Capcom's Sales Dip, But Profits Rise Thanks To Digital Business

Capcom has released details on its financial performance for the nine month spanning April 1 to December 31, 2017. It reported lower sales than the same period in 2016, but improved profits thanks to its digital content business.

Sales for the nine months were reported as $439 million, which is an 11% decrease when compared to the same timeframe in 2016, during which sales were cited as $492 million. Profits, meanwhile, were $65 million in 2017, which is a 38% increase over 2016's $47 million.

Capcom says Resident Evil 7, which was available for PS4, Xbox One, and PC, and Monster Hunter XX for Switch "performed strongly." Ultra Street Fighter II The Final Challengers, a Switch-exclusive, was described as a "smash hit." Sales of Marvel Vs. Capcom: Infinite, however, were "soft."

Monster Hunter Frontier Z, an online game available in Japan, celebrated its 10th anniversary and was said to have given a "solid performance." In terms of mobile titles Monster Hunter Explore was called out as a key performer, as Capcom conducts "business reforms including alliance strategies."

In its fourth quarter, which ends March 31, 2018, Capcom says it plans an "aggressive sales campaign with the release of its flagship title, Monster Hunter World." Capcom has shipped 5 million units of Monster Hunter World to retailers, marking a new record for the series. Although we haven't received sales numbers for the game, early signs are promising.

The critical reception for the game has also been positive. In GameSpot's Monster Hunter World review Ginny Woo awarded it an 8/10, saying it is "the biggest and best that the franchise has ever been."

"It's not just the comparative depth of the narrative," she continued, "It also boasts almost seamless integration between combat systems that were previously incomprehensible for amateurs. The Monster Hunter formula has definitely honed its claws, and all the above factors play their part in making Monster Hunter World a meaningful evolution for the series at large.

For a wider view of the critical reception, take a look at our Monster Hunter World review roundup. You can also check out our Monster Hunter World guides if you need a hand getting to grips with the game.