Capcom Elevates Mega Man, DMC & Ace Attorney to Core IP

Capcom has announced a significant strategic shift aimed at revitalizing three of its beloved classic franchises—Mega Man, Devil May Cry, and Ace Attorney. In its newly released "Integrated Report 2025", the Japanese publisher revealed plans to aggressively expand its production pipeline, elevating these series to the status of "core intellectual properties". The goal is for these titles to eventually sit alongside the company's current flagship juggernauts, Monster Hunter and Street Fighter, as key pillars of future growth.

Capcom President and COO Haruhiro Tsujimoto outlined this roadmap, emphasizing a move away from relying solely on a few massive hits. While the company currently maintains a steady output of two to three major titles annually, leadership has identified a critical need to increase this volume to meet long-term financial targets. 

Tsujimoto noted that the firm aims to boost user bases and brand power through a combination of new releases, remakes, and ports to modern hardware. He stated that by enhancing brand power and cultivating loyal fan bases, they intend to grow these franchises into core IPs.

Sales Figures And Development Expansion

The distinction between Capcom’s current heavy hitters and the franchises targeted for growth is highlighted clearly by their sales performance. According to data from the Capcom report, the Resident Evil franchise leads the pack with approximately 170 million cumulative units sold. 

Monster Hunter follows with 120 million units, while Street Fighter has sold 56 million units. In comparison, the franchises targeted for elevation have smaller but significant footprints. Mega Man has sold 43 million units, Devil May Cry sits at 33 million, and the Ace Attorney series has moved 13 million units.

To support this ambitious expansion, Capcom is investing heavily in its development capabilities. The company is currently constructing a new development facility in Osaka, which is scheduled for completion in 2027. This move isn't just about more office space; it is about bringing more talent in-house to ensure quality control, rather than leaning too heavily on external studios to get games made.

This strategic pivot is backed by strong financials, with Capcom reporting 12 straight years of rising operating profit. The company aims to sustain an annual operating profit growth of at least 10% and has set a long-term goal of achieving 100 million unit sales annually. 

It isn't just about nostalgia, though. By breathing new life into these fan-favorite series with a combination of remakes and proper sequels, Capcom hopes to build a more diverse lineup that doesn't rely entirely on its biggest sellers. Meanwhile, the publisher is still committed to fresh ideas, including the sci-fi title Pragmata. However, fans will have to wait a little longer for that new IP, as it is now targeting a 2026 release following multiple delays to ensure the gameplay experience is fully polished.