In a 2020 financial report, publisher ahead of Devil May Cry 5's 2019 release for microtransactions that seemed as though they were entering pay-to-win territory. The title's actual launch, fortunately, didn't raise any real alarms, but microtransactions and Capcom have yet to part ways.
Similar to DMC5, microtransaction-related reports in the lead up to Star Wars Battlefront 2's disappointing launch. Years later and loot box controversies continue to crop up.
Related: FIFA Ultimate Team Loot Boxes Are Not Gambling, Says Former EA President
Capcom is now taking a stand against "lottery-style game mechanics," according to a statement made in a financial report for 2020. The company notes that gacha elements in the Japanese market remain a divisive topic; meanwhile, some western countries have banned loot boxes altogether. As a result, Capcom is working to minimize gacha elements in mobile games. For its console titles, the publisher aims to "provide any content required to enjoy the full game free of charge, while offering some additional content at low cost." Capcom further explained its stance as follows:
"...Capcom believes that games should be enjoyed for the entertainment value they provide with gameplay, not for thrills associated with winning a lottery. We do not want to see games that are supposed to make people happy having the opposite effect as a result of excessive charges. For that reason, we are working to ensure that all s can enjoy our games fairly and safely."
Though the likes of RE Resistance do feature in-game purchases, they're not lottery-style mechanics. Plus, it seems that in closely watching the industry from all angles, Capcom is having a change of heart about how it approaches microtransactions in general. Of course, the true test of the above statement's merit will be evident in the Resident Evil Village.
Monster Hunter Rise, Capcom's next big release, hits Nintendo Switch in late March. Specifics about DLC and microtransactions remain under lock and key, but the publisher's move to denounce loot boxes suggests fans shouldn't be worried about aggressive in-game purchasing options.
Source: Capcom
