Resident Evil Mobile Ports Make Unpopular Change

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Resident Evil Mobile Ports Make Unpopular Change

Key Takeaways

  • Capcom’s Resident Evil ports on Apple devices will now require an online connection at startup.
  • Many iOS gamers are upset at the change, with some calling for refunds.
  • Capcom has yet to comment on the recent update, but the leading theory for the DRM check-in is prevention of piracy.

As a long-time fan of the Resident Evil series and an Apple user, I must say I’m dismayed by Capcom’s recent move to require an online connection for their Resident Evil ports on iOS devices. I remember the days when we could play these games on the go without worrying about internet connectivity.

Capcom has recently enforced an online requirement for the three mobile versions of their “Resident Evil” series on Apple devices, namely “Resident Evil 4,” “Resident Evil 7,” and “Village.” This unexpected decision has sparked dissatisfaction among users of iOS, iPad, and iMac, particularly since these mobile ports have seen disappointingly low sales.

The launch of the iPhone 15 Pro lineup and its accompanying A17 Pro chipset last year brought forth enough horsepower to finally run AAA console games on a mobile phone. Many of these console-grade games launched on the iPhone 15 Pro in the months following its release, namely Death Stranding, Assassin’s Creed Mirage, The Division: Resurgence, Resident Evil 4, and Resident Evil Village. More recently, Capcom also released Resident Evil 7 on Apple platforms, allowing users to experience more of the iconic survival horror series on their iOS, iPad, and MacOS devices.

Unfortunately, it appears that the AAA versions of iPhones for games like Resident Evil 7 have struggled commercially. In fact, just a few weeks after its release on Apple devices, Resident Evil 7 is reported to have sold less than 2,000 copies. This has led Capcom to make a contentious change in their iOS versions of the Resident Evil games. A Reddit user from the iOS gaming community noticed that a recent App Store update for all three Resident Evil games includes an online DRM check-in at startup, meaning players can’t launch the game without an internet connection.

Capcom May Have Forced DRM Check-In to Combat Piracy on Apple Devices

Users of Apple products, particularly iPad users who often rely solely on Wi-Fi for internet connectivity, will struggle to play Resident Evil games on flights or in areas with poor internet service, such as underground train stations. The reason behind Capcom’s decision to make these single-player titles online-only is believed to be anti-piracy measures, but it seems unlikely this change will improve sales, especially after the disappointing performance of Resident Evil 7 on iPhone 15 devices.

The ability to play AAA games on the go with a mobile phone sounds tantalizing, but the situation with the iPhone 15 Pro ports has proven otherwise. Lackluster sales, high battery consumption, awkward touch control schemes, thermal and/or performance issues in some titles, and now DRM check-in at startup for the Resident Evil ports massively diminish the prospect of AAA gaming on mobile phones. Future iterations of Apple hardware could improve upon some of these problems, but for now, those looking for a satisfactory handheld gaming experience should consider a Steam Deck or ROG Ally instead.

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2024-09-03 12:23