Capcom’s latest attempt to bring a AAA title to iOS, Resident Evil 7, appears to be struggling to find its footing. While the game has been downloaded over 83,000 times since its July 2nd release, estimates suggest only a meagre portion of those downloads converted to paying customers. Market analysts place the number of paying players at under 2,000, translating to a revenue of roughly USD28,140 (~RM131,232) for Capcom before Apple’s 30% cut. This lacklustre performance follows a similar trend for other recent high-profile iOS ports like Assassin’s Creed Mirage and Resident Evil 4.
What went wrong with the iOS port of Resident Evil 7?
Limited Device Compatibility Creates a Narrow Audience
Adding to the woes is the game’s exclusivity to high-end devices. Resident Evil 7 is only playable on iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models. It is also available on iPads with M1 chips or better. This significantly restricts the potential player base, as many users won’t have compatible hardware.
Controller Recommendation Raises Costs and Concerns
Further dampening enthusiasm is the recommendation to use a separate controller for optimal play. While touch controls are likely present, the developers suggest a controller for a better experience. This adds an unexpected cost for players who might be turned off by the additional investment.
Large Download Size and No-Return Policy Frustrate Users
The hefty download size of 25GB presents another hurdle. Download times can take quite a while on slower connections, and the installation process itself requires double the game’s storage space to be free on the device. This can be a potentially annoying barrier for users with limited data plans or storage capacity.
Finally, the game adopts a no-return policy, leaving players with no recourse if they find the experience incompatible with their device or preferences. This lack of flexibility could discourage potential buyers wary of a potentially frustrating experience.
A Concerning Picture for AAA on iOS
Resident Evil 7’s iOS port paints a concerning picture for the future of AAA titles on the platform. High entry points due to limited device compatibility, control scheme issues, and significant storage requirements all contribute to a less-than-ideal user experience. Until these challenges are addressed, AAA gaming on iOS may remain a niche market.
