Is the PS5 Pricing a Barrier for Monster Hunter Fans? Capcom Thinks So!

Capcom's recent experiences with the PlayStation 5 and its flagship title, Monster Hunter Wilds, highlight the challenges and opportunities facing the gaming industry. While the PS5's high price may have deterred some players, Capcom's president remains optimistic about the potential for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. This article delves into the current situation surrounding Monster Hunter Wilds, Capcom's strategies moving forward, and the implications for the gaming market in general.

Last updated: 02 October 2023 (BST)

Key Takeaways

• Monster Hunter Wilds achieved 10 million sales but faces declining player engagement.
• The PS5's high price is viewed as a significant barrier to broader player adoption.
• Capcom is exploring collaborations and pricing strategies to boost player numbers.
• The Nintendo Switch 2 presents new opportunities for Capcom, but challenges remain for porting high-end titles.
• Upcoming Capcom games are primarily focused on PS5 and Xbox Series X, limiting Switch 2 prospects.

Monster Hunter Wilds: A Strong Start with Challenges Ahead

Launched in February 2023, Monster Hunter Wilds quickly garnered attention, achieving sales of 10 million units within its first month. This substantial figure positions it as one of the year's most successful titles. Yet, despite this impressive milestone, the game's popularity has been waning. Reports indicate a significant drop in active player counts, particularly on PC, and sales have reportedly softened in comparison to older titles from Capcom's catalogue, such as Resident Evil and Devil May Cry.

Factors Impacting Player Engagement

Several factors have contributed to the declining enthusiasm for Monster Hunter Wilds. Players have cited technical issues, including poor performance on PC and a lack of substantial endgame content. Capcom has acknowledged these concerns and is actively working to address them through updates and patches. However, the company believes that external factors, particularly the pricing of the PlayStation 5, have also played a significant role.

The PS5 Barrier

The PlayStation 5 has maintained a reputation for being a premium console since its launch, with the standard model originally priced at £449.99 and the digital-only version at £359.99. These prices have since risen to £479.99 and £429.99, respectively. The introduction of the PS5 Pro at £699.99 further complicates the landscape, making it a substantial investment for potential players.

Impact on Capcom's Strategy

In a recent interview, Capcom's president, Haruhiro Tsujimoto, expressed concern over the PS5's price tag. He noted that the average cost of entering the gaming ecosystem—factoring in the console, games, and subscriptions—could exceed £503, a significant hurdle for younger gamers. This situation isn't confined to Japan and echoes similar sentiments across international markets.

Capcom's Response: Collaborations and Pricing Strategies

To counter the challenges faced by Monster Hunter Wilds, Capcom is considering various strategies. While Tsujimoto hinted at future sales promotions, such as temporary price cuts, the company is also exploring collaborations with other franchises. A recent partnership with Final Fantasy 14, which will introduce a new monster, Omega Planetes, aims to attract players from that community and renew interest in the game.

Exploring Opportunities with Nintendo Switch 2

With the impending release of the Nintendo Switch 2, Capcom may have new avenues to explore. Tsujimoto remarked on the console's unexpected sales success and noted its appeal among cost-conscious consumers. This raises the question of whether Monster Hunter Wilds could make its way to the Switch 2.

Challenges of Porting to the Switch 2

While the Switch 2 boasts enhanced capabilities over its predecessor, it still lacks the power to seamlessly run high-end titles designed for the PS5. Most third-party games confirmed for the Switch 2 so far have been adaptations of titles initially developed for the PS4, such as Cyberpunk 2077 and Final Fantasy 7 Remake. This limitation suggests that porting Monster Hunter Wilds would require considerable compromises, potentially leading to a version that could be perceived as inferior to its PS5 counterpart.

Potential for a Temporary Exclusive

Following the pattern established with Monster Hunter Rise, it seems likely that Capcom could pursue a temporary exclusive arrangement with Nintendo for a Monster Hunter title tailored for the Switch 2. This strategy could allow the company to capture a new audience before eventually releasing the game on other platforms after a couple of years.

Future Prospects for Capcom Games

Looking ahead, Capcom has several major titles in the pipeline, including Resident Evil: Requiem, Pragmata, and a new entry in the Onimusha series. These games are being developed primarily for the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, making Switch 2 ports unlikely. However, there remains speculation surrounding a potential sequel to Ōkami, which many anticipate will be available on Nintendo’s platform.

Conclusion

As Capcom navigates the complexities of the gaming market, the interplay between platform pricing, player engagement, and collaborative opportunities will shape its strategies moving forward. While Monster Hunter Wilds has enjoyed initial success, the company must adapt to the shifting landscape, especially with emerging consoles like the Switch 2. Will Capcom be able to revitalise interest in its flagship titles while managing the challenges posed by high-end gaming consoles? Only time will tell.

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FAQs

How well did Monster Hunter Wilds sell initially?

Monster Hunter Wilds sold 10 million units worldwide within its first month after launch in February 2023, marking a significant success for Capcom.

Why is the PS5 considered a barrier for Capcom?

The high price of the PS5, which has increased over time, is viewed as a barrier for younger players and those looking to enter the gaming market, impacting overall player adoption rates.

What strategies is Capcom considering to boost Monster Hunter Wilds?

Capcom is exploring collaborations, such as a partnership with Final Fantasy 14, and potential sales promotions to increase player engagement and interest in Monster Hunter Wilds.

Will Monster Hunter Wilds be available on the Nintendo Switch 2?

While there is speculation about a potential port to the Nintendo Switch 2, it would likely require significant compromises in performance, leading to concerns about quality compared to the PS5 version.

What future games is Capcom working on?

Capcom has several upcoming titles, including Resident Evil: Requiem, Pragmata, and a new Onimusha, primarily targeting the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, with limited prospects for Switch 2 ports.