcom did not discuss its plans for cloud gaming any further, its comments suggest that while Resident Evil 7 did not generate significant revenue, it at least engaged enough Switch owners to warrant further experimentation.
Elsewhere in the Q&A, Capcom pledged to continue marketing Monster Hunter World - a title that has now sold 10.7 million units worldwide, 70 per cent of which have been purchased outside of Japan.