Capcom have two main strategies for growth over the next few years: releasing major games more frequently, and releasing more online and social games. PC online games and mobile games in particular are expected to drive growth of the entire games market, Capcom believe. Here’s a breakdown of their strategy:
Strategy 1: Enlarge games lineup
- Shorten the development-to-launch cycle for series titles.
- Launch brand new titles.
Strategy 2: Strengthen online games, which have much growth potential
- Add more social games for mobile and PC platforms.
- Expand the lineup of home video game download contents (DLC).
- Launch online game business by geographical region.
- Beef up development staff.
As mentioned above, in addition to releasing online games and mobile titles, adding downloadable content to games is a major part of Capcom’s online strategy. In fiscal year 2011, Capcom made 2.8 billion yen ($35 million) in DLC sales. For fiscal year 2012, they expect to increase this number to 3.5 billion yen ($43.8 million).
Capcom have some very high forecasts for the ongoing fiscal year in general. While fiscal year 2011 saw net sales of 82 billion yen ($1.02 billion) on the whole, Capcom hope to reach 105 billion yen ($1.3 billion) this year for the first time, and expect to see record high figures for all income categories. This is owing in part to their strong slate of upcoming titles for the year, including Resident Evil 6 and DmC Devil May Cry, expected to sell 7 million and 2 million copies, respectively, by March 31st, 2012.
Social games are a big part of the plan, too, with 15 games to be launched on mobile platforms this year, including Shrek’s Fairytale Kingdom. Capcom will also begin operating online PC game, Ixion Saga, this year, and will launch games such as Browser Sengoku Basara and Onimusha Soul in June as part of an effort to diversify browser games into new genres.
