Capcom’s games business helps drive record profits

Capcom posted record profits for the financial year ended March 31, 2019, driven by growth in the company’s games division.

Net sales across the group were up 5.8% year-over-year to 100.03 billion yen ($903.8 million/£689.9 million), while net income increased 14.8% year-over-year to 12.55 billion yen ($113.4 million/£86.6 million).

The company’s Digital Contents business, which is home to its console, PC and mobile games, saw sales jump 11.9% year-over-year to 82.98 billion yen ($749.8 million/£572.9 million), and operating income rise 22% to 23.32 billion yen ($210.79 million/£161 million).

Resident Evil 2, released for PS4, Xbox One and PC in January 2019, “exceeded expectations” with some four million units shipped.

Devil May Cry 5, released in March, shipped two million units in a matter of weeks.

2018’s Monster Hunter: World broke 12 million units shipped following the additional release of the PC version, marking a record high for any single title in the company’s history.

Moving forward, Capcom will strengthen digital download and catalogue sales, it said, with the aim of continuing to grow its Digital Contents business.

On Monday the company announced Devil May Cry for Nintendo Switch.

Capcom also said it will be “redoubling its commitment” to esports and aims to grow its worldwide player base by running Street Fighter leagues.