For decades, Capcom has been synonymous with arcade and console gaming, but recent trends indicate a significant pivot toward the PC market. The company’s latest financial disclosures reveal that iconic franchises like Monster Hunter and Resident Evil are not only thriving but also achieving remarkable sales milestones.
Shifting Sales Dynamics
According to Capcom’s fiscal report for the year ending March 31, the company has witnessed a notable increase in PC game sales, which now surpass those of consoles. This transition marks a significant evolution for a company that has traditionally focused on arcade and console platforms. In the last fiscal year, Capcom sold over 51 million software units, reflecting a robust 13 percent increase from the previous year’s total of 45.8 million. Of these, a substantial 28 million were digital PC games, while 18 million were digital console games.
The transformation in sales dynamics has been striking. Just two years ago, Capcom sold nearly twice as many digital console games compared to PC games, with aspirations for a balanced 50/50 split. However, the landscape has changed dramatically, with PC sales overtaking digital console units last year and now accounting for 54 percent of total sales.
Leading the charge is Monster Hunter Wilds, which sold over 10 million units despite its late launch in the fiscal year. Once primarily a title for Japanese PSP users, this latest installment quickly ascended to Steam’s all-time top-10 list for concurrent players shortly after its release.
Legacy Titles and Future Prospects
Capcom’s legacy titles continue to bolster its revenue stream, with previous entries in the Monster Hunter and Resident Evil franchises contributing significantly to sales. For instance, Monster Hunter World added another three million copies to its tally, bringing its lifetime sales to over 21 million, making it the most successful title in Capcom’s 46-year history. Additionally, the remake of Resident Evil 4 has recently surpassed the 10 million mark in sales.
Looking ahead, Capcom’s back catalog will play an essential role in its growth strategy. Recent releases include the first-ever PC port of Onimusha 2, originally launched on the PlayStation 2 in 2002, and the Capcom Fighting Collection 2, which features a selection of classic beat ’em ups now available on modern platforms. Moreover, Street Fighter 6 is set to debut as part of the launch lineup for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, scheduled for release next week on June 5.
Despite the surge in unit sales and an expanding user base on PC, Capcom anticipates that revenue from the console market will remain slightly higher through 2027. Furthermore, projections indicate that mobile revenue could significantly outpace both PC and console earnings in the coming years.
