Key Highlights:
- Resident Evil mobile ports now require internet connection.
- Change affects Resident Evil 4, 7, and Village on Apple devices.
- Players speculate DRM checks behind unpopular decision.
In a move that has left many gamers frustrated, Capcom has implemented a controversial change to its Resident Evil mobile ports.
The survival horror giant now mandates an online connection for Resident Evil 4, 7, and Village on Apple devices, sparking heated debate among fans and industry observers.
The change came to light following a recent App Store update, as discovered by eagle-eyed users on Reddit’s iOS gaming community.
All three Resident Evil mobile titles now incorporate an online DRM check-in at startup, effectively barring players from accessing the games without an internet connection.
This shift poses significant challenges for mobile gamers, particularly those who rely on their devices for entertainment during flights or in areas with poor internet connectivity.
iPad users without cellular data plans find themselves at an even greater disadvantage, limited solely to Wi-Fi access.
Speculating on the Rationale
While Capcom has yet to offer an official explanation for this restrictive measure, speculation abounds.
Many fans reckon it’s an attempt to combat piracy, though sceptics question the efficacy of such a move, especially in light of the games’ reportedly underwhelming sales figures on Apple platforms.
The timing of this decision is particularly puzzling, considering the recent launch of Resident Evil 7 on Apple devices.
Reports suggest the game recorded fewer than 2,000 sales weeks after its release, raising doubts about whether this new online requirement will improve matters. Compare that to the amazing 7 million sales that the RE4 console version achieved in its lifetime.
This development adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing conversation about AAA gaming on mobile platforms.
The iPhone 15 Pro’s powerful A17 Pro chipset initially promised to usher in a new era of console-quality gaming on mobile devices. However, the reality has proven more challenging.
Issues such as high battery consumption, awkward touch controls, and thermal performance problems have already dampened enthusiasm for mobile AAA gaming. It isn’t great timing either considering the devs are currently working on a RE9 instalment that will be directed by Koshi Nakanishi.
This latest move by Capcom only serves to further complicate matters, potentially pushing players towards dedicated handheld gaming devices like the Steam Deck or ROG Ally.
The gaming community has quickly and loudly expressed their disapproval. Many users are refusing to update the 3 RE games as per the advice in the previously mentioned Reddit post, while others are actively seeking refunds.
The situation highlights the delicate balance developers must strike between protecting their intellectual property and maintaining player satisfaction.
As the dust settles on this controversial decision, all eyes are on Capcom. Will they respond to player feedback and reconsider their approach? Or is this a sign of things to come in the mobile gaming landscape? Only time will tell, but we’ll keep you updated on an further developments for this story as they happen.
