Capcom profits rise 290 percent

Capcom has started its fiscal year on a strong note. The Japanese publisher announced today that net income for its first quarter ended June 30 rose 290.2 percent from the previous year to ¥1.32 billion ($16.88 million). Net sales for the period jumped 55.8 percent to ¥18.62 billion ($238.2 million).

Capcom called out a number of properties as contributors to its bottom line, including Dragon's Dogma, which the company reiterated has now shipped 1 million copies worldwide. Capcom said the game "struggled" abroad following its release in May, but "exceeded expectations" in the domestic market.

The publisher also said sales of this caliber have "set the stage" for Dragon's Dogma to become a series. This follows news from last month, when Capcom said it plans to develop the original fantasy role-playing game into a major franchise. Additionally, game director Hideaki Itsuno said at the beginning of this month that a full sequel would be developed, provided the fan support is there.

Capcom also updated figures for Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City, saying the coldly received third-person shooter has now shipped 450,000 units across the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC.