Capcom’s Winning Streak: New IPs Like Pragmata Fueling Success

Hideki Kamiya, the genius behind beloved titles like Bayonetta and Devil May Cry, has recently pointed out that Capcom’s impressive success is largely due to its commitment to launching fresh franchises. Looking back over the last decade, it’s clear that Capcom has solidified its reputation as one of the premier AAA game publishers globally.

Since introducing Resident Evil 7 in 2017, Capcom has managed to roll out a game each year that’s not just good, but often considered a contender for game of the year. In fact, they’ve had multiple hits in 2019, 2021, and even in 2023, with promises of more to come in 2026. This winning streak has translated into phenomenal sales figures, with every title in Capcom’s top 10 best-sellers list being released post-2017. The only exception? Resident Evil 6 from 2012, which sits at a distant 12th.

A curious fan reached out to Kamiya on Twitter, inquiring about Capcom’s knack for consistently delivering hits. He emphasized that the company is filled with talented individuals but also credited Capcom’s management for its proactive approach in developing new series. The recent success of Pragmata is a testament to this strategy, showcasing both critical acclaim and fan love, with over two million copies flying off the shelves just 16 days after its launch.

Even though not every new IP has taken off—looking at you, Exoprimal and Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess—Pragmata certainly made waves. In fact, Capcom has hinted at potentially expanding this sci-fi shooter into a full-fledged series. Yonghee Cho, the director of Pragmata, expressed his eagerness for a sequel earlier this year, saying he would “of course” love to make one.

In an industry where studios often play it safe, Capcom isn’t afraid to take chances, which might just be the secret to their ongoing success.