The Origins of Capcom
Capcom Co., Ltd. was founded in 1979 in Osaka, Japan, originally as a manufacturer of electronic game machines. By the mid-1980s, it had pivoted to developing and publishing video games — a decision that would position it among the most important studios in gaming history. The name "Capcom" is derived from "Capsule Computers", reflecting founder Kenzo Tsujimoto's vision of compact, self-contained gaming experiences.
Landmark Franchises
Few companies in gaming can claim as many enduring, genre-defining franchises as Capcom. Here's a look at the studio's biggest pillars:
| Franchise | Year Launched | Genre | Notable Entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mega Man | 1987 | Action Platformer | Mega Man 2 (1988) |
| Street Fighter | 1987 | Fighting | Street Fighter II (1991) |
| Resident Evil | 1996 | Survival Horror | Resident Evil 4 (2005) |
| Devil May Cry | 2001 | Action | Devil May Cry 5 (2019) |
| Monster Hunter | 2004 | Action RPG | Monster Hunter: World (2018) |
The Street Fighter Revolution
Street Fighter II (1991) is arguably the single most important arcade game ever made. It essentially invented the competitive fighting game genre as we know it, introducing concepts like special move inputs, character-specific move sets, and head-to-head competitive play that remain standard to this day. Its influence on esports and competitive gaming culture cannot be overstated.
Resident Evil and the Horror Genre
Capcom's Resident Evil series not only defined survival horror but also helped popularize the concept of narrative-driven, cinematic gaming experiences. The series has reinvented itself multiple times — from fixed-camera tank controls to over-the-shoulder action (RE4) to first-person horror (RE7) — demonstrating rare creative longevity.
Monster Hunter Goes Global
For many years, Monster Hunter was primarily a Japanese phenomenon, selling modestly in Western markets. Monster Hunter: World (2018) changed everything, becoming Capcom's best-selling game of all time and introducing the franchise to a massive global audience. The follow-up, Monster Hunter Rise (2021), cemented this new worldwide fanbase.
Capcom's Ongoing Renaissance
After a creative rough patch in the early 2010s, Capcom has been on an extraordinary run since 2017. Titles like Resident Evil 7, Devil May Cry 5, Monster Hunter: World, and Street Fighter 6 have all received critical acclaim and strong commercial performance. The studio's in-house RE Engine technology has been central to this renaissance, enabling stunning visuals and efficient development across multiple franchises.
Capcom's story is a testament to what happens when a studio commits to quality, iteration, and respect for its own legacy.