Capcom Explores Synergy Between Gaming and Movies to Expand Its Reach
Japanese game developer Capcom, known for popular titles like Resident Evil, Marvel vs. Capcom, and Street Fighter, is looking to leverage the synergy between gaming and movies to captivate both gamers and moviegoers. Capcom's Chief Operating Officer, Haruhiro Tsujimoto, highlighted the company's strength in selling both new and old game titles, indicating a strong and high-quality catalog. The release of new game titles within existing franchises, such as Street Fighter and Resident Evil, has been a major strategy for Capcom, leading to continued sales of their brands.
Capcom has a history of venturing into the film industry, with the release of the live-action movie Street Fighter in 1994 and the successful adaptation of Resident Evil into seven films since 1997. Tsujimoto emphasized the synergistic effects of game-to-movie adaptations, where movies and games perform well when a game is made into a movie. Building on this success, Capcom is deepening its involvement in the film industry by establishing Capcom Pictures in Hollywood in 2022, with the aim of producing more films.
While the tech industry is abuzz with the potential of generative artificial intelligence (AI) in creating various forms of media, Tsujimoto expressed caution about integrating AI into game development. He highlighted the need to address numerous challenges before implementing generative AI in operations. Hisashi Koinuma, President and Chief Operating Officer of Koei Tecmo Games, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the ongoing research into the benefits and extent of generative AI in game production.
Tsujimoto acknowledged that generative AI could enhance workforce efficiency and development processes. However, Capcom is still in the research phase regarding its use in game development. The company aims to improve development efficiency through more effective allocation of personnel while utilizing generative AI, without reducing the number of developers.
In conclusion, Capcom's exploration of the synergy between gaming and movies demonstrates its commitment to expanding its reach and taking digital entertainment to new heights. The establishment of Capcom Pictures and the cautious approach to integrating generative AI highlight the company's dedication to both game and film production. By leveraging these businesses to encourage each other, Capcom aims to evolve further in the future and deliver innovative experiences to its audience.
Capcom's Synergy Strategy: Implications for New Businesses
Capcom, a renowned Japanese game developer, is setting a new trend by exploring the synergy between gaming and movies. This approach, aimed at captivating both gamers and moviegoers, could provide valuable insights for new businesses looking to enter the digital entertainment industry.
Brand Strength and Catalog Quality
Capcom's strategy of releasing new titles within existing franchises, such as Street Fighter and Resident Evil, has been a significant factor in their continued success. This approach could serve as a blueprint for new businesses, highlighting the importance of building a strong and high-quality catalog.
Exploring New Avenues: The Film Industry
Capcom's foray into the film industry, building on the success of game-to-movie adaptations, is another key aspect of their strategy. The establishment of Capcom Pictures in Hollywood in 2022, with the aim of producing more films, signals the potential benefits of diversifying into related industries. New businesses could consider such diversification as a way to expand their reach and audience base.
Caution with AI Integration
While the tech industry is excited about the potential of generative AI, Capcom's cautious approach to integrating AI into game development could serve as a lesson for new businesses. The need to address numerous challenges before implementing generative AI in operations underscores the importance of thorough research and careful planning.
In essence, Capcom's exploration of the synergy between gaming and movies, coupled with their cautious approach to AI integration, provides valuable insights for new businesses. By leveraging these strategies, new businesses can aim to deliver innovative experiences to their audience, expand their reach, and take digital entertainment to new heights.