Capcom

Capcom Co., Ltd.: A Journey Through Gaming History

Imagine a company that has been shaping the gaming landscape for over four decades. That’s Capcom Co., Ltd. Founded in 1979 as I.R.M. Corporation, it quickly evolved into one of the most recognizable names in video games. With Kenzo Tsujimoto at the helm, Capcom merged with Sanbi Co., Ltd. in 1989 and has since become a powerhouse in the industry.

The Early Days: From Arcade Machines to Home Consoles

Back in the early days, Capcom was all about arcade machines. Little League (1983), Vulgus (1984), and 1942 (1984) were just a few of their pioneering titles. But it wasn’t long before they realized that the future lay in home consoles. Games like Commando and Ghosts ‘n Goblins in 1985 set the stage for what would become some of the most iconic franchises in gaming history.

Resident Evil: A Game-Changer

One game that truly changed everything was Resident Evil. Released in 1996, it introduced a new level of horror and survival gameplay to the market. But Capcom’s legacy doesn’t stop there. Street Fighter II (1991) remains their highest-grossing title, cementing their place as leaders in fighting games.

Navigating Challenges: From Financial Crises to Legal Battles

Like any company, Capcom has faced its share of challenges. A financial crisis was narrowly averted with the success of Mahjong Gakuen. But they didn’t just survive; they thrived by adopting a signature style of 2D animated graphics and expanding into new markets.

The Future: Expansion and Innovation

Capcom has shown no signs of slowing down. In 2012, they faced criticism for sales tactics like disc-locked content. In 2014, a patent infringement lawsuit against Koei Tecmo Games added to the mix. But through it all, Capcom continued to innovate and expand their reach.

Strategic Moves: Acquisitions and Partnerships

In recent years, Capcom has made some strategic moves that have solidified its position in the gaming industry. The acquisition of two computer graphics studios, Swordcanes Studio and Minimum Studios, in 2023 and 2024, demonstrates their commitment to staying ahead of the curve.

Internal Structure: Divisional Focus

Capcom’s internal structure is designed to cater to both global and regional markets. Division 1 focuses on major franchises like Resident Evil, Mega Man, and Devil May Cry for a global audience. Meanwhile, Division 2 targets Asian audiences with titles like Ace Attorney, Onimusha, Sengoku Basara, Ōkami, and more.

Outsourcing and Quality Control

Careful consideration is given to outsourcing projects. While they do commission outside development studios for steady output, Capcom has decided to limit this practice to sequels and new installments. This ensures that the quality of their games remains high.

Decision-Making: Collaboration and Strategy

The game development process at Capcom is a collaborative effort involving multiple departments. Company management, marketing, sales, and quality control all come together in development approval meetings to ensure every decision aligns with the company’s vision.

Global Presence: From Osaka to Europe

Capcom has a strong global presence with offices in Osaka, Tokyo, and international subsidiaries across Japan, East Asia, North America, and Europe. This strategic layout allows them to cater to diverse markets while maintaining a unified brand identity.

Revenue Streams: Beyond Games

Capcom’s revenue streams extend far beyond just game sales. The company publishes strategy guides, maintains Plaza Capcom arcade centers, licenses franchise properties for tie-in products, movies, TV series, and stage performances, and even releases CDs and DVDs based on their games.

Platinum Titles: A Legacy of Success

Capcom’s success is evident in the sheer number of platinum titles they’ve produced. The top ten titles on their Platinum Titles list include Street Fighter IV, Dragon’s Dogma, Monster Hunter 4, Dead Rising, Mega Man 9, Resident Evil 4, Devil May Cry 3, Onimusha 2: Samurai’s Fate, Sengoku Basara 2, and Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective. These games have sold over one million copies each, solidifying Capcom’s legacy in the gaming world.

Capcom Co., Ltd. has not only survived but thrived through decades of innovation, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to quality. As they continue to expand their reach and push boundaries, one thing is certain: Capcom will remain a cornerstone of the gaming industry for years to come.