Capcom Focusing On Review Scores Instead Of Units Sold

In a recent interview with gamesindustry.biz, Capcom Europe COO Stuart Turner has stated that Capcom would prefer higher review scores than dollar sales.

Stuart Turner was asked about the release of Resident Evil 7 and whether Cacpom is happy with the title performance. Even though fans and critics praised the game, the title sold 2 million units less than its predecessor, Resident Evil 6. Turner answered by stating, "While we have shareholders to appease, it's not just about commercial performance."

"If we compare RE7 to RE6 the absolute numbers are not the same, in terms of the profitability... it's completely fine. It ticked all of our boxes internally. It was really well received. And in some respects, getting some very good review scores counts as much for Capcom as a game that sells millions and millions and millions. We'd prefer a game that got a 9 and sold less, than got a 6 but sold more."

EMEA marketing director Antoine Molant, who was also present during the gamesindustry.biz interview, discussed Capcom's reduced reliance on Day One sales; "We are less focused on Day One sales these days, too. We are looking much more at the long-term. And in that case, RE7 is performing amazingly." Molant also discusses shift away from Day One sales and focus on continuous sales is a better strategy, "Even now, after almost two years, it's (Resident Evil 7) still the VR flagship title. That helps keep the games selling well."

With these comments, Capcom is sure to gain some positive attention from gamers. Many video games have faced high levels of scrutiny from fans due to a shift towards microtransactions and paid DLC. Instead of creating a quality title, some companies would rather appease their shareholders. Controversies surrounding titles such as Star Wars: Battlefront II, Destiny 2, and Middle Earth: Shadow of War alienated fans and forced developers and publishers to make drastic changes. Allegations were thrown at these games for removing content and repurposing it as paid DLC, forcing players to spend real-world money in order to attain content, and providing a lacklustre experience. Capcom's approach is drastically different. Focusing on providing a stellar product is a positive outlook that in most circumstances, will guarantee financial success.